Mock Necks

A mock neck sweatshirt has a short, structured collar that stands about one to two inches up the neck. It does not fold over, and it does not need to be pulled down. The collar sits on its own.

The name comes from the fact that it mimics, or "mocks," a turtleneck without the extra fabric. You get the finished, layered look of a high collar with none of the bulk against your throat, which is why mock necks have become the default alternative for people who like the look of a turtleneck but find them restrictive.

On a college mockneck specifically, the raised collar does something useful: it frames the chest embroidery instead of competing with it. That is why the style reads dressier than a standard crewneck even though it is just as easy to wear.

These three necklines are often confused. The difference is entirely in collar height and whether the collar folds.

Short version: a mock neck is a turtleneck with the fold removed. If you like how a turtleneck looks in photos but find it tight or too warm in practice, a mockneck is the version you will actually reach for.

Compared to a crewneck, a mock neck covers more of the neck and gives a more finished silhouette, which makes it easier to wear somewhere other than the couch. Compared to a quarter zip, it has no hardware, so nothing catches and nothing to adjust.

We make our mock necks in two different fits, and they size differently. This is the single most important thing to get right before you order.

Gameday Mockneck

Order your normal size. These fit true to size with a relaxed, boxy cut. This is our updated sizing and the one most people should choose.

Sideline Mockneck

These run very large. We recommend sizing down for the intended oversized fit. If you normally wear a large, order S/M.

Notice that the chest measurements are nearly identical between the two fits. The real difference is length: the Sideline runs 2.4 to 3.4 inches longer in every size, which is what creates the oversized, tunic-style drape.

The most reliable way to size either one: lay a sweatshirt you already own and like flat, measure it pit to pit, and match that number to the chest column above. Full measurements for every style are on our size chart.

330 gsm midweight cotton. GSM means grams per square meter, and it is the honest way to compare sweatshirt weight. Fast-fashion college sweatshirts typically run 180 to 260 gsm. At 330 gsm ours sit in midweight territory: substantial enough to hold structure through the collar and hem, light enough to wear indoors in September without overheating.

Embroidered, not printed. Every design is stitched with high-durability thread. Printed graphics crack and peel after a season of washing. Embroidery does not, which is the main reason these last for years rather than months.

Officially licensed. Every school is licensed through the appropriate collegiate licensing agency, and a portion of every sale goes back to the university. Thread colors are matched to each school's official palette.

The raised collar is doing the work, so keep everything else simple.

• On its own. The collar gives a finished look with nothing underneath. This is the whole point of the style.
• Under a quilted vest or denim jacket. The mock collar sits cleanly above an open jacket collar without the bunching you get from a turtleneck.
• Over a collared shirt. Let the shirt collar sit outside the mock neck for a layered, campus-prep look.
• Sleeves pushed up. Midweight cotton holds a pushed sleeve instead of sliding back down.

Game day, class, travel, and the walk to the coffee shop are all the same outfit with this piece, which is most of why people end up owning several.

• Turn inside out before washing. This protects the embroidery from abrasion.
• Wash cold. Heat is what shortens the life of stitched designs.
• Hang dry. Machine drying is the fastest way to lose collar structure.
• Do not iron directly over the embroidery. Press from the inside if needed.

Treated this way, a mock neck holds its collar shape for years. The failure point on cheap mock necks is almost always a collar that goes limp after a few hot washes.

Is a mock neck the same as a mockneck?
Yes. "Mock neck," "mockneck," and "mock-neck" all refer to the same style. Spelling varies by brand and region.

Are mock necks warmer than crewnecks?
Slightly, because the collar covers more of the neck. The fabric weight is the same, so the difference is modest. They are noticeably cooler than a true turtleneck.

Do mock necks feel tight around the neck?
They should not. The collar is cut to stand without gripping. If a mock neck feels tight at the throat, the collar is cut too small, which is a construction issue rather than a feature of the style.

Can men and women both wear these?
Yes. Our mock necks are unisex. Sizing is relaxed and runs in combined sizes (S/M, L/XL, 2XL/3XL).

Which schools do you carry?
Over 100 universities. If yours is not listed, send it to us on our school requests page. We add schools based on demand.

Do you restock sold-out schools and sizes?
Yes, typically every 8 weeks or so depending on production. You can sign up for a restock alert on any product page.

What if it does not fit?
Returns and exchanges are open for 30 days. See our FAQs for full details.