Knitwear has long been a practical clothing category, but in the last 100 years or so, it has also become a fashionable one. Icons such as the flamboyant playwright Noel Coward helped to bring men’s jumpers into the fashion limelight by styling the turtleneck as part of his formal attire in the 1920’s. Whilst into the 1950’s, iconic actor James Dean mastered the knitwear look by pairing chunky knit crew neck and v neck jumpers with jeans. Fast forward to today and celebrities such as David Beckham and Daniel Craig are still championing men’s jumpers with their button-down chunky knits.  

If you want to emulate your favourite stars, or just get some tips on how to pair the knitwear of the season, you’ll find some helpful fashion tips below. 

What material to choose? 

Whether you call them sweaters, jumpers or pullovers, these knitwear items can be made from a wide range of different materials, all with their own grades of luxury and comfort. Premium options are lambswool, cashmere, or merino wool. Looking out for these more luxurious yarns in your knitwear labels will help to ensure you get a good quality jumper that will keep you warm and retain its vibrance and shape even after many delicate washes. Alternatives include wool blends and cottons but do look out for the recycled fibres form numerous sources now used to create versatile yarns.  

Men’s jumpers: getting the size right 

There’s nothing more uncomfortable than wearing a jumper that is too tight, but nothing looks worse than a saggy sweater, so how do you get the sizing just right? A good fitting jumper should fall to the waist but not go beyond your bottom. It should be long enough on the sleeves for the gathered cuffs to hang naturally at the wrists, but you should also ensure that you have enough room in the body, arms and neck areas to wear a shirt, t-shirt or polo shirt underneath.  

If you’re shopping in-store, make sure you take advantage of the changing rooms to check the look and sizing, or if you’re shopping online use the size guides and read the comments to make sure the fit is what you are expecting. 

V neck or crew neck?

Crew neck (also known as round-neck) and v-neck jumpers are amongst the most popular and versatile men’s jumpers. If you’re wondering which to wear for an occasion here are a few styling tips. 

Crew neck jumpers: 

• Great everyday jumper 
• Less formal than a v neck jumper 
• Doesn’t allow for much of the shirt underneath to show 
• Ideal for layering with jackets, coats and blazers 
• Can create a great casual look when paired with a simple round neck white t shirt underneath 

V neck jumpers: 

• More formal than a crew neck jumper 
• Allows more of the shirt and tie underneath to be visible 
• Also works well when worn over a polo shirt 
• Great for creating a contrasting look by wearing a different coloured or highly patterned shirt underneath 
• Avoid wearing it with nothing underneath 

If you can’t decide between a round or v neck jumper you can instead opt for a happy medium – the quarter zip.  

Zipped jumpers: 

• A popular choice for all kinds of casual and outdoor occasions 
• The ¼ zip is one of the most versatile men’s jumpers 
• Dress a fine knit ¼ zip up with a blazer and trousers 
• Style a quarter zip cable knit with jeans and a t-shirt for a versatile casual look 
• Zipped jumpers work well when layered with a shirt and overcoat or blazer 

Be brave enough to add a pop of colour 

Whilst many men will admit to owning at least one dark coloured jumper, how many of you can say the same about the brighter and bolder colours? When it comes to putting together an outfit, it doesn’t have to be black or navy to be sophisticated. Here are just a few colour combinations you might like: 

• Try rusty reds matched with a checked shirt for a rugged outdoorsy look 
• Match a fair isle sweater with jeans and boots for a great winter outfit 
• Pair blue or green quarter zip fine knits with chinos for a smart daytime vibe 
• Try pastel coloured merino wool jumpers for a spring to early summer look 

Remember that dark colours work well in more formal settings or where you don’t want to stand out, whereas coloured jumpers can help liven up a social occasion and help you to make a statement. 

For more tips on styling men’s jumpers or to choose your favourite style from crewnecks to zipped jumpers, fine knits to fair isles, you can follow the link to visit fashion and lifestyle retailer Roxtons.