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Best Christmas Jumpers: Fair Isle Knits, Festive Embroidery and a Little Sparkle

Best Christmas Jumpers: Fair Isle Knits, Festive Embroidery and a Little Sparkle

The best Christmas jumpers deserve a place in your December wardrobe, whether your plans involve office drinks, a long family lunch or a weekend at home. A patterned knit with tailored trousers can feel suitably dressed up, while sequins and embroidered motifs bring a festive note to familiar jeans and skirts.

There is room for novelty, too. Reindeer, Snoopy and a cheeky slogan all feature in this edit, alongside quieter Fair Isle designs and a cashmere option. The trick is to choose a jumper that suits your style, then build the outfit around it.

From M&S and Tu to Joules and John Lewis, these are 15 festive knits to consider for the season.

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Prices may change. Check the retailer for current prices and availability.

1. M&S Fairisle Funnel Neck Christmas Jumper

£36

A grey Fair Isle pattern and funnel neck give this M&S jumper an understated feel. The relaxed shape works over a crisp white shirt, while dark denim and loafers keep the outfit simple. For Christmas lunch, swap the jeans for charcoal tailoring and add silver earrings. It is a winter knit you can continue wearing once the decorations come down.

SHOP THE M&S FAIRISLE →

2. Threadbare Reindeer & Car Crew Neck Jumper at M&S

£26

Threadbare takes the traditional novelty route with reindeer, cars, trees and snowflakes across a red knit. The regular crew-neck shape keeps the busy pattern easy to wear: try navy chinos and brown boots, or straight-leg jeans with trainers. A plain coat will balance the festive motifs when you head out. This is one for anyone who enjoys dressing for the occasion.

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3. M&S Pure Cotton Guinness Crew Neck Jumper

£38

M&S’s Guinness jumper pairs a black-mix base with a playful graphic. The pure cotton knit and regular crew-neck shape make it a casual option for December pub lunches and catch-ups with friends. Wear it with washed black jeans and leather boots, then add an oversized wool coat. Keeping the rest of the outfit in dark tones gives the graphic room to stand out.

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4. Tu Clothing Stone All Is Fair In Monopoly Christmas Jumper

£24

A stone-coloured base gives Tu’s Monopoly jumper a quieter palette, even if the slogan is destined to start a conversation. The character graphic is the focal point, so keep the styling relaxed: indigo jeans, a white T-shirt underneath and simple trainers. Alternatively, brown corduroy trousers bring a little texture. An apt choice for Christmas afternoon, especially if a family board game is on the agenda.

SHOP THE MONOPOLY JUMPER →

5. Tu Clothing Dark Red Christmas Sequin Bow & Mistletoe Jumper

£24

Deep red, a sequin bow and mistletoe make this Tu jumper a pretty option for festive evenings. Try it with a black satin midi skirt and pointed ankle boots, or tuck the front loosely into wide-leg trousers. Small earrings are enough alongside the embellished design. It is an easy way to dress for after-work drinks while keeping knitwear at the centre of the outfit.

SHOP THE SEQUIN BOW JUMPER →

6. Tu Clothing Snoopy Let It Snow Christmas Jumper

£19.20

Snoopy and a “Let It Snow” motif give this navy jumper a nostalgic feel. The crew neck and ribbed trims keep the silhouette familiar, making it easy to style with clothes already in your wardrobe. Add blue jeans and retro trainers for the weekend, or wear it with a pleated skirt and flat boots. A red scarf would pick up the festive mood without adding another pattern.

SHOP THE SNOOPY JUMPER →

7. Matalan Red Fairisle Matching Family Christmas Jumper

£16.50

Matalan’s red Fair Isle jumper takes a traditional approach to Christmas colour. Style it with dark denim and lace-up boots, or soften the red with cream trousers and a camel coat. The matching-family range also lends itself to a coordinated Christmas photograph. Keep the accompanying outfits in similar shades of denim, navy or cream so the patterned knitwear remains the focus.

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8. Next Green/White Fairisle Relaxed Jumper with Wool

£39

Green and white give Next’s Fair Isle knit a fresh winter palette. The relaxed crew neck looks good with wide-leg jeans and chunky loafers, while a white shirt underneath adds definition around the neckline. For a softer combination, try ecru denim and a brown suede bag. The pattern feels festive in December, but will sit just as comfortably beneath a wool coat in January.

