There’s no better way to get into the Yuletide spirit than with a Christmas jumper.
These seasonal sweats are the Marmite of festive fashion. You either love it or hate it. But one thing we know for sure is that you can’t escape it.
Each year, oversized knits are rolled out on cue, filling the high streets with their garish prints, primary colour palettes and cringe-tastic puns and, er, snowgans (sorry).
Families will sift through their attics en masse to dust off the designated Christmas boxes and uproot the jolly jumpers for their annual appearance. What follows is the inevitable family photo shoot in said knitwear, much to the chagrin of tweens, teens and purveyors of good taste.
Granted, Christmas jumpers haven’t got the best rep. Mark Darcy’s reindeer-clad jumper was the ultimate turn-off for Bridget Jones upon first meeting. Ron Weasley has reluctantly donned many a hand-knitted Christmas jumper lovingly made by his mum Molly throughout the Harry Potter series. Even ever-sharp Hermoine Granger fell prey to the occasional Grandma sweat.
Celebrities have also unwillingly championed the not-so-humble Christmas jumper, making light of the situation in order to retain a slither of fashion credibility.
As you can see I'm chuffed to bits with my Christmas jumper #FireInTheBelly pic.twitter.com/qImylslFWG
— Andy Murray (@andy_murray) December 26, 2014
A case in point would be Andy Murray’s wildly unimpressed Twitter post where he’s pictured staring straight into the camera with what can only be described as pure contempt for his er, ‘eye-catching’ pull-over.
Yet, there are some famous faces making a strong case for the Christmas knit, proving that the novelty garment can be styled out elegantly. Woolly knits have amassed a long-standing relationship with the royal family. From Princess Diana’s iconic ‘black sheep’ jumper to the Princess of Wales’ country-chic rollnecks, there are multiple royally-approved jumpers to take inspiration from.
Likewise, style aficionados including Alexa Chung, Taylor Swift and Reese Witherspoon all love a classic Fair-isle design - no doubt the most popular of festive prints.
World-class footballers Jack Grealish, John Stones and Kyle Walker have taken time out of their training to adorn gaudy designs, proving to their predominantly male following that Christmas drip is legit.
So, whether a traditional knit from Brora, Barbour or Ralph Lauren takes your fancy, or a luxury Molly Goddard, Celine or Thom Browne piece is more your speed, read on to discover the best Christmas jumpers to shop this year…
Shop now.
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Christmas jumpers for women
Molly Goddard
Dopamine dressing is Molly Goddard’s M.O. The London-born-and-based designer reworks British heritage pieces into quirky must-haves, including Fairisle knits, tartan kilts, tweed suits and her iconic tulle frocks. Kitschy knits dominate her collections year-in-year-out, all crafted from joyously clashing colours to lift the spirits.
Our top product pick: Charlie Fair Isle Wool Sweater
Buy now £294.00, Net-A-Porter
Ralph Lauren Polo Bear Wool-Blend Jumper
Name a more distinctive jumper than the Ralph Lauren Polo bear knit. This luxurious knit features the brand’s classic bear mascot, a dusting of snowflakes and huskies with a crewneck silhouette. It is crafted from a soft, intarsia wool.
Buy now £649.00, Ralph Lauren
Sandro LOVE Knit Jumper
Spread the love this Christmas with Sandro. The French brand has tapped into a new trend - luxury festive knits. This snuggly soft number features a rich cream backdrop with pink and green accents, perfect for those looking for a piece that oozes girlish glamour.
Buy now £239.20, Sandro
Toast Graphic Yoke Donegal Sweater
A more pared-down seasonal piece for those wanting to wear their Christmas garments all season, Toast’s charcoal jumper is a snug slouchy for all ages. It’s hand-wash-only and spun in Ireland. The knitted delight is also oversized with a roll neck finish, geometric jacquard and raglan sleeves.
Buy now £195.00, Toast
Fatface Bea Yoke Fairisle Jumper
Fatface allows shoppers to fulfil their Christmas wishes without breaking the bank. The brand’s ‘Bea’ jumper has a warm colour palette consisting of rust, cream, mint and blossom pink in addition to a regular fit. Pair the cosy pull-on with some jeans for an on-the-run aesthetic.
