Here in the UK, autumn is in full swing with both the leaves and the temperatures slowly but surely falling. With this change in season, comes a necessary change in our dressing habits with the warmer weather outfits taking centre stage. One might not be quite ready for the chunkiest of knitwear pieces just yet, so, in this article we thought we’d give you a rundown of our roll neck jumpers perfect for autumn and its cooler temperatures.
The roll neck was first worn by knights in the 1400s as an undergarment to be worn with chainmail and armour. Fast forward a few centuries and we see it worn by labourers and manual workers in the late 1800s but today, it’s a staple piece, having risen in popularity from the turn of the 20th century.
In terms of style, the roll neck ticks a lot of boxes. For many of us, it’s formal enough to be worn in the workplace, whilst also offering a refined option for casual occasions, like brunch dates or countryside walks, too. Besides its versatility, the roll neck’s ability to flatter every body type is both notable and impressive. The roll neck feature itself frames the face and elongates the neck and body, a favourable look for many.
Moving away from visuals and into practicality, the roll neck is great for colder weather. When the autumnal chill descends, an exposed neck can get very cold and, of course, a roll neck eliminates this possibility, keeping you warm and comfortable. Essentially, the roll neck fulfils the function of a scarf but with the added bonus of convenience when you don’t have to carry it around with you.
The Colhay’s Take on Roll Neck Jumpers - High Quality Yarns and Considered Design
As we’ve mentioned previously, the roll neck has steadily garnered popularity in recent years, and this is reflected across the menswear scene and here at Colhay’s specifically too. Today it can be tricky to find a roll neck that’s made from high quality cashmere, made by heritage makers in Scotland, as well as being a good fit with a modern aesthetic.
Over saturation has led to a decline in the quality of cashmere as an abundance of producers use unsatisfactory fibres that don’t exhibit the qualities that are fundamental to high quality cashmere yarns. Fine quality cashmere fibres, and consequently, high quality cashmere garments, are rare. There are few manufacturers still able to make the quality levels we are so passionate about here at Colhay’s available to the public.
On the other hand, with regard to fit, a lot of menswear producers who do have access to the higher quality cashmere create roll necks that are more traditional in terms of fit. Usually, this means jumpers that are larger, or on the more boxy side. Many other Scottish made knitwear producers also manufacture women’s wear too and the looser roll necks we see in this field often overlap into menswear.
At Colhay’s, we are all about combining the best of both words - heritage make, with modern aesthetic. We have a very traditional outlook in terms of the quality of the fibres and make, using only the very best available and having them made in Scotland, the world's preeminent producers of cashmere garments, but a more current ethos in terms of the fit of our knitwear, taking a the origins of classic pieces and refining them to a more contemporary fit that’s in keeping with the style preferences of modern men. This is true of our overall ethos, as well as more specifically our roll neck jumpers.
As mentioned above, a looser roll neck, as often seen in women’s wear isn’t desirable for most men. If it’s too loose, the roll neck sags down but too tight and rigid then the wearer feels uncomfortable. Our design process is meticulous and we’ve ensured that we’ve struck the delicate balance between the two.
Our roll neck jumpers are made exclusively from cashmere or superfine lambswool, meaning they’re super soft to the touch. There’s no need to worry about scratchiness or discomfort on the skin. We also have various different thicknesses available depending on your personal preferences and the function of the jumper.
We’ve highlighted three of our favourite Colhay’s rollneck styles below:
Cashmere Ribbed Submariner Roll Neck
Inspired by knitwear worn by Royal Navy sailors who experienced exceptionally cold and harsh conditions at sea, this is a thick and warm piece, ideal for walks or days outdoors. It’s available in eight colourways, each a muted and sophisticated shade, and is made from 100% cashmere. Some of our favourite colours highlighted below:
Cashmere Belmondo Roll Neck
At 300g this is a midweight garment that works well under tailored jackets as a substitute for a dress shirt. It’s made entirely of cashmere and lends itself to layering, making it perfect for autumn. Simple in design, this is a wardrobe staple that you can return to again and again.
Superfine Lambswool Fisherman Cable Roll Neck
Again, this is a thick and warm garment good for colder temperatures. The inspiration for this sweater came from those worn by fishermen in days gone by. Much like navy sailors, they needed something to protect them from the unforgiving conditions at sea. Made from superfine lambswool, this is sturdy but incredibly soft to the touch. The sweater features a honeycomb cable knit too, which gives it a little added interest without being garish.
At Colhay’s we feel it’s important that our customers make informed choices when it comes to their purchases. With this in mind, we’re always on hand to answer any questions you have regarding our knitwear. If you need advice, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us on: