Salt Water Chic

The turtleneck sweater is a tricky beast, but this year I found myself convinced it was a must-have. After a fair amount of searching, I opted for this number:

A reproduction Royal Navy submarine sweater, in (just slightly off) white wool, with a big fat ribbed neck,

from What Price Glory, a company I've mentioned before. Specializing in British WWII gear, based in Salinas, California, ships from Dubai, and doesn't say where it was made. Questionable to guys like me who bother to notice these things.

Though it does well under a blazer, this thick sweater is right at home solo under a duffel coat. Not surprising, given the fishing/nautical heritage from which both pieces derive.

Needless to say, this one precludes the need for a scarf. Earlier today, I found myself on the waterfront, being battered by a chill wind. It stung me in the face, but from the neck down I was well protected.

Turtlenecks are weird. You have to be careful to get just the right one, which is why I went so long without one. Forget the close fitting cotton ones, ugly doesn't come close to describing those. A thin one in cashmere or merino looks well with a blazer or tweed jacket, just don't take your jacket off, unless you're going for a motivational self help speaker vibe. A rugged one like this is great for comfy casual situations, but I've worn it a with flannels and a sports jacket to fine effect. Mrs. G. told me I looked like a news anchor from the 70s...in a good way. I'll take it, thank you.

As for What Price Glory, and the sweater itself, the review is mixed, but leaning toward positive. The sweater is very thick, but a bit scratchy. This seems to wear off after it's been worn a few times, though. It's super warm, which is good, but don't wear anything more than an undershirt under it or you'll be sweating bullets indoors. The fits good, though the sleeves are a bit short, too short to cuff. The sweater shipped from Dubai and was at my house in a week, which is good, but because they use DHL and I wasn't home the first time they got there, it was another week before I actually had it, which is annoying. And I really wish I knew where it was made.

Worth $68? I'm the wrong guy to ask, really. I'm sure it is, maybe that's even cheap. I wouldn't know. I was feeling flush when I bought it, and I'm mostly happy with my purchase, but I've been spoiled by the thrift shops and I can't answer this one truthfully. Still, I find myself reaching for it once a week since it came, so I guess that's the answer.

Ahoy!