SHOP THE NEXT FAIRISLE →

9. Joules Nice Baubles Christmas Jumper at John Lewis

£40

Joules combines a bright red knit with “Nice Baubles” embroidery and gentle gathering at the shoulders. The slogan is playful, while the familiar crew neck keeps it easy to style. Wear it with a black A-line skirt, opaque tights and knee-high boots for Christmas lunch. Alternatively, dark jeans and ballet flats make a relaxed option for an afternoon gathering.

SHOP THE JOULES BAUBLES JUMPER →

10. John Lewis Pure Cashmere Fair Isle Jumper

£179

John Lewis’ pure cashmere Fair Isle jumper is the most expensive piece in the edit, with patterning around the neckline and shoulders. That placement works particularly well beneath an open coat, where the detail can still be seen. Pair it with wool trousers and loafers for lunch, or straight-leg denim for the weekend. Keep accessories simple and let the patterned yoke frame the outfit.

SHOP THE CASHMERE FAIR ISLE →

11. Joules Christmas Icons Embroidered Jumper at John Lewis

£69

Small festive embroideries give Joules’ navy jumper a more discreet Christmas feel. Dropped shoulders lend the shape a relaxed look, balanced by ribbed trims. Try it with an ivory skirt and tall boots, or tuck the front into dark jeans and add a leather belt. The navy base makes it a useful partner for camel outerwear, burgundy accessories and the darker colours of a winter wardrobe.

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12. Sosandar Fluffy Knit Sequin Snowflake Jumper at John Lewis

£55

Sosandar brings together an ivory fluffy knit, a V-neck and sequin snowflakes. The loose silhouette works with slim black trousers, while a cream midi skirt creates a softer tonal outfit. Add a small metallic bag for an evening out, or keep things casual with faded denim. With sparkle already woven into the look, there is little need for much jewellery.

SHOP THE SOSANDAR SNOWFLAKE →

13. The Little Tailor Christmas Cotton Cable Knit Reindeer Jumper at John Lewis

£55

Cream cable knit gives The Little Tailor’s reindeer jumper a traditional winter feel. The cotton knit combines texture with a festive motif, making it an appealing option for a coordinated family look. Pair the cream with navy or deep red elsewhere in the outfit, and let the cable pattern provide the detail.

SHOP THE COTTON REINDEER JUMPER →

14. Cotton Traders Cotton Crew Neck Christmas Jumper

£23

Cotton Traders’ crew-neck Christmas jumper offers a straightforward shape with a choice of festive designs. Raglan sleeves and ribbed trims give it a casual finish that suits jeans, cords and lace-up boots. Choose a motif you enjoy, then pull one colour from the pattern into a scarf or socks. A simple navy coat will bring the outfit together.

SHOP THE COTTON CHRISTMAS JUMPER →

15. ASOS DESIGN Curve Christmas Snowflake Jumper in Burgundy

£24

Burgundy and snowflakes make a good pairing for December. This ASOS DESIGN Curve jumper has dropped shoulders and a relaxed shape, which works well with wide-leg denim or a black slip skirt. For an evening outfit, add heeled boots and a compact shoulder bag. The rich colour also sits neatly alongside chocolate brown, charcoal and cream.

SHOP THE ASOS CURVE SNOWFLAKE →

How to style a Christmas jumper

Start with proportion. A relaxed knit works well with a straight skirt or tailored trousers, while a neater crew neck can sit comfortably beneath a blazer. If the jumper has a bold graphic, keep the surrounding colours simple. Navy, charcoal, denim and cream give festive reds and greens a useful backdrop.

For evening, texture makes the difference. Pair knitwear with satin, velvet or leather, then add earrings and polished boots. A Fair Isle jumper with a satin midi skirt feels considered enough for drinks, while a sequin knit needs little more than black trousers.

Finally, think beyond the first outing. Traditional winter patterns can stay in rotation after Christmas, while a favourite novelty jumper can become something you bring out each December.

For more seasonal inspiration, explore our Christmas gift guide for her and Christmas gift guide for him.

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