Look, I've been wearing workwear for about fifteen years now, and let me tell you something - finding that sweet spot between looking professional and actually being comfortable? It's harder than you think. But here's the thing about Dickies mock turtlenecks - they just get it right.
I remember when I first tried one on. Honestly, I was skeptical. Mock turtlenecks always seemed like they were trying too hard to be something they weren't. But this was different. The fabric felt... substantial. Not heavy, but like it meant business.
Why Everyone's Talking About Dickies Mock Turtlenecks
Dickies has been around forever - since 1922, actually. That's almost a hundred years of figuring out what working people need. And what we need isn't always what the fashion magazines say we need, you know?
The thing is, most work clothes make you choose. Either you look good or you feel good. Rarely both. Dickies mock turtlenecks are one of those rare pieces that don't make you pick a side. I've worn mine to client meetings, to job sites, even to dinner with my wife (she actually complimented it, which... doesn't happen often with my work clothes).
What really gets me is how they hold up. I've got one that I've been wearing for two years now - washed it probably twice a week - and it still looks decent. The color hasn't faded to that weird washed-out gray that most work shirts turn into. The collar still stands up properly.
The Comfort Thing is Real
Okay, so here's where I might sound a bit technical, but stick with me. The fabric blend they use - it's usually around 60% cotton, 40% polyester - works better than it should on paper.
Cotton breathes. We all know that. But pure cotton gets soggy when you sweat and takes forever to dry. Polyester dries fast but feels plastic-y against your skin. Somehow, mixing them together fixes both problems. It's like... magic? Not really, but it feels like it sometimes.
The moisture-wicking thing actually works too. I'm naturally a sweaty person (probably too much information, but whatever), and these shirts keep me feeling dry even during those gross humid summer days. My old cotton work shirts would be soaked by lunch break.
And the fit - man, the fit is just right. Not too tight that you feel restricted when you're reaching for something overhead. Not so loose that you look like you're wearing your dad's clothes. It's that perfect middle ground that somehow looks intentional.
The armholes are cut right too. This sounds weird, but bad armholes can ruin your whole day. Too tight and your shoulders ache. Too loose and you look sloppy. Dickies figured this out.
Style That Actually Works in Real Life
Here's what I love about the style aspect - it's not trying to be fashionable. It's just... good looking. Clean. Simple. The kind of thing that works whether you're talking to the CEO or crawling under a desk to fix cables.
The colors are solid too. I've got three - navy (my go-to), black (for when I need to look a bit more serious), and this charcoal gray one that somehow goes with everything. They make other colors, but honestly? These three cover about 90% of situations.
I've layered them under blazers for presentations. Worn them alone with jeans on weekends. Even threw a hoodie over one for a casual Friday that turned into moving office furniture (don't ask). Point is, they adapt.
Let's Talk Materials and Construction
This is where Dickies really shows their experience. The stitching is reinforced in all the right places - under the arms, at the collar, along the sides. These are the spots that usually give out first on cheaper shirts.
The fabric weight feels substantial without being heavy. It's thick enough that it doesn't show every undershirt line or chest hair (again, probably oversharing), but not so thick that you feel like you're wearing armor.
One thing that surprised me - the collar keeps its shape. Most mock turtlenecks either stand up too stiff (making you look like a robot) or flop over after a few washes. These maintain just the right amount of structure.
| What I Noticed | Why It Matters | Real-World Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Cotton-poly blend feels right | Breathes but dries fast | Comfortable all day long |
| Reinforced stitching | Doesn't fall apart | Actually saves money long-term |
| Colors stay true | Still looks professional | Don't have to replace as often |
| Pre-shrunk (mostly) | Size stays consistent | Can actually plan your wardrobe |
Getting the Right Size
Sizing with Dickies is pretty straightforward, but let me save you some trial and error. I'm about 5'10", average build, usually wear a medium in most things. Medium works perfectly in these.
If you're between sizes, I'd probably go with the larger one. These aren't meant to be fitted like a fashion shirt - they're work clothes that happen to look good. A little extra room is better than feeling constricted.
The length is good for most people. Hits right at the belt line when untucked, stays put when tucked in. If you're really tall (like 6'3" and up), you might want to check if they make tall sizes. If you're shorter, regular length should work fine.
