Christmas jumpers range from sophisticated sweaters to the downright ridiculous. Our roundup of festive knits takes in the whole spectrum, from the stylish to the silly, including some options that are smart enough to wear well after the holiday season has ended. There’s something for all budgets too; whether you’re looking for something farcical or fashionable, smart or casual, we’ve got you covered.
We’ve just one tip: when choosing your Christmas jumper, think about the fabric – acrylic is budget friendly but can be clingy and leave you feeling hot, while natural fibres can be more breathable but quite pricey.
The best christmas jumpers to buy
1. New Look Mela Penguin Christmas Jumper: Best snowman jumper
Price: £25 – Buy now from New Look
This novelty women’s jumper with crew-neck features a festive penguin set against a grey background with pretty snowflakes. It’s got a fun, youthful vibe that pairs perfectly with jeans and boots. Soft against the skin, it’s made from acrylic, so there’s no need to layer up - which is great, as it does a nice job of showing off your figure, without hugging so tightly as to reveal every bulge.
Key specs – Fabric: 100% acrylic; Sizes available: S, M, L; Colour options: One
2. Next Red Christmas Snowman Sweater: Best jumper for all the family
Price: £28 – Buy now from Next
A fabulous all-rounder, this jumper comes in a wide range of sizes for both men and women, as well as cheaper sizes for little ones, ranging from three months to 16 years. Okay, it might be a bit OTT for the whole family to have matching yuletide yarns, but it’s fun to have the option. The cotton gives it some breathability – good for those who might otherwise overheat at the Christmas knees-ups – and we found it washes brilliantly, so you can bring it out year after year.
Key specs – Fabric: 60% cotton, 40% acrylic; Sizes available: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL; Colour options: One
3. Kaleidoscope Bambi Christmas Jumper: Best for a night out
Price: £29 – Buy now from Kaleidoscope
If novelty knits aren’t for you, and you prefer a more fashionable spin on your yuletide yarns, then feast your eyes on this classy top with sparkly motif. It’s highly versatile, going just as well with jeans and boots as smart trousers or a skirt and heels – and because it’s more fine-knit than most, it won’t leave you sweating. Also in its favour is its black colour which, let’s face it, goes with pretty much everything. The ribbed crew neckline, cuffs and waist give it a nice finish.
Key specs – Fabric: 83% viscose, 17% polyamide; Sizes available: 10-12, 14-16, 18-20, 22-24; Colour options: One
4. John Lewis Polar Bear Jumper: Most tasteful Christmas jumper
Price: £45 – Buy now from John Lewis
One for men who prefer a more refined look, this jumper offers a restrained helping of festive cheer. Inspired by a classic Nordic Christmas design with polar bear pattern, it’s made from soft, surprisingly light and stretchy lambswool, with a classic rounded neckline and ribbing to the hem, neck and cuffs. Perhaps best of all, £10 of every sale goes to Barnardo’s, so you can feel suitably virtuous when you make your purchase.
Key specs – Fabric: 45% merino wool, 35% acrylic, 20% nylon; Sizes available: S, M, L, XL; Colour options: One
5. Monsoon Romee Reindeer Jumper: Best sophisticated jumper
Price: £55 – Buy now from Monsoon
Another option for those who prefer a more sophisticated seasonal look, this navy Christmas jumper has a small amount of wool for warmth, but the fabric remains on the finer side for a more elegant finish. The reindeer is hand-beaded and filled with shimmer-thread snowflakes - which may sound very glitzy but is actually on the discreet side, making this the perfect option for those who want a smarter, more elegant festive outfit.
Key specs – Fabric: 50% cotton 25% viscose 20% nylon 5% wool; Sizes available: S, M, L, XL; Colour options: One
6. Brora Mohair Icelandic Jumper: Best luxury sweater
Price: £135 – Buy now from John Lewis
Fair Isle jumpers are ideal for those who want their yuletide yarns to last well beyond the big day – which you certainly will when you see the price tag of this vintage-inspired top. But it’s worth every penny for women who like sumptuously soft and fluffy jumpers. Available in either silver (with a blue, black and white pattern) or black (with a grey, black and red pattern), the Fair Isle doesn’t dominate the whole sweater, but instead sits gracefully around the neckline. The wool is ethically sourced too.
Key specs – Fabric: 100% mohair; Sizes available: 6, 8, 10, 12, 14; Colour options: Black or silver
7. Funky Christmas Jumpers Baby Jesus Selfie Jumper: Best funny jumper
Price:£39 – Buy now from Funky Christmas Jumpers
Funky Christmas Jumpers is the perfect website for festive sweaters: fans include the likes of Rory McIlroy and Harry Styles. Focusing on humour, there’s everything from DJ JC spinning the decks to yoga Santa. Our favourite is this nativityselfie scene, in which Joseph can’t resist the first ever Christmas selfie. The navy jumper is well-made, but sizing is generous, so order smaller rather than bigger.
Key specs – Fabric: 85% acrylic, 15% wool; Sizes available: XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL; Colour options: One
8. George Rudolph French Bulldog Christmas Sweatshirt: Best dog-themed jumper
Price:£14 – Buy now from Asda
Few dogs are cuter than French bulldogs - especially when they’re wrapped in Christmas lights and wearing sequin antlers, sparkly festive glasses and a tartan bowtie. That’s why we reckon this vibrant red jumper with 3D image is going to fly off the shelves this winter. Also in its favour is the low price, plus the real bells, sequins and pompoms attached and the brushed fleece lining, which feels nice and soft against the skin. It’s on the thin side, though; you might want to pop a T-shirt underneath if you’re planning to wear it outside.
Key specs – Fabric: 59% cotton, 41% polyester; Sizes available: S, M, L, XL; Colour options: One
9. Imperial War Museum Spitfire Christmas Jumper: Best for plane enthusiasts
Price:£30 – Buy now from the IWM shop
The Spitfire is the most famous plane of Word War Two - so if you’ve got an aviation enthusiast in the family, and/or someone who has an interest in the war, this is a great find. The iconic British fighter plane features in a blue, red and green Fair Isle-style pattern that will suit everyone from teenagers right through to grandads. And since it’s exclusive to the Imperial War Museum, it’s unlikely you’ll bump into anyone else wearing one. Just note that it’s not for the very slim or small, as sizes start from medium.
Key specs – Fabric: 100% acrylic; Sizes available: M, L, XL; Colour options: One
10. Not On The High Street Christmas Elf Jumper: Best elf jumper
Price:£30 –Buy now from Not On The High Street
You’re bound to get a good giggle from anyone you come into contact with when you don this jumper that instantly turns you into one of Santa’s little helpers. Yes, you too can look like an elf (albeit one with an oversized head) while the body, arms and legs appear across your chest. The navy background and red arms set it all off perfectly, with the stripey red and navy hem and cuffs finish the look off in style. It’s acrylic, though, so not the most breathable.
Key specs – Fabric: 100% acrylic; Sizes available: XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL; Colour options: One