Buy now £56.00, Fatface
Boden Edie Fair Isle Jumper
If Molly Goddard’s knit caught your eye but the price tag was a touch much, head to Boden. The classic British brand offers a similarly zesty colour palette with this ‘Edie’ knit being a prime example. Available in four different designs, there’s a print for all with this sumptuous wool wonder.
Buy now £90.00, Boden
MC2 Saint Barth St. Moritz Intarsia Wool-Blend Knit Jumper
Ski chic comes to fruition with this playful pink sweater. A long-sleeve crew neck made from the softest of wool blends, the candy pink item depicts a serene mountainscape and a reference to the Swiss ski resort St. Moritz. The ideal gift for those who love to hit the slopes in style.
Buy now £138.00, Anthropologie
Ganni White Chunky Cropped Sweater
Become a fully-fledged Ganni girl with the cult brand’s cropped sweater in a dreamy shade of cream. The piece is made from organic wool and showcases a relaxed fit, an O-neckline and dropped shoulders. A charming mountainside ‘fit.
Buy now £285.00, Ganni
Free People Home For The Holidays Sweater
If Taylor Hill owns it, we want it. This Free People knit, beloved by the Victoria’s Secret model, comes in cool tones including ice blue, cornflower and glittering lavender. The sleeves are draped with a contrasting bottom sleeve adding some eye-catching detail, for those who want to celebrate while keeping it classy.
Buy now £140.00, Free People
Christmas jumpers for men
Celine Homme Fair Isle Wool Sweater
Embrace the winter chill while keeping your style hot with Celine Homme’s designer spin on the classic Christmas jumper. The eye-catching piece serves up a fiery red Fairisle design set against a rich black backdrop, all made from insulating wool. The brand’s signature logo is heavily displayed across the front - a small reminder of the wearer’s sartorial prowess.
Buy now £1250.00, Mr Porter
Brora Wool Fair Isle Tank
A sweater vest has just as much sartorial gravitas as a Christmas jumper, especially when layered with a crisp white shirt. Brora reigns supreme when it comes to Fairisle designs, and this fennel-green pullover is set to delight dads, brothers and boyfriends when the January blues hit.
Buy now £145.00, Brora
Threadbare Snowman Christmas Sweater Vest
Take a leaf out of Mark Darcy’s book and surprise everyone with a novelty jumper this festive season. A pocket-friendly option that’s bound to reel in the laughs, this denim blue vest, featuring an adorable snowman design, is the ultimate conversation starter.
Buy now £12.50, ASOS
Thom Browne Fair Isle Virgin Wool-Jacquard Sweater
Tap into Thom Browne’s preppy legacy with the designer’s Fairisle knit. One for those with serious cash to splash, the luxurious piece can be worn for years to come. Crafted from naturally insulating virgin wool in Italy, it acts as the ideal layering piece through the milder months.
Buy now £635.00, Mr Porter
Jamieson’s of Shetland Fair Isle V-neck Vest
Pack a punch with a vibrant knit to add a whole new holly jolly element to your Christmas wardrobe. Jamieson’s of Shetland has a plethora of knits to peruse, but we love the olive shading of this versatile yet traditional vest.
Buy now £127.00, Jamieson’s of Shetland
Barbour Case Fair Isle Jumper
Nobody conjures up country bumpkin babe quite like Barbour. This forest green Fairisle creation is ideal for fresh winter walks and farm yard frolicking. Composed from super soft lambswool, the distinctive piece can also be teamed with smart jeans and an overcoat for a retro city break look.
Buy now £109.00, Outdoor and Country
Gant Fair Isle Funnel Neck Sweater
Channel your inner Harry Styles with a colourbomb knit courtesy of Gant. This uber-comfortable, dramatic slouchy is 100 per cent Merino wool. It promises an oversized fit, an all-over jacquard knit pattern and a funnel neck collar for extra warmth.
Buy now £350.00, Gant
JoJo Maman Bébé Men's Snowman Fair Isle Jumper
Twin with your children with this vivid Fairisle Christmas jumper in a light shade of sky blue. It displays a range of festive motifs, from snowmen to reindeer and more. Ribbed cuffs offer additional comfort.
Buy now £39.50, JoJo Maman Bébé
