When it comes to menswear, there are some foundational building blocks every guy needs. You need good denim. Quality basics are essential. Shirting and tailoring are best for smart events, while hibernating in January calls for luxe loungewear. And no wardrobe is complete without a good selection of knitwear.
But then comes the hard part – with nearly every high street store, luxury label and mid-range brand offering a range of jumpers, how do you choose which design to go for? As a stylist with years of experience in dressing men for everything from red-carpet events to editorial photoshoots, I’ve got some tips which should point you in the right direction.
First of all, take note of what the jumper is made from. Usually, it’s best to go for natural fibres; Merino wool, cashmere, cotton and lambswool. As a general rule, these will deliver the best warmth as well as other temperature-regulating benefits – cashmere, for example, has the ability to trap air for insulation when it’s cold but it also prevents overheating thanks to its natural breathability.
When you’ve decided on the textile, it’s time to think about silhouette. You could stick to a safe standard length. You could lean into comfort with something oversized and slouchy. Or, if you want to follow the lead of those in the menswear spotlight – Jacob Elordi, Paul Mescal, Shawn Mendes et al. – you could go for a design that’s slightly cropped. This will give your ‘fit an added dimension when you pair it with a basic white tee which will be ever so slightly on show.
How about the neckline? Well, that’s completely down to your personal taste. A classic crew neck will never let you down. Then, seeing as the Ivy League aesthetic isn’t going anywhere, a V-neck or button-up polo will keep you on trend. And there’s always a place for a quarter zip for those who need to dress business-casual on the reg.
It goes without saying that you need jumpers when it’s cold out, but they’re actually a versatile layering tool all year round. You could wear them over your shoulders in spring or without a jacket during autumn. If you go for a thin, lightweight take à la John Smedley you could even make them work for an evening summer soirée too.
Shop the best jumpers for men below
Sims Wear Marine Blue Merino Lambswool Jumper
If I had to say which jumper I personally receive the most compliments on, it would be Sims Wear’s merino jumper in marine. From the rich blue shade to the luxuriously smooth finish (which makes sense, seeing as the brand uses the wool from the very first shearing which is as soft as you can get), it both looks and feels premium.
Better yet, like the entire collection, it’s handmade by expert artisans across the UK so it has a minimal carbon footprint and will last you a lifetime.
Buy now £195.00, Sims Wear
Rise & Fall Men's Finest Cashmere Sweatshirt
There’s a lot to love about Rise & Fall. Not only does the brand partner with luxury manufacturers globally, but it also uses some of the best textiles like grade-A cashmere and certified Australian Merino wool.
Above all, its range of men’s jumpers tick all of the boxes, from strong colours to considered design details and comfy fabrics. This cashmere option, for example, has a dropped shoulder and rolled hem for an elevated take on the classic.
Buy now £154.00, Rise & Fall
Urban Outfitters Ayker Hollie Striped Knit Jumper
Lean into the retro Nineties grunge aesthetic with Urban Outfitters’ striped knit. Now all you need is the baggy jeans and Vans to match.
Buy now £55.00, Urban Outfitters
Arket Heavy Knit Wool Blend Jumper
When it comes to shopping on the high street for menswear, Arket is always my first stop. The Scandi label offers a strong range of premium basics, whether you’re after a new Oxford shirt or a plain t-shirt – and this grey jumper is a prime example.
Though it may seem simple at first glance, when you look closer, you’ll notice the perfect grey marl, ribbed trims and interesting boxy cut. All for just £77.
Buy now £77.00, Arket
Hades David Bowie Orange 'Hunky Dory'
Calling all music fans: British knitwear brand Hades regularly collaborates with the estates of iconic musicians like Iggy Pop, Joy Division and the Sex Pistols. This jumper is one of seven which make up the David Bowie collection – and it’s handcrafted in Scotland using lambswool. Hunky Dory, indeed!
Buy now £230.00, Hades
Gap Navy Blue CashSoft Cable Knit Crew Neck Jumper
You can’t go wrong with a navy cable knit – especially when it’s by basics expert Gap. A part of the brand’s CashSoft range, it’s a cotton-nylon blend which is designed to feel as soft as cashmere. While you can certainly tell the difference, it’s a great affordable alt.
Buy now £40.00, Gap
Gant Classic Cotton V-Neck Sweater
Known for its collegiate-inspired collections, Gant is a go-to for all things American prep. So, naturally, if you’re searching for a V-neck, the Scandi label is a solid choice – and this one comes in 10 colours.
My advice? Since it’s a classic silhouette which the brand has been making for years, you can usually find good options on Vinted for far less than the RRP.
Buy now £100.00, Gant
Ami Ami de Coeur Polo in Green
If you dressed head to toe in Ami every day, you’d look like a guy who gets menswear. After all, the brand already counts Tom Holland, Joe Locke and Manu Rios in its starry fanbase.
The designer is renowned for laid-back classics with a modern edge, from denim to t-shirts to sweats. This time, it’s a polo jumper in the spotlight thanks to its slightly cropped boxy fit, fresh green colourway and oversized Ami de Coeur logo.
Buy now £367.00, Ami
Sunspel Extra‑Fine Merino Roll Neck
When the temperatures fall to sub-zero, a lightweight roll neck is a useful layering tool. Enter: Sunspel’s Extra-Fine Merino Roll Neck.
The thin fabric will easily fit beneath a relaxed Oxford shirt or blazer while the pure Merino construction means it’s still surprisingly warm. In the heritage label’s signature style, it’s handmade in the UK.
Buy now £205.00, Sunspel
Bode Jockey Appliquéd Intarsia Alpaca and Wool-Blend Sweater
If you like unique pieces by independent brands, add Bode to your designer roster. Founder and creative director Emily Adams Bode Aujla takes design cues from the past – whether it’s antique French table linens, old family photographs, or, in this case, a vintage jumper from the 1980s.
Her take is produced in limited quantities using a handloom and is injected with retro charm thanks to appliqué patches reminiscent of Scouts badges.
Buy now £710.00, Bode
Uniqlo 100% Cashmere Crew Neck Jumper
For affordable cashmere, Uniqlo is a great option. The brand’s classic crew comes in 12 colours, all of which are available at £89.90. It’s rare to see a pure design for less than £100 so it’s no wonder these sell out season after season.
Buy now £89.90, Uniqlo
END. x YMC Suedehead Sweater
When you think of Kurt Cobain, there’s one piece of clothing which comes to mind – an oversized red striped jumper.
The good news? Now, you can get your own thanks to End’s collab with London-based independent label YMC. This pure wool design is handmade in Scotland, continuing the brand’s commitment to home-grown quality.
Buy now £235.00, End
John Smedley Hatfield Sea Island Cotton Jumper
John Smedley is your best bet for a lightweight knit. Still based in the same Derbyshire factory it was started in over 230 years ago, the brand is now run by an eighth-generation Smedley relative (Ian Maclean) and remains committed to creating premium collections in the UK.
Best known for its luxurious yet fine sweaters, the Hatfield Sea Island Cotton Jumper is ideal for transitional layering that you can wear all year round.
Buy now £200.00, John Smedley
