Some people can’t wait for the summer to be over so they can wrap up warm and enjoy steaming mugs of mulled wine around a roaring fire. Sure, that’s not a joy most of us get to experience, unless your mansion has a fireplace and your budget can stretch to keeping a chimney sweep on staff, but we can all enjoy the cosy embrace of a fine piece of knitwear.
With many different styles available, we’ve chosen a few of the best to keep you feeling snug this winter.
There are eight colourways of this reasonably-priced staple so you may wish to pick up a couple, especially since the thin-ribbed texture makes it more appropriate for smart-casual settings than some of its chunkier cousins.
Buy from Burton | £30 (currently reduced to £18)
The Cornwall-based brand has traditional winter style all wrapped up with this chunky, cable-stitch fisherman’s jumper. It’s 100% Irish wool and as warming as a slug of Irish whiskey.
Buy from Finisterre | £110
You want a winter warmer to feel relaxed, but if you don’t want to be puffed up in the middle like the Michelin Man, try this number which pairs a more fitted torso with slouchy sleeves.
Buy from French Connection | £85
This luxury item is slimmer in cut and thinner than the other tops here, making it a go-to when assembling a layered look. It also means it can see you through early spring, too.
Buy from Mr Porter | £390
Following the template of modern brands toying with traditional styles, Scotch & Soda’s playful rendition throws love hearts into the mix.
Buy from Scotch & Soda | £149.95 (currently reduced to £74)
You don’t get much more traditional than this, with Gant faithfully hewing to the style from the Aran Islands in Ireland.
Buy from Gant | £140 (currently reduced to £70)
We’re all for crew necks, but sometimes you want a bit more protection for your neck. For those times, you’ll want this cotton/wool blend pullover to hand.
Buy from Fat Face | £53
At first glance, this looks like a mighty fine grey jumper that belongs firmly in the basics bracket – but the button placket detail on the shoulder makes it worth a second look.
Buy from Quiksilver | £80 (currently reduced to £48)
This jumper has an outstanding albatross pattern emblazoned on it, but it also uses Woolmark-accredited Merino wool, a material that’s outstandingly soft, warm, breathable and environmentally sound.
Buy from Finisterre | £160
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Go traditional with this grey number that incorporates a Fair Isle pattern – a style that originated in Shetland, where they know a thing or two about needing to stay warm – around the shoulders.
Buy from Marks & Spencer | £35 (currently reduced to £18)
If you’re looking for an investment piece, look no further than this fine slouchy number. It’s made in Italy from a blend of wool, mohair and angora, and its oversized fit makes it ideal for layering.
Buy from Matches Fashion | £535 (currently reduced to £214)
If you want to give your smart-casual wardrobe a bit – and just a bit – of a festive feeling, pair this fitted lambswool number with some chinos.
Buy from Sunspel | £295 (currently reduced to £147)
When the tyranny of festive jumpers gets too much, don this riff on the army sweater, replete with epaulettes and elbow padding.
Buy from Matches Fashion | £425
This fitted pullover brings a ribbed finish and striped pattern to proceedings. It’s mostly cotton, with a touch of wool, making it better suited to mild days.
Buy from Scotch & Soda | £114.95 (currently reduced to £57)
We can’t get enough of the chunky stripes on this big, bold lambswool sweater.
Buy from Carhartt-WIP | £94
Is that a piece of art on a jumper? Close enough, with the virgin-wool braids framing the top and bottom of an exclusive design by artist Pierre-Marie.
Buy from APC | £275
