6 great jumpers under £100

Just add jeans and boots

Oct 20, 2024

If this was my day job and I was writing a fashion feature about ~~jumpers~~ knits, I'd be talking to you about all the lovely British brands making last-forever knitwear from local wool. Labels like &Daughter, Navygrey and Herd which, over the past decade or so, have rejuvenated the British knitwear scene and been a case in point that sustainably and thoughtfully made pieces can be stylish and desirable.

I’d be telling you that knitwear with a high wool content tends to hang in that expensive-looking way, rather than cling. And how merino wool is self-cleaning, so you’re never going to smell of BO.

I’d mention that I sat next to a fashion journalist friend at a work dinner the other week, who was wearing the Ada cardigan from &Daughter and it has the most perfect, slightly cropped shape. And that my own cream cable knit from the brand is something I know I'll be wearing for years and years (even though it smells a bit like sheep when it gets wet).

And then I'd say that although these brands are pricey, considering how much we all wear jumpers in this country, cost-per-wear they STACK UP.

However, I think we can all agree that spending £250 plus on a jumper that’s going to get tugged at, pulled on and hammered by an assortment of body fluids/food items/messy crafts only leads to heartbreak (the self-cleaning properties of merino surely having its limits). So probably wiser to save the investment knitwear for when the kids aren't about.

BUT! We need nice jumpers to wear with our jeans and boots in the playground. So where to look?

High street knitwear shouldn’t be written off, you just need to be a bit picky.

The higher the percentage of natural fibres, the more luxe a jumper is likely to look - and the less sweaty it's going to make you feel. Wide bands of ribbing on cuffs and hems look more expensive than skinny bands. If you're buying a cardigan, check out the buttons as very shiny or plastic-y ones look cheap. And super classic shapes are always the safest bet.

I've long rated COS knitwear. I think I've mentioned before that I have these fine-knit tops which are a great super-thin layer over a vest when it’s cold. This delicious chunky crew neck (£95) caught my eye the other day. It's 100 per cent wool and doesn't feel too heavy and bulky when on. It's perilously pale, but you can stick it on a cool wash with a blob of Vanish on any stains.

Despite it being a bobbly nightmare I can't resist cashmere. When I'm tired and haven't been able to wash my hair, it's that moment of luxury that picks me up. M&S and Uniqlo do the best high street cashmere jumpers for a price that doesn't end your world when moths get to them. Size up for luxe looking slouch. Or shop from the menswear ranges as they tend to have boxier fits. I’ve been wearing a mens grey Uniqlo crew neck (like this) for the past few years and, with the addition of a few moth hole darns, it's still going strong.

The other place worth going for reasonably priced knitwear is & Other Stories. I have a few jumpers bought years ago that are holding up well, and when I popped in to buy the wool cap from last week's rainwear edit (swiftly bankrupting myself with this Substack) I was impressed with this autumn’s selection.

Because I had a couple of hours before pick up, I tried the best everyday styles on so you don't have to.

The pep-you-up red

The vibrancy of red gives a washed-out face energy. I've found it a good distraction from baggy eyes, too. Pre kids, when I was looking a bit knackered I'd put on red lipstick. However that feels like hard work right now, so a red jumper is an easy - and smudge-proof! - alternative. Plus, you'll hardly notice the tomato pasta splats. (£47)

The denim-transforming blue

Aside from red (a classic!) I'd usually suggest sticking to neutrals as they tend to look more expensive and go with more things. However, powder blue is having a moment and is actually a really great way to make your darker wash jeans feel more now. It also works particularly well with chocolate brown, as demonstrated by the changing room curtain. (£49)

The luxe neutral

There's something about slightly sludgy ‘off’ colours that look expensive. So when I’m shopping on the high street, I often head towards pieces in this mole grey/brown. The exposed seams down the arm are a great elevating detail, too. (£77)

The classic grey crew neck

A simple grey crew neck to whack on with whatever jeans. I've found paler shades of grey can look cheap (and washes me out) so try a charcoal or mid grey, like this one. Note the dropped shoulder seams which creates that effortlessly slouched look. (£47)

The moc-neck

The perfect neckline for a hair tuck! I love this navy - not too blue - but the black would also be an expensive-looking chuck-on with indigo or grey jeans. (£47)

One more thing…

I went to see the new Organic Zoo collection this week and - gah!- it's so sweet, I had to share. I don't tend to buy my kids premium labels as they are feral and their clothes get ruined, but I love Organic Zoo and have a few pieces which have worn and washed very well. Currently my daughter won't let me put on any other brand of sleep suit. I think because the cotton is especially soft on her eczema… or she’s just boujie. A few favourites below, including the cutest Christmas PJs.

Pear sweater (£38) and frilly culottes (£35).