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Christmas jumper style guide
How to Pull Off Jolly Jumpers with Panache
Discover how to wear a Christmas jumper with style. From Fair Isle knits to novelty designs, our guide shares tips, outfit ideas, and festive favourites for men and women.
Ah, Christmas jumpers. They’re as much a part of the festive season as turkey, tinsel and twinkly lights.
But whether you embrace novelty knitwear or prefer more refined festive fashion, it’s not always obvious how to style these seasonal sweaters.
In this guide, we’ll look at the main types, when to put one on and - most importantly - what to wear them with.
What are Christmas jumpers?
A Christmas jumper is any kind of knitwear, jersey, hoodie, fleece, cardigan or pullover that includes a festive motif or pattern. These designs range from traditional Nordic prints to sophisticated seasonal styles and jokey jumpers.
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A short history of Christmas jumpers
Christmas jumpers don’t get more traditional than the ‘original’ Fair Isle type - Fair Isle being a remote Shetland island where women create hardy jumpers for their fishermen husbands. Made using a two-stranded knitting technique with bands of horizontal motifs, they became popular after the then-Prince of Wales rocked one in 1921.
Over the decades, we’ve had a love-hate relationship with Christmas jumpers. In the 80s, they were a favourite for TV presenters and on ski slopes across Europe, but they fell out of fashion in the 1990s and 2000s. In the US, ‘ugly Christmas sweater contests’ poked fun at the style, while the original Bridget Jones’ Diary saw Colin Firth embarrassed by his Rudolf top.
They’ve made a huge comeback over the last couple of decades though, especially since 2012 when the annual Christmas Jumper Day started raising money for Save the Children. Each year, many celebrities are spotted wearing them, and leading fashion brands now sell a range of jolly designs.
When should you wear Christmas jumpers?
The holidays seem to start earlier every year, so there are plenty of opportunities to show off your festive fashion. Choosing a quality Christmas jumper means you can don it for several events - and you can dust it off and wear it again next year too.
To get the most out of your Christmas jumper, style it for…
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Christmas Jumper Day: Help raise money for charity while spreading some festive cheer. In 2025, Christmas Jumper Day falls on Thursday 11th December.
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Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day: Nothing says ‘happy holidays’ quite like a merry Christmas cardie. Why not get the whole clan to wear matching Christmas jumpers for a fun family photo?
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Work Christmas party: You know all your colleagues will be dressed in one - it’s time to join in the fun!
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Christmas markets: Beat the chill with your jolly jumper, a steaming mulled wine, and plenty of German Gemütlichkeit (Christmas feeling).
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Parties and pub trips: From cosy country pubs to sparkly parties and New Year’s events - a Christmas jumper will never look out of place.
Top types of Christmas jumper
With so many different types of Christmas jumpers, you’ll never struggle to find one that suits you and your style.
Fair Isle Christmas jumpers
These are the ‘classic’ Christmas jumpers, starring repeated motifs with at least two colours (but often many more). The designs range from simple, traditional stars and snowflakes to more complex patterns with reindeer or Christmas trees.
Fair Isle styles are timeless, versatile and can be worn all season long - understated patterns will continue to look suitable in January and February too.
Winter animal jumpers
For a fun, whimsical look, a winter animal jumper is a great choice. You can’t go wrong with the classic reindeer, but polar bears, robins, penguins, sheep, foxes and even llamas (don’t ask why) often make an appearance too.
Novelty and joke Christmas jumpers
Always guaranteed to raise a laugh - or a groan - novelty Christmas jumpers tend to have the most garish designs and over-the-top patterns. It’s all good festive fun, and they’re perfect for spreading seasonal cheer.
Classic Christmas film jumpers
Celebrate cult Christmas movies like Elf, Home Alone, The Grinch or Die Hard (again, don’t ask us why!) with a seasonal sweater starring your favourite characters or film posters.
Embellished and statement jumpers
Perhaps the most understated - and versatile - option, these jumpers tend to hint at the season rather than shouting it from the rooftops. Think bows, sequins, or snowflake lace edging - they can range from glamorous and sophisticated to jolly and warm.
Like with Fair Isle jumpers, these don’t need to be reserved just for Christmas - they can be styled through the whole season.
How to style your Christmas jumper
Christmas jumpers tend to sit at the more casual end of the spectrum, so they often make a fairly relaxed look.
You might want to match the knit’s main colours with other items in your outfit. For example, a Fair Isle jumper with a green pine tree motif might go well with a hat or coat in a similar tone.
The exceptions are embellished and statement jumpers. These tend to be smarter, so might need a bit more thought when it comes to styling.
How to style women’s Christmas jumpers
Fair Isle
Match a Fair Isle Christmas jumper with a midi skirt in a similar tone to the knit’s main colour. Wear a pair of leather boots and layer with a long coat.
Embellished jumper
Sparkle at the work Christmas party in a classic look. Just style your sequined jumper with a leather skirt, tights and heels.
How to style men’s Christmas jumpers
Fair Isle
If your Fair Isle jumper is dominated by darker colours, match it with dark denim and a pair of brogues. For lighter tones, we’d recommend pairing it with pale blue jeans and trainers.
Novelty Christmas jumper
These statement pullovers can go with almost anything. Try wearing one over your office wear, with dark chinos and trainers, or with a pair of jeans and boots.
Don’t forget Christmas accessories
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While Christmas jumpers are undoubtedly the star of the show, try matching up your mid-layer with some festive accessories too. Choose hats, gloves, socks and scarves that mirror the style of your jumper - from Fair Isle knit hats to sparkly tasseled scarves or novelty socks.
’Tis the season (for Christmas jumpers)
Christmas jumpers are an annual fashion favourite. Whether you opt for timeless patterns, eye-catching statement pieces or groan-inducing joke designs, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to wear your Yuletide top through December and beyond.
Explore our huge range of men’s and women’s Christmas jumpers, and find your perfect seasonal sweater today.