10 Best Jumpers for Men UK 2024 | Fred Perry, Barbour and More

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 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. 

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.