While we’re all holding out for a few more days of warm weather, and if we’re lucky, maybe even an Indian summer, the reality is that the colder months are about to set in. This means we’ll put away the shorts and t-shirts and bring out the jumpers and jeans – unless you’re from Scotland, in which case you’re here to find something much thicker!
The classic jumper has humble beginnings in the ports of Guernsey and was traditionally a working man’s garment. However, it's had quite a glow-up since then, and now you’ll see blokes of all ilks sporting an array of styles. Whether you’re looking for something to keep you classy or keep you cosy, we’ve got ideas, fits and knits for everyone from brands like ASOS, AllSaints and Fred Perry.
Quick List - Top Jumpers for Men
Ralph Lauren
Fitted, Smart and Versatile, a Must-Have for Every Man's Wardrobe
Barbour
Get on Trend With the Emergence of the Cottagecore Look
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Table of Contents
Today, we’re going to help you find your perfect layering companion, so without further ado, let’s take get cracking with the shopping. The jumper is a simple garment, with few distinctions. Nevertheless, the devil is in the detail, so here we’ll be looking at these subtle nuances.
The first factor you should think about when it comes to a jumper is the material, as this is what will determine its comfort, its warmth and also its style to some degree. Here, we’ll take a look at some of the more common materials used when producing jumpers.
A timeless winter material, wool is revered for its insulating capabilities that will provide warmth by catching the body's heat and not letting it escape.
There are many different grades of wool, with merino being considered the crème de la crème due to its fine and soft nature. The downside is that wool will often set you back a pretty penny, particularly the fancier types.
While many would consider cashmere a type of wool, there is a slight difference, because instead of being produced by sheep, cashmere is produced by goats. This type of wool fabric has gained its popularity due to its incredible softness – great if you find wool a bit itchy.
The issue is that unfortunately it is not considered as warm as other wools. Essentially, if you’re looking for a jumper to use as a layer for a smart outift then cashmere will work superbly, but if you’re looking for a jumper to be the sole provider of warmth, there are better options.
Let’s kick off with the good qualities of cotton: it’s relatively cheap to produce and therefore to purchase, it's easy to wash and maintain, and it's super accessible. If the garment is made from high-quality cotton, then it can make for an excellent transitional-season jumper to wear during the spring or autumn months.
Unfortunately, cotton isn’t a fibre that is made to retain heat. Plus, once it’s wet, it stays really wet and heavy. When you compare this to wool, which can hold 30% of its weight in water and not feel wet, you'll feel the difference.
Acrylic is a man-made fabric that was created to imitate wool. The big plus point is that it will retain its colours well whilst also being resistant to wrinkling, which is handy if you’re not too keen on a spot of ironing.
Although made to be like wool, it more closely resembles cotton when it comes to keeping those wearing it insulated, as the fabric doesn’t cling to heat too well. It’s also relatively weak, so it could begin to lose shape quickly, which can be extremely frustrating.
While different materials, we have lumped viscose and polyamide together because it is unlikely that you will find a jumper made solely from either of them. Instead, they’re usually blended with the previously mentioned materials.
Viscose is cheap and known for its silk-like feel. It also falls well, with a nice 'hang' if you’re into the oversized look. Yet as always, there are compromises. Firstly, it typically requires dry cleaning. Secondly, it’s also prone to stretching and sagging. Finally, it absorbs moisture, which is not so great if you live on our little island.
Polyamide is similar to polyester and thus so are its strong points – it is strong and durable and will resist constant wear-and-tear. As with many of these blend materials, it doesn't generally retain heat too well so you’ll be compromising comfort and cosiness for cost, though this is often a necessity.
Probably the most distinctive feature of a jumper is the neckline. There are many popular options, however, in the name of time and simplicity for you when shopping for your new garment, we’ve chosen to focus solely on those that are featured in our article.
Probably the most common neckline on the planet, a round crew neck generally has a small band of ribbing that will add a touch of bulk and allow the wearer to differentiate where the neck starts and the jumper begins.
The crew neck can vary from a heavy Aran knit (more on knits later) ideal for long leisurely walks to a chic cashmere for wearing over a shirt. It’s just a brilliant all-round minimalist style that pairs well, and easily, with most items of clothing. That said, it doesn’t play too well with neckties.
The V-neck steps up where the crew neck fails – it will leave room for a visible necktie, and more often than not, the points of the shirt collar. Not only does this work with just a shirt, but it can be worn as a layer with a suit, perfect for keeping you a tad warmer on the way to the office.
