Start with how you’ll wear it. A jumper for layering under a fitted jacket needs enough room through the shoulders without too much bulk in the sleeves. If you prefer wearing knitwear as your outer layer, a more substantial knit or higher neckline may suit you better.
This collection includes wool jumpers from Barbour, Fred Perry and Oliver Spencer, with different necklines, textures and fits. Check each product’s composition and measurements when comparing them.
Crew-neck, V-neck or roll-neck?
Crew-neck jumpers have a round neckline that works over a T-shirt or with a shirt collar showing. The Barbour Horsford and Oliver Spencer Blenheim styles offer options for this familiar shape.
V-neck jumpers leave more space around the collar, making them useful over a button-down shirt. The Fred Perry Classic V-Neck has a simple appearance that works with chinos or darker denim.
Roll-neck jumpers cover more of the neck and can be worn beneath a coat without a shirt collar competing for space. The Barbour Northcliffe Submariner offers this higher-necked shape.
Half-zip and button-neck styles let you adjust the opening. Wear the neck open over a T-shirt or fasten it higher when you want more coverage.
Wool content and knit texture
“Wool jumper” doesn’t automatically mean 100% wool. Check the composition on the individual product page if you’re looking for pure wool or a particular blend.
Merino describes a type of wool, rather than the shape or thickness of a jumper. If you specifically want a men’s merino wool jumper, look for merino in the product’s composition instead of judging by its appearance.
Texture matters too. A pronounced knit gives an outfit more visual detail, while a smoother surface is easier to combine with patterned shirts. Use the close-up photographs to compare the stitching and finish.
Which colour should you choose?
Stone and pale neutral jumpers contrast well with indigo or black jeans. Brown and muted green work with blue denim and lighter chinos, while black is useful when you want a darker, more uniform outfit.
Purple and chestnut offer alternatives to neutral colours without needing a patterned knit. If you’re layering over a checked shirt, picking up one colour from the check can help the two pieces work together.
