lifestyle

The Twelve Jumpers Of Christmas 2020

Sarah Gilfillan founder of Sartoria Lab - a personal styling and shopping consultancy for men looks at 12 types of Christmas jumper.

photo by Matty Ring

Normally at this time of year I'd be advising on black tie outfits, velvet jackets and smart casual looks for wearing to the Christmas party. But lets face it most of our Christmas parties will be on Zoom or outside this year wont they? And are you really going to dress up in your smartest suit for those?

Probably not, so if you'd like to get into the spirit of Christmas (and no, I don't mean the drinks cabinet) then here are some suggestions of knitwear that give a nod to the big fella and his reindeer (or the Three Wise Men - whichever story you subscribe to) but that you can wear afterwards too.

I give you....The Twelve jumpers of Christmas. And to keep it in the realm of Shop Local / Buy British / Save Your High Street where possible I've stuck to the smaller British brands too.

Colour

Johnstons of Elgin https://www.johnstonsofelgin.com/retail/classic-red-classic-mens-round-neck-jumper.html

For a stylish take on Santas suit opt for a classic red cashmere crew neck.

You can dress it up with navy cords and a chambray shirt underneath or go casual with jeans and boots for outdoor walks.

Country of Origin lambswool sweate
https://countryoforigin.co.uk/collections/sweaters-1/products/staple-lambswool-funnel-greenr

If you're following government guidelines and throwing the windows open when your relatives arrive to celebrate, you're going to need something to stay warm at the Christmas table.

So chuck on this chunky roll neck, in traditional pine green to look stylish and keep those chill winds away.

Drakes ecru Shetland crew neck
www.drakes.com/clothing/knitwear/ecru-brushed-shetland-wool-crew-neck-jumper

Bing Crosby would be proud of you in this off white Christmas jumper.

Just add a red check shirt and navy chinos for an excellent Xmas outfit, and layer a green cord shacket on top for the post lunch walk.

Pattern

Universal Works at Mr Porter
https://www.mrporter.com/en-gb/mens/product/universal-works/clothing/crew-necks/fair-isle-wool-blend-sweater/30049528927182863?cm_mmc=PartnerizeUK-_-sartorialab-_-Other-_-1011l71125

When is a Fair Isle not a Fair Isle? When its made up from a mixture of motifs from the English brand Universal Works - past collections. Clever eh?

Pair this up with some tan moleskin trousers and you'll be the first one dashing through the snow on Christmas morning.

Drakes argyle yoke sweater
https://www.drakes.com/clothing/knitwear/natural-argyle-yoke-wool-crew-neck-jumper

You might be used to seeing this argyle pattern on the socks you receive at this time of year, but here it is reimagined on the yoke of your sweater.

Add dark navy jeans, and a white Oxford shirt for a smart casual look to impress the family.

Jamieson's of Shetland at End Clothing
https://www.endclothing.com/gb/jamieson-s-of-shetland-fair-isle-shawl-collar-cardigan-mk159ds-918-65.html

Barbequed turkey anyone? If you're venturing outside for your Christmas lunch this year so as not to spread any unwanted germs, then layer up with this fabulous Fair Isle shawl collared cardigan.

Put a t-shirt and cord shirt underneath and add a scarf in one of the colours in the knit and youll stay warm as toast.

Animal

Kind Penguins best fishes Christmas jumper
https://kindpenguins.com/product/best-fishes-christmas-jumper/

Okay so you might not be able to wear this one year round but who could resist a pun like this to bring a smile to everyones faces on Xmas Day?

Delivered with zero plastic and with 10% going to a penguin conservation project, what's not to love?

Hand & Jones intarsia lion
https://handjones.com/collections/products/products/cashmere-intarsia-lion-sweater?variant=35818344513704

After the year we've had, we could all do with a bit of frivolity in our lives this Christmas, so I bring to you this lion sweater by brand new company Hand & Jones.

They've definitely got the fun factor covered here, and its sure to raise a smile with the smaller members of the family at the Christmas dinner table too.

Sunspel X David Shrigley lambswool polar bear jumper
https://www.sunspel.com/uk/david-shrigley-and-sunspel-lambswool-polar-bear-jumper-in-smoke-blue-melange.html

Have fun, be responsible and look ice cool in this reinterpretation of the traditional Christmas sweater.

Give a Christmas present to the earth this year as when you buy one of these 10% of the profits goes to an environmental preservation charity.

Texture

YMC brushed lambswool crew neck
https://www.youmustcreate.com/product/mens-knitwear/bryer-lambswool-crew-neck-jumper-multi/

Who knew we'd need permission from the government to hug our loved ones for Christmas 2020?

So not only will you look great but you'll give them a treat when they come in close with this fuzzy number.

Far Afield khaki ribbed knit
https://www.farafield.uk/product/tanner-ribbed-knit-7

You'll be first in line to organise the troops for those outdoor social gatherings when you have on this festive green, ribbed knit sweater to keep you warm.

Inspired by fishermans sweaters, the super chunky knit will see you through for alfresco lunches, the outdoor ice rink and fireworks on New Years Eve.

Inis Meain Aran sweater
https://inismeain.ie/shop/cashmere-aran-sweater/

Made on the Aran Islands, this decorated style was once prized as Sunday Best.

Perfectly fitting then to be worn on Christmas Day, just add a green tartan shirt and navy cords to create a sense of occasion this holiday.
www.sartorialab.co.uk

Read the business interview with Sarah Gilfillan https://www.yorkshiretimes.co.uk/article/The-Business-Interview-Personal-Stylist-Sarah-Gilfallan