Knitwear, like most menswear, is best done classic. As with other staples – denim, T-shirts, tailoring et al – it’s an investment that will go beyond any trend or season. So, if you buy the right pieces, you’ll likely wear them for years to come.
With that in mind, there are a few things to consider when hitting the shops. Above all, it’s best to choose jumpers you know are made well, using good fabrics. That means you should go for brands you can trust in terms of craftsmanship and stick to natural fibres, such as cotton, wool and cashmere. Unlike human-made textiles, these are naturally breathable and temperature-regulating so they’re more comfortable and better for your skin. This sometimes means the price is a little higher than a fast-fashion buy, but they tend to last longer – just be sure to keep them protected when moth season hits.
You may see it as a winter essential, but knitwear is actually a year-round layering hero. Say you buy a great cashmere crew neck: it’s the warm added layer you need beneath a winter coat, but it can also be the perfect finishing touch in summer, around your shoulders à la Brideshead Revisited.
In terms of trends, there are a few big styles right now. Paul Mescal favours a shrunken knit, while Jacob Elordi likes it slouchy. You could go for a Tyler, The Creator-coded preppy cable knit or a simple Gant V-neck to lean into the Ivy League look that’s still dominating the scene. Or, you could of course go for the crowning jewel of the knitwear world: the classic crew neck.
Either way, here’s a guide to the best men’s jumpers available to buy now.
The best men’s jumpers
Best cashmere jumper
Rise & Fall finest cashmere mid-weight crew neck
Premium cashmere at a good price is hard to come by – until you’ve heard of Rise & Fall. The London-based label offers luxurious staples at a fair price, and does so with a transparent pricing structure and responsible manufacturing processes. From this mid-weight cashmere, which comes in seven colours, to a light merino take, the entire collection is less expensive than the top brands but feels just as good.
Best V-neck jumper
Gant classic cotton V-neck
£100 at Gant
From £53.95 at Love The Sales
Gant is your best bet for preppy staples and the American turned Scandi label has a strong selection of V-neck jumpers. Though you may have once considered these dad-core, they’ve quickly become a coveted menswear essential. This one’s 100% cotton, and the brand’s embroidered archival shield amps up the Ivy League look. If you want to go all the way, wear it over a shirt and tie with a pair of straight-leg jeans.
Best merino roll neck
Mango 100% merino wool turtleneck
A lightweight merino wool roll neck is a key that can unlock your wardrobe during winter. Since they’re thin, they can be worn under relaxed shirts, beneath blazers or simply tucked into jeans. For pure merino on the high street, there’s nowhere better than Mango.
Best cable knit
Lemonate cable knit sweater
I discovered Lemonate only last year, but most of the Belgian brand’s collection is already on my wishlist and the knitwear is particularly strong. This jumper is a prime example. It’s made using an extra-fine merino wool, but still has the expensive weighty feel you want from a cable knit. Fabric aside, the contrast cuff and slightly cropped fit are a modern take on the classic.
Best British-made jumper
Sims Wear strath green merino lamb’s wool
Independent knitwear expert Sims Wear follows a slow-fashion agenda. All its pieces are made in the UK using premium textiles; this jumper in particular uses wool from the first shearing to ensure it’s as soft as can be. Everything’s built to last, and you can really tell. From the softness to the colour and the substantial weight, this will quickly become the jumper you reach for the most. As a matter of fact, of my entire collection, my Sims Wear is the piece I receive most compliments on. An investment worth making.
Best long-sleeve polo knit
Gap green merino wool polo
Dressing smart casual isn’t always easy. You don’t want to look overdressed in a smart shirt, but a T-shirt is too casual. Let me introduce you to the long-sleeve merino polo, which hits the mark every time, especially Gap’s versatile khaki take. Wear it with black trousers and you’ll look like you’ve made an effort, even if you haven’t.
Best cardigan
Arket cotton cardigan
Arket may be a high-street store but you can always count on the quality craftsmanship and fabrics across its collection. The Scandi label offers this year’s update on a men’s cardigan: a collarless crew neck design with a relaxed bottom hem. This one’s pure cotton and even features pockets. What more could you want?
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Best cosy knit
Oliver Spencer Blenheim jumper
£132 at Oliver Spencer
£220 at Fenwick
Oliver Spencer is among the biggest players in British menswear. Every season, the designer offers a fresh take on his signature classics: relaxed tailoring, strong casual wear and a great selection of knits. Our favourite for spring/summer 2025 is this colour-blocked navy crew neck, which is constructed using a cosy extra-fine wool.
Best sweater vest
Massimo Dutti V-neck
As with this year’s update on the cardigan, 2025’s take on the sweater vest errs on relaxed. Massimo Dutti’s is a great example of how to do it well. Rather than having any clingy hems, it falls easily over your body, looking and feeling more luxe. The V-neck collar and super-soft wool-cashmere blend fabric lean into the quiet luxury aesthetic.
Best for music fans
Hades Iggy Pop Lust For Life
If you consider yourself a music fan, Hades should be on your radar. The Midlands-based label regularly collabs with the estates of musicians, from David Bowie to The Sex Pistols. This jumper, which features the title of one of Iggy Pop’s most renowned songs, is a part of the punky Iggy Pop capsule. All the brand’s jumpers are handmade in Scotland, and you can read about its transparent manufacturing process on its website.
Best for film fans
Scrt Come Home knit
While Hades is good for those into music, Scrt is for cinephiles. The independent brand regularly takes cues from surreal cult classics, old and new. From Donnie Darko and American Psycho to Lost in Translation and The Substance, movie buffs are sure to find something they like across the selection of T-shirts, accessories and jumpers. For those who don’t recognise this eye from the film poster, this knit is inspired by Requiem for a Dream.
Best high-street cashmere
M&S Autograph pure cashmere crew neck
Not many high-street brands have a great cashmere offering. The good news? Marks & Spencer’s Autograph range hits the brief every season. This year, this rich burgundy hue is my top pick. If you’re feeling like you want to liven it up, follow the brand’s lead and layer two on top of each another.
Best funnel neck jumper
Percival fisherman quarter zip
Percival’s best for guys who like design-led menswear. Although the collections feel timeless, most of the pieces are elevated with a twist. Take this chunky knit, for instance, with its unusual ribbed funnel neck and contrast cuffs. It’s the type of jumper that makes you look twice, but it’s completely wearable – and, like the rest of the brand’s offering, it’s constructed well using cotton for a long-lasting finish.
Best high-street lamb’s wool
Uniqlo lamb’s wool crew neck
Japanese high-street giant Uniqlo makes some of the best affordable jumpers on the market. Case in point: this pure lamb’s wool crew neck, which is available for less than £35. It comes in nine colours, but the best shades tend to sell out every season, so it’s best to get your favourite before it’s gone.
Best unusual knit
Thames Avonmore polo
For the type of knits that you won’t find anywhere else, head to Thames. The collection pulls inspiration from British subcultures – from skateboarding to the punk movement and grunge. This jumper is one of its newer arrivals, and it’s quickly become my favourite, for good reason. It’s comfy. It’s elevated. It’s unusual. And, considering the first-class finish and strong design details, from the argyle pattern to the embroidered logo and contrast collar, it’s great value for money, too.
