I'm Petite and Busty—Here's What I Buy Instead of Roll-Necks

I have to stress that what you’re about to read is down to personal preference; you might be busty or petite—or both!—and love wearing roll-necks. More power to you if this is the case. But based on my experience as a 5’3” woman with a 32G cup size, roll-necks aren’t the first thing I reach for when I want to feel my best. I can’t put my finger on it, but there’s something about the surplus fabric, which, I think, makes my outfits look messy. I am, however, very into high necklines and knitwear in general. So what’s the solution? Mock-neck jumpers.

Wearing my very, very well-worn & Other Stories mock neck jumper (£35). 

What is a mock-neck jumper? I hear you ask. Well, let’s start with what it’s not. A roll-neck (or a turtleneck, as they’re known in the U.S.) typically has just that—a roll neck, a portion of fabric on the neckline that folds back on itself to create a double-layer effect. Most roll-necks sit under the chin, even when doubled over. Of course, thicknesses vary, and you can choose whichever one speaks to you. Still, generally, I find a large percentage of roll-necks come up too high and feel somewhat suffocating on my petite frame—especially the fitted iterations. As for my bust? I feel like the height of roll-necks doesn’t do my curves justice. Irrational as this may sound, I have spoken to other women with bigger busts who, although we can’t put our finger on why, just don’t love wearing roll-necks. Enter mock-neck jumpers. 

Karina Marriott wears a yellow pointelle mock-neck jumper.

Unlike roll-necks that usually sit just below the jawbone, mock-neck jumpers tend to sit halfway up the neck and don’t have the dual, fold-over layer. Although they create the illusion of the classic roll-neck, I find them to be a little less constricting but no less chic. What I love most about it is that the mock-neck jumper is still a cold-weather staple—it comes up just high enough to keep the chill at bay—but it also makes a more seamless transition into warmer months, as it generally doesn’t look as wintry. Of course, you don’t need to have my exact body type to appreciate the mock-neck jumper. Jessica Skye and Karina Marriott are just two examples of influencers who have honed in on the mock-neck-jumper trend this season. 

Jessica Skye wears a green mock-neck jumper. 

Although they used to be harder to come by than other knitwear styles, mock-neck jumpers have started to crop up everywhere right now. I already own a handful of & Other Stories mock-neck jumpers, but now that high-end designers are giving them their care and attention, too, perhaps it’s time to elevate my collection with something special. Scroll on to see my edit of the best mock-neck jumpers for every budget and style. I have a feeling you’re going to like them just as much as I do.

SHOP MOCK-NECK JUMPERS

Next Up: The Boring Item That Is Suddenly Selling Out Everywhere