This style is also versatile and can be paired with a simple t-shirt underneath for a more casual look, or you can bare the chest wig in true Tom Jones-style if you’re feeling brave. Remember though Baby, it’s cold outside.
A roll neck, or turtle neck, is a tall collar that comes up over the chin, which is then rolled over to create this classic look. It’s worth mentioning that the necks don’t always need to roll over, and those that still ride high are still considered roll necks.
This collar is great for the chillier months as it offers extra protection against the elements, and saves you having to fork out for a scarf.
The roll neck can also be used in more formal situations, perhaps using a thinner material such as cashmere and when worn with smart trousers and shoes. This provides a more unconventional take on formal wear, but one that still works well.
The ultimate in smart casual, jumpers with zip openings are beloved around the world. They generally have a sporty feel to them and often give the impression of the archetypal ‘preppy’ look, hence why brands such as Ralph Lauren and GANT are frequent producers of these style of garments.
A quarter-zip can be used as an outer layer on its own during the transitional months and then paired with bigger, warmer jackets in the winter months. They can come in many different types of knits, which coincidentally leads us nicely onto our next section.
The third and final factor you should contemplate is the type of knit that a jumper has. Standard plain sweater-look jumpers aside, we’ll be focusing on the most common (and the most popular) ones that you’re likely to come across when shopping online.
Right up there behind standard-style sweaters, the ribbed knit is popular amongst those who regularly don jumpers. This knit features ridges on both sides, creating alternating rows. The style also provides lots of stretchiness and is perfect for those looking for a cosy number that they’re looking to wear regularly.
Even if the jumper might not be ribbed knit all over, the likelihood is that it will contain some of this style of knitting around the cuffs and sleeves, due its elasticity. Manufacturers use this as it helps keep in warmth and tidies the jumper up nicely.
Born from Ireland’s ancient knitting traditions, the iconic cable knit can come in many variations, but there are similarities between them all.
The pattern has a design that resembles braided rope and is a wardrobe staple for most blokes who like something a bit more traditional or outdoorsy. Due to this knit being thicker, which in turn makes it more casual, the cable knit is better paired alongside informal clothing.
Like the cable knit, the Aran knit originated near Ireland too. However, these jumpers will use more sophisticated symmetrical shapes and patterns than the linear design found in cable knits.
This style of knitting is often used in the making of winter socks and hats, so you can get yourself a full matching get-up if you like. One of the distinct features is that the pattern and an off-white colour are intrinsically linked, so you could struggle to find an Aran jumper you like if you prefer wearing darker colours.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Ralph Lauren Cotton Cable Knit Jumper | ![]() | Fitted, Smart and Versatile, a Must-Have for Every Man's Wardrobe | |
2 | Barbour Half-Zip Jumper With Tartan Elbow Patches | ![]() | Get on Trend With the Emergence of the Cottagecore Look | |
3 | Fred Perry Ribbed Jumper | ![]() | The Best Black Jumper Brought to You by a British Institution | |
4 | New Look Roll Neck Knitted Jumper | ![]() | Champagne Style on a Lemonade Budget | |
5 | John Lewis & Partners Cashmere V-Neck Jumper | ![]() | A Luxury Cashmere Option That Will Last Years | |
6 | ASOS Design Knitted Oversized Rib Jumper | ![]() | An Interesting Design Perfect for Casual Wear | |
7 | British Wool Aran Knit Jumper | ![]() | A Great Men's Christmas Jumper to Keep You Extra Warm | |
8 | Reiss Aston Zip Neck Ribbed Knit Polo Shirt | ![]() | A Sporty Look With a Luxury Feel | |
9 | ASOS Design Heavyweight Cable Knit V-neck Jumper | ![]() | A Chunky Cricket-Style Jumper | |
10 | AllSaints Leopard Fade Crew Jumper | ![]() | A Designer Jumper to Embrace Your Wild Side |
There's no denying it – a cable knit is a must-have in every mans wardrobe, and in our opinion, you'd be hard-pressed to find any more iconic than this luxurious garment from Ralph Lauren.
Made from 100% cotton, this jumper is versatile and can be used on its own over a t-shirt in spring or autumn, or on those surprisingly chilly summer nights. When it comes to winter, pair it with a sophisticated pea coat or even your dressing gown if you don't want fancy leaving the house. The classic fitted style and commendable versatility make this our number one pick.
There are rumblings in the fashion world that farmer chic is on its way back, and it's even given itself a reimagined name: Cottagecore. Being re-pioneered by quintessential British fashion icons such as David Beckham and Harry Styles, we think this half-zip from Barbour hits the nail on the head.
