When were not discussing the conditions required for Brexit here on the fashion desk, were extremely tied up discussing the conditions required for funnel necks.

Funnel necks are very fashionable.You probably know that.Since youre highly intelligent and questioning (youre reading this, after all), you will also have asked yourself what, precisely, a funnel neck is, and how the hell does it differ from a polo neck?

The clue is in the name, obvs – but who can actually define a funnel?Theyre long, that much is clear.Its the next bit that troubles us: a funnel is wider at the top than the bottom.Indeed, that is the very essence of funneldom.How does that work applied to a sweater?It doesnt really.Suffice to say, a funnel neck is only a little bit wider at the top.But those extra few millimetres make all the difference.

One quite important difference is that it wont strangle you the way some polo necks do. It wont make your neck look stumpy, either.What it might do is flop insouciantly, making interesting puddle shapes around the nape of your neck, and even expose glimpses of your clavicle – which, those who know about clavicles maintain, are one of the most seductive parts of a body.If youre in a minimalist mood (à la Vanessa Bruno, above), a funnel neck could, in its understated, loosened-up way, stop you looking as boring as an episode of Money Box.But it is still a high neckline and thus you must steer clear of itchy, suffocating fabrics.

A funnel neck can be handy when its nippy – and its modern.Which is important to know.It is emphatically not as sloppy or as loose as a cowl neck, which is really just a neckline with a double chin.Thats important to know, too.

Silk, £316, Dorothee Schumacher

Crêpe, £375, Tibi

Cotton, £23, Lands" end

Grey marl, £39, Topshop

Wool and cashmere, £535, Rosetta Getty at Net a Porter

Cotton, £360, Goat