Preppy chic, dark academia, vintage collegiate and modern varsity. The recent re-birth of highly specific aesthetics and personal styles not seen since the rise of the teenager in the 1950s has given us an array of buzzwords and phrases to choose from when browsing Pinterest for our latest fashion hyper-fixation.
The specific styles that we have listed will usually turn up old-school Gant and Barbour campaigns, as well as some grainy images of icons of the royal family stepping out. We’re talking tweed jackets with velvet elbow patches, knee-high welly boots, cable-knit galore and – of course – a cricket jumper with that all-important thick, contrast V-neck.
The humble cricket jumper is thought to have made its debut on the sporting scene back in the early 1920s, though some sources suggest tennis and badminton players wore similar styles as early as the 18th century.
Yet the precise origins of the thick, cosy knit which remains integral to a set of cricket whites remains relatively unclear.
While we Brits will exclusively refer to the garment as a cricket jumper, our friends across the pond tend to associate a contrast cable-knit V-neck with tennis or golf. Either way, the jumper has served as an incredibly popular warmer for outdoor sports during the spring and summer due to its traditionally white hue.
Nevertheless, the cricket jumper evolved in the late 20th century to be something of a fashion statement. Princess Diana, whose extensive knitwear collection many of us continue to covet, was frequently spotted wearing a classic knitted cricket jumper.
Indeed, we may perhaps trace 2024’s particular interest in preppy styles to the most recent seasons of The Crown, which covered the life of Princess Diana, as well as the collegiate love story of Will and Kate. We can only hope that the latter storyline doesn’t cause a resurgence of low-rise skinny jeans and Jack Wills waistbands.
High street and luxury fashion collections have reflected this re-interest in all things sporty and scholastic with a 21st-century twist: make it oversized and make it colourful. While the sweater vest remains a staple in collections from the likes of Ganni, Lacoste Marni and Molly Goddard – we’re witnessing a trend towards a tweedy, sleeved option for the transitional months.
The recent release of Saltburn shall also do wonders for lovers of all things preppy, with Jacob Elordi and Barry Keoghan’s character wardrobes consisting of rugby shirts and perfect polos. We thus believe it’s safe to predict that the elevated, academic varsity style isn’t going anywhere, anytime soon.
Without further ado, we’ve curated a selection of the best cricket jumpers on the market right now. Keep scrolling to stay preppy.
Shop now
Polo Ralph Lauren Cable-Knit Cotton Cricket Jumper
It doesn’t get more classic than a cricket jumper from Ralph Lauren’s Polo collection. This traditional option is crafted with the label’s signature chunky yarn, and features a slightly wider, less clustered cable-knit design.
We adore the collegiate navy and light blue stripes at the V-neck, and are particularly big fans of the boxy yet effeminately cropped design. This option is available in both regular and short lengths.
Buy now £269.00, Ralph Lauren
Fred Perry Cable Knit Panel Jumper
This asymmetrical panel jumper by Fred Perry offers a statement design in a subdued hue, making it the perfect piece of knitwear for elevating daily styles. Available in both cream and white, the cable-knit is simply a design feature rather than the selling point of this contemporary cricket jumper-inspired ensemble.
Buy now £70.00, Fred Perry
Gant Varsity V-Neck Cardigan
While this beautiful cardigan can’t necessarily be categorised as a cricket jumper, the deep, contrasting V-neck design flirts with the classic preppy style with a more American, varsity feel. We’d recommend this slightly oversized and oh-so cosy option to someone looking to experiment with collegiate aesthetics.
Buy now £132.00, Gant
&Sons Old School V-Neck Jumper Navy
Though technically a men’s jumper, sporting this oversized tweedy design might just convince your peers that you’ve managed to bag your very own Prince Will. Woven from sumptuously soft merino wool with a delicate five gauge knit, this might just be your next transitional season staple.
Buy now £100.00, Wolf & Badger
Alex Eagle The Cashmere Cricket Jumper
Made from 100 per cent cashmere, the dropped shoulder and extra-chunky V-neck design of Alex Eagle’s sought-after cricket jumpers imbues each piece with a sense of vintage splendour. Available in a variety of collegiate colourways, this jumper is an instant heritage piece that the grandkids will most definitely argue over.
Buy now £545.00, Alex Eagle
Women Cable V Neck Pullover Sweater
Though the embroidered ‘Golf’ insignia may prevent some from classing this cable-knit piece from Maison Kitsune as a cricket jumper, we simply beg to differ. We love how the contrast V-neck extends to the sleeves with this design.
Buy now £379.13, Maison Kitsune
Sandro contrast V-neck jumper
Despite cricket being a traditionally English sport, there’s something incredibly French about the preppy, sporty style. It makes sense, then, that Sandro has hopped on the trend with this delightful noir pullover which boasts a plunging V-neck.
Buy now £149.40, Sandro
Musier Paris Pull Cricket
Rejoice for Parisian label Musier, for they appear to have mastered the contemporary recreation of vintage knitted sportswear. Featuring contrast primary stripes at the cuff and the perfectly plunged V-neck, this is going straight in our basket.
Buy now £164.00, Seezona
Clements Ribeiro Cricket Sweater Pink
This pretty in pink designer option from Clements Ribeiro is sure to spark joy with every wear. The exaggerated, asymmetric V-neck is completed with a mixture of wonderfully contrasting yet complimentary colours and has been woven from 100 per cent cashmere.
Buy now £745.00, Clements Ribeiro
Monki Oversized wool blend sweater
This simple V-neck jumper from Monki will allow minimalists to hop on the preppy chic trend without compromising a sleek and sophisticated aesthetic.
Buy now £39.99, Monki
