"The Turtleneck is the Most Flattering Thing a Man Can Wear"

Last week a reader sent me a link to a great piece of writing that pops up now and then. GQ published a piece called My Father's Fashion Tips in the December, 1996 issue. Written by Tom Junod, it was nominated for a National Magazine Award, and if you haven't read it you'll be glad you followed the link.

One of the fashion tips in the article is a paen to the turtleneck, a sweater that, if it isn't the most flattering thing a man can wear, is certainly among them. I don't find much occasion to wear them where I live - it's rarely cool enough - but I own a couple of cashmere versions that get brought out two or three days each year.

And when it's cool enough to warrant having cloth up to your chin, the turtleneck is a finished look that attracts the eye in much the same way that a necktie does. I wear an oatmeal version with country suits and odd jackets, and a gray with city suits in business casual situations.

The sweater in the photo is from Jonathan, the friendly cashmere specialist at Four in Hand.