LIVING CRAFTS NIA turtleneck in organic cotton
A turtleneck without that thick, restrictive feeling? Meet NIA by Living Crafts. She has that lovely high neck, but is made from a relatively thin and supple cotton jersey. More of a turtleneck shirt than a heavy sweater – and that is exactly why she is so versatile.
NIA is made from 100% organic cotton and is available in two very different versions: a colorful stripe with a hint of the seventies and a calm, solid teal. The same fit, the same soft fabric, but a totally different effect. Good luck choosing.
- Thin women's turtleneck by Living Crafts
- Made from 100% organic cotton
- Soft and breathable single jersey
- Fitted, longer cut
- Supple collar that doesn't feel heavy around the neck
- Perfect for layering
- Available in striped and solid teal
- GOTS-certified
- Completely vegan
Important: NIA is a thin turtleneck
We like to repeat this, because it is difficult to gauge the thickness of a garment online: NIA is not a chunky knit winter sweater. She is made of a fine cotton jersey and feels more like a long-sleeved shirt with a collar.
This makes her ideal when you like having a warm neck but don't want to walk around in a heavy sweater. You can easily wear NIA under a cardigan, blazer, sleeveless vest, dress, or shirt without thick layers of fabric bunching up everywhere.
On a mild autumn or spring day, she can be worn on her own just fine. In the middle of winter, she is primarily a great base layer. Are you looking for a truly thick, insulating sweater? Then NIA is probably not what you have in mind. Are you looking for that handy shirt that fits under everything? Then you’ve found her.
Two variations, two completely different moods
The great thing about NIA is that the two versions almost seem like different garments. The colorful stripe is cheerful and expressive, while the solid teal is calm and easy to combine.
NIA striped
The striped version combines petrol blue, light blue, cream, mustard yellow, olive green, rust brown, and dark brown. A bit retro, a bit autumnal, and above all, a lot of color that immediately makes you happy.
Wear it with a pair of solid-colored pants and your outfit is practically ready. Dark brown corduroy, olive green, denim, dark blue, and ecru all bring out a different color from the stripes.
Under a sleeveless dress or a vest, the collar and sleeves remain visible. It’s an easy way to give a quiet piece of clothing a completely different look—without needing a complicated fashion strategy in the morning.
NIA teal
The solid-colored version has a deep blue-green hue. Teal sits right between petrol, blue, and green, and can look slightly different depending on the light.
This version is perfect if you want color but prefer not to wear patterns. It combines beautifully with rust brown, burgundy, camel, and olive green, but also looks great with blue jeans or black trousers.
Under a blazer, the solid NIA looks neat and calm. With jeans and sturdy boots, it becomes nice and casual. The kind of garment that makes you think: why don't I just have three of these?
Why is NIA so great for layering?
Layers are wonderful until you can no longer move your arms normally. Because NIA is relatively thin and smooth, she fits easily under other clothing without turning you into a human sleeping bag.
For example, you can wear her:
- under a wool cardigan or sweater;
- under a blazer or overshirt;
- under a sleeveless dress or jumpsuit;
- under a sleeveless vest;
- under a blouse or shirt worn open;
- as a soft base layer under your winter coat.
Because cotton breathes, NIA is also comfortable in heated rooms. Getting warmer later in the day? Simply take off your cardigan or jacket, and you are still wearing a proper top. Always charming.
A collar that falls softly around the neck
The collar is made of the same thin jersey as the rest of the shirt. As a result, it feels more supple and less heavy than the neck of a chunky knit turtleneck. You can wear it high, fold it over, or let it drape a bit more loosely.
Are you normally not a "turtleneck person" because you easily feel restricted or warm around your neck? Then this thinner version might just be perfect for you. How a turtleneck feels is, of course, a personal matter. Your neck gets the final say.
How does the LIVING CRAFTS NIA turtleneck fit?
NIA has a fitted and somewhat longer cut. She follows the body without there being any elastane in the fabric. The long line makes her extra nice as a base layer, because the shirt stays tucked into pants or a skirt and doesn't ride up with every movement.
Choose your normal size if you like NIA to be fitted. Do you have a fuller bust, sturdy upper arms, or would you prefer some extra room around the waist and hips? Then a size up might be more comfortable.
When trying it on, pay particular attention to the shoulders, armpits, and upper arms. The fabric should follow the body but shouldn't be so tight that the seams pull or the turtleneck affects your mood.
The jersey gives a little during wear, but contains no elastane. Don't expect the same stretch and recovery as you get from a synthetic stretch shirt.
What makes NIA sustainable?
NIA is made from 100% organic cotton and contains no polyester, nylon, or elastane. The shirt is also completely vegan.
The cotton is GOTS-certified. GOTS doesn't just check if the fibers are organically grown, but also sets requirements for further processing, such as the use of chemicals, wastewater, and social conditions within the production chain.
No synthetic pesticides or artificial fertilizers are used in organic cotton farming. This is better for the soil, the water, and the people who work with the cotton.
Furthermore, the thin quality makes NIA widely applicable. You won't just wear her for a few very cold weeks, but can use her for a large part of the year. Take good care of her, and she can remain the silent layering hero of your wardrobe for years.
How to wash NIA
Wash NIA inside out at a maximum of 30 degrees with similar colors. Use a mild cycle, a low spin speed, and only a small amount of liquid detergent.
Do not use fabric softener and do not put the turtleneck in the dryer. Heat and excessive movement can cause cotton to shrink and make the fabric and colors deteriorate faster. After washing, gently reshape the shirt and let it air dry.
Especially the solid teal color may release some excess dye during the first few washes. Therefore, wash this version separately for the first few times or only with similar dark colors. A short bath in cold water with a small splash of natural vinegar can help rinse out loose color residue, but always follow the wash label first.
Washing too often is unnecessary, by the way. If there is no stain and the shirt still smells fresh? Airing it out might be just enough. Washing less saves water and energy, and is also kinder to your clothes.
View and try on NIA in Rotterdam
Torn between the cheerful stripe and the solid teal? Come and try them both on at our store at Zwaanshals 376 in the Oude Noorden of Rotterdam. Then you can feel for yourself how thin the fabric is and see which size fits best.
We are open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Can't make it in? Call us during opening hours at 010-7954177 or email klantenservice@natur-el.nl. Our happiness-makers are happy to help you choose—even if the final conclusion is just that both are lovely.