I take pride in my knitwear collection, only adding to it each season with good-quality pieces I know I’ll wear on heavy rotation all season. And when it comes to keeping cosy in style, I always end up going for wool jumpers.
The thing is, though, brands can be quite misleading when it comes to throwing around the term “wool” in their descriptions. Big high street brands have recently been called out online for making men’s jumpers with a higher wool percentage than women’s wool-blend versions, and still charging women more.
Don’t get me wrong, I love raiding the menswear sections for shirting, tailoring and of course, jumpers, and I often size up to get that oversized look that never fails but I also want jumpers that are sized for women, so I went on the hunt for the under-£40 knits that have a high wool percentage for the price. A piece of advice: always hand-wash to ensure they look their best, for longer.
Still, it’s important to be clued up on the jumpers that are worth the spend. These are some of the best woollen pieces, from just £22.
100% lambswool crew neck jumper, £34.90, Uniqlo
I believe that Uniqlo – out of all the high street brands – is the creator of the best white crew neck T-shirt. And considering they never fail when it comes to knitwear, either, this classic knit has to take one of the hot spots when it comes to the best wool jumpers. It’s made from 100 per cent lambswool, comes in not one but eight colours and the thick ribbed collar and cuff detail makes it look way more expensive than it is. I also like that the men’s version is exactly the same price for the same wool percentage – well done, Uniqlo!
Material: 100% lambswool
Scarf-collar mohair-blend jumper, £29.99, H&M
Firstly, can we all take a moment to appreciate how impeccably chic this jumper with draped scarf detailing is? So good in fact, it stopped me mid-scroll to buy it – because there’s no way I’m missing out on this standout style of the season. With 32 per cent wool and 32 per cent mohair, the majority of this H&M jumper is therefore made from natural materials. While this makes it hand-wash only, I’ll put in the extra effort to be able to wear it with baggy jeans and loafers.
Material: 32% wool, 32% mohair, 33% polyamide, 3% elastane
Pure lambswool high-neck jumper, £35, Tu at Sainsbury’s
All the supermarket brands have upped their game this season, and I truly believe the collections are the best they’ve ever been. Take this Tu jumper, for example: the high-neck with ribbed detail and thick wool knit is something you would expect to find at the likes of Cos or Massimo Dutti. It looks premium, it feels expensive (trust me, I tried it on in Sainsbury’s on my weekly food shop), and the colour feels different to jumpers I already own. The cobalt blue has already sold out, so I suggest getting this one asap to avoid disappointment. It does say “tumble dryer safe”, but I personally would air dry to keep it looking its best.
Material: 100% lambswool
Wool blend Argyle jumper, £35.99, Zara
With the British countryside being our autumn/winter muse more so than ever this year, Argyle jumpers are making a huge comeback. I love the look of them when styled in a preppy way – over a T-shirt, pleated skirt, socks and loafers kind of vibe. This Zara style has 31 per cent wool, and I’ll take a third of this dreamy knit being made with natural materials for £35.99.
Material: 31% wool, 41% polyester, 28% polyamide
Lincoln V-neck lambswool jumper, £22, Matalan
If there’s one item to add to your wish list this season, it’s the humble V-neck jumper. I know, it’s not the most exciting, but trust me when I tell you, it’s a fashion editor’s secret weapon. Looking effortless when layered over a vest, T-shirt or high-neck top, it’s just so easy to throw on and go when you’re in a rush and don’t know what to wear. I’ll be raiding the menswear section for this very affordable £22 style from Matalan that has a huge 80 per cent wool percentage. What a find, if I say so myself!
Material: 80% lambswool, 20% polyamide
Lambswool blend crew neck seam detail relaxed fit jumper, £38, M&S
We all know M&S can do no wrong, and while the high street hero is championing sell-out items lately, it’s the staples a lot of us have always, and will always, rely on. You know the comfy shoes (in half sizes), the jeans (in five different leg lengths) and of course the knitwear that never fails to keep us cosy at this time of year. This neutral knit is one I know I would wear on heavy rotation with everything from long dresses to barrel-leg jeans – 50 per cent lambswool is pretty good for the price point, and we can rest assured it’ll be good quality from M&S.
Material: 50% lambswool, 50% polyamide
Lambswool crew neck jumper, £30, F&F at Tesco
We may as well raid the menswear sections, right? I usually always do this anyway, as some of the best oversized basics can be found here, and this is also the case with crew neck jumpers. Because let’s face it, a round neck classic jumper is unisex anyway. Timeless shades of navy, black, grey and red knits work hard in my wardrobe, and I’ll be adding this 100 per cent lambswool F&F jumper in burgundy to my classic collection. To style, I’ll be adding it over a white T-shirt with a checked kilt skirt, knee-high boots and a trench – autumn perfection!
Material: 100% lambswool
Funnel neck Fair Isle jumper with wool, £28, George at Asda
This is a perfect example of a brand suggesting items are made from more wool than they are, so make sure to always check the product descriptions. This one is only made from 10 per cent wool, but I do think that any percentage is a welcome addition to knitwear for that extra bit of warmth. Plus, for under-£30 and with the seasonal Fair Isle detail, it’s one you’re bound to bring back out each season. I would keep the outfit tonal and add brown trousers, suede loafers and a long tan coat.
Material: 41% nylon 30% polyester 16% acrylic 10% wool 3% elastane