Sleeves hit right at the wrist bone on me. Perfect for wearing alone or as a base layer.
- Small - Works for slighter builds, chest around 34- inches
- Medium - Most common size, fits chest 38- inches
- Large - Broader shoulders or chest 42- inches
- XL and up - Available for bigger guys, proportioned properly
Taking Care of Them (It's Easy)
Here's the good news - these things are practically indestructible if you treat them halfway decent.
I wash mine in cold water with regular detergent. Nothing fancy. Throw them one at a time or with similar colors. Hot water might shrink them a tiny bit, even though they're pre-shrunk. Why risk it?
For drying, I usually just toss them in the dryer on medium heat. Air drying is probably better for the fabric, but honestly? I don't always have time for that. Medium heat hasn't caused any problems in two years.
Skip the fabric softener. It can mess with the moisture-wicking properties. I learned this the hard way - used fabric softener for a month and noticed the shirt wasn't breathing as well. Stopped using it, and after a few washes, it was back to normal.
Iron them if you want to look extra sharp, but honestly, they come out of the dryer looking pretty good. Maybe a quick touch-up on the collar if you're being picky.
How They Stack Up Against the Competition
I've tried other brands. Carhartt makes decent stuff, but their mock turtlenecks feel heavier. Good for outdoor work, maybe too much for office environments. Red Kap is cheaper but the fit is... weird. Too boxy.
Fashion brands? Forget it. I bought a $ mock turtleneck from a department store once. Looked great for about three months. Then it started pilling, the color faded, and the collar got all stretched out. Waste of money.
Dickies hits that sweet spot - better quality than the cheap stuff, way better value than the expensive stuff. Plus, you can actually find them in stores if you need a replacement quickly.
Price-wise, they're reasonable. Not the cheapest option, but when you factor in how long they last, they're actually economical. I'd rather buy one good shirt than replace three cheap ones.
Where I Actually Wear Mine
This might help you figure out if they'd work for your situation:
At the office - Perfect with dress pants or chinos. Looks intentional, not like you forgot to dress up. Works under a sport coat if you need to look more formal.
Job sites - Comfortable enough for physical work, professional enough for client interactions. I wear mine when I'm doing IT work at different companies - never looks out of place.
Weekend stuff - Great with jeans. Actually gets compliments, which is rare for work clothes. My neighbor asked where I got mine after seeing me wear it to a barbecue.
Travel - Packs well, doesn't wrinkle much, works in different climates. I wore one on a business trip to Phoenix in August - stayed comfortable even in 110-degree heat (thanks, air conditioning).
Common Questions People Ask Me
Do they run big or small?
Pretty true to size in my experience. If you wear a medium t-shirt, medium should work. These have a slightly more fitted cut than a regular t-shirt but not restrictive.
Are they too warm for summer?
Nope. The fabric breathes well and the moisture-wicking actually works. I prefer them over regular cotton shirts in hot weather.
How long do they really last?
Depends on how you use them. Office wear, they'll last years. Heavy construction work, maybe 12- months. Either way, better longevity than most alternatives.
Can you wear them untucked?
Absolutely. The hem length is designed for it. Looks intentional, not sloppy.
Do they shrink?
Minimal shrinkage if you follow care instructions. Maybe 2-3% maximum. Nothing dramatic.
What's the difference between these and regular turtlenecks?
The collar doesn't fold over. It's shorter, more comfortable, cleaner looking. Way less restricting around the neck.
My Bottom Line
Look, I'm not getting paid to say this stuff. I just genuinely think Dickies mock turtlenecks are one of those rare pieces of clothing that actually deliver on their promises.
They're comfortable enough for a 12-hour day. Professional enough for important meetings. Durable enough to justify the price. And honestly? They just look good on most people.
If you're tired of choosing between comfort and appearance, if you're sick of work clothes that fall apart after six months, if you want something that works in multiple situations - these are worth trying.
I've got four of them now. Probably buying another one soon because... well, why mess with what works?
The clothing industry loves to overcomplicate things. Dickies keeps it simple with these mock turtlenecks. Good materials, solid construction, practical design. Sometimes that's all you need.
Anyway, that's my take. Your mileage may vary, but I'd bet money you'll like them if you give them a shot.