Made from 100% wool, this jumper will be guaranteed to keep you warm, whether you'll actually be working in the fields or you're just adopting the look. Team it with corduroys and perhaps a wax jacket, and make sure you've got the flat cap handy.
Fred Perry is almost considered a British institution by this point, so we'd be surprised if you didn't already have a few pieces in the wardrobe. If not, there's no time like the present, and there are fewer better garments to kick start your new love affair than this tasteful ribbed jumper.
Save the signature laurel, this crew neck is all-black which means it has fantastic versatility and pairing qualities, and it comes with ribbed neck and cuffs, too. Although the jumper isn't crafted from the warmest materials, the elasticity from this inclusion does its best to keep the warmth in.
Looking to execute a champagne look on a lemonade budget? Never fear, the trusty people at New Look have you covered with this sophisticated roll neck that Steve Jobs himself would be proud of.
Usually for under £20 you wouldn't expect much in terms of quality materials, however, these guys have managed to make this from 100% cotton which will feel smooth and soft on the skin. Wear this under a suit or even just with slacks to achieve an effortlessly sleek look.
Crafted from 100% cashmere, this jumper is going to feel like you're wearing fabric gold. You see, John Lewis & Partners aren't newbies, they know precisely what they're doing, and to craft this line they procured some of the finest cashmere on the planet using suppliers from China to Mongolia.
The quality of the chosen materials ensures that this luxurious item will be an investment and mainstay in your wardrobe for years to come. Plus, if the teal is working out for you, there are five other colours you can choose from.
Nothing will help you master the casual, I-don't-really-care chic quite like an oversized piece of knitwear. Thankfully, ASOS design have knocked it out of the park with this simple yet interesting jumper.
We say interesting because other than the unusual fit, this jumper has twisted ribbed designs on the neck and sweater cuffs to give it that extra dimension of intrigue and take it one step above many similar styles. Like the brand's other own-label items, it's also well-priced and available in a wide range of sizes.
We know we said in the buying guide that Aran-knit jumpers traditionally come in off-white, and we have picked this colour for our next entry. But, we dug deep for you guys and managed to find this beauty from British Wool that comes in three other shades: charcoal, navy and dark grey.
The inspired jumper is made from 100% wool, so you know that it will keep you a fair bit warmer in the winter months. Despite this, many reviewers also found it surprisingly light. We think this would make a great Christmas gift – just be careful not to get it dirty too often, as it can only be dry cleaned.
This design from Reiss was inspired by the sportswear trend, and then it was infused with a hint of luxury thanks to the silky feel of viscose and the dash of cashmere. To top it all off, they used a ribbed knit which gives the garment superb flexibility.
For a simple and timeless look, pair this with a pair of darker, clean-wash jeans or trousers and some boots and you'll have your stylish autumnal look down to a tee. The only downside, of course, is that it's a bit of a splurge.
With a familiar style to that of a cricket jumper (only without the garish colour stripes), this heavyweight cable knit from ASOS Design (the websites own brand) is a nice casual garment offering great value for money.
The design is somewhat contradictory, mixing the traditionally more formal V-neck with the more casual cable knit. But we think it works well, although it could be tricky figuring out what to wear underneath. Still, it might be just perfect for those between-season nights.
Embrace a little of your wild side with this fetching garment from one of the UK's leading high-end high-street brands, AllSaints. While the jumper is certainly not for the faint-hearted, it does manage to tone things down a bit using muted hues, which make it much more accessible for everyone that isn't a successful rapper or rock star.
Our only issue is the blend of materials used. None of them are known for keeping you warm, which means you'll have to layer up. And we don't know about you, but we think layering up leopard spots is a bit beyond most British blokes.
If you're looking for a new jumper, we're guessing you're thinking about updating this year's autumn/winter wardrobe. Let us take the stress out of traipsing round the shops in the rain and cold by sharing more of our curated men's winter fashion guides.
Whether you're planning on styling your jumper with your sleek office attire or you're looking for something more casual for lounging indoors or wearing to the pub, we hope you've found our buying guide useful. Here's to keeping warm and looking good, all at the same time!
Author: Lewis Clark
No. 1: Ralph Lauren |Cotton Cable Knit Jumper
No. 2: Barbour|Half-Zip Jumper With Tartan Elbow Patches
No. 3: Fred Perry|Ribbed Jumper
No. 4: New Look |Roll Neck Knitted Jumper
No. 5: John Lewis & Partners|Cashmere V-Neck Jumper
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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