Tom Daley might think he invented knitwear – nay, knitting – but newsflash: he didn’t.
Defined as clothing that’s created by knitting looped yarns of wool, cotton or synthetic blends, you’ll find knitwear across categories, from jumpers and cardigans to scarves and more. It’s not just for winter, either. Depending on the textile, it can be just as good for summer, too – a lightweight but luxurious knitted polo for a garden party, for example.
Soft and stretchy, chunky knitwear crafted from wool is particularly suited to winter wardrobes, whether in a rollneck or pullover, both of which lean into layering – a trench over the top for the former and a shirt underneath for the latter – as well as a good pair of chunky boots. Take style notes from stars like David Beckham, Ryan Gosling and Chris Evans, who have rocked everything from cardigans to polos and cable knits, dressing them up or down with slouchy denim or tailored trousers.
Why wool?
“Warm, stylish and versatile, knitwear is one of the most enduring staples in any wardrobe,” explains Andrew Hogley, CEO of British Wool, the organisation that promotes great British fleece wool. “It can be made from a range of fibres, but wool remains the gold standard. As a renewable and biodegradable natural material produced here in the UK, wool brings exceptional warmth, breathability and durability – a world away from the synthetic fibres used in fast fashion.”
He adds: “For shoppers, the appeal of wool lies in its versatility and resilience. The fibre’s natural crimp creates tiny air pockets that help regulate body temperature, making wool comfortable to wear year-round. It’s also odour-resistant, flame-retardant and crease-resistant, meaning it looks good and performs brilliantly without the need for constant washing or ironing. When buying knitwear, quality and provenance matter.
Look for woollen products carrying the British Wool Shepherds’ Crook mark, which guarantees that the fibre has been responsibly sourced from UK farms where animal welfare and sustainability are paramount. The label also supports rural livelihoods and centuries of craftsmanship.”
How to care for wool knitwear
Hogley finishes with maintenance tips: “You must be careful when cleaning wool, but it's simpler than many expect. Always follow the care label, but generally, a cool hand wash or wool cycle with a gentle detergent work best. Avoid wringing; instead, reshape and dry flat.
Wool refreshes easily, so often a good airing between wears will do the trick. By choosing and caring for wool properly, you can enjoy garments that last for decades, combining comfort, performance and timeless style while supporting British farmers and sustainable production."
The expert lens
As a long-serving lifestyle journalist who writes for The Times, The Telegraph and, of course, The Standard, I’m an expert on men’s style. Indeed, every spare minute is spent trawling social media and thumbing glossy magazines for the latest trends in the world of fashion. My biggest vice? T-shirts – I’ve got hundreds of them.
Below, I round up the high street’s best knitwear for men under £300, including pieces crafted from British wool.
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AllSaints Toast Alpaca Wool Stripe Sweater
Argyle may be a bold print, but the warming biscuit colourway makes it easy to embrace. This oversized fit looks great on its own or layered under a shirt or a t-shirt.
Buy now £169.00, AllSaints
H&M Knitted Wool-Blend Hoodie
Offering an elevated take on menswear, H&M Atelier – a premium label from the high-street favourite – is selling an irresistibly soft hoodie made from a combination of wool, alpaca and nylon. It’s got a loose fit that’s perfect for WFH days, a lined hood for getting caught in unexpected downpours and a zip down the front for keeping out the chill. I particularly love the dropped shoulders and long sleeves for an even more relaxed and comfortable fit.
Buy now £119.99, H&M
Toast Alpaca Wool Stripe Sweater
A stripe will never go out of style, but for AW25, opt for seasonally-appropriate shades. Toast's crew neck option, crafted from a blend of unbelievably soft alpaca and merino wool, ticks all the right boxes and comes in sizes XS - XL.
Buy now £245.00, Toast
Reiss Archibald Monogram Embroidered Wool Jumper
With more than a whiff of luxe designer Spanish brand Loewe about it, this grey jumper from Reiss is an absolute steal. Characterised by an embroidered monogram on the chest, it’s crafted from 100 per cent wool and features a classic crew neckline with ribbed trims. The relaxed shoulders, which sit low down, allow for a slouchy silhouette that begs for cosy days on the sofa or in the pub.
Buy now £138.00, Reiss
Jaeger Alpaca Rich Fair Isle Crew Neck Jumper
Christmas jumpers aren’t all novelty nonsense. Case in point is this festive crew-neck jumper from none other than Jaeger via Marks & Sparks.
It’s decorated with a traditional Fair Isle pattern in a neutral colourway and is made from a blend of soft alpaca and cotton, so it’s cosy while remaining breathable. The chunky ribbed hem and cuffs add characterful finishing touches. Team it with a pair of cords and your favourite walking boots and you’re good to go.
Buy now £150.00, M&S
Sunspel Lamb’s Wool Roll Neck
Knitted in Fife using yarn from one of the world’s oldest spinners, this classic lambs’ wool roll neck from Sunspel is a real style workhorse. It’s washed in pure Scottish spring water to naturally soften the fibres and has a warm, breathable feel that makes it perfect for the transitional period between autumn and winter. Dress it up with a smart blazer – it deserves to be shown off.
Buy now £285.00, Sunspel
&SONS Clyde Knit Jumper Ecru
Chunky and cosy, this substantial cable knit jumper from &SONS is a staple in any wardrobe and calls for long hikes followed by a pub lunch. Its intricate pattern is teamed with quality wool that’s sourced and spun within a 50-mile radius in the UK – making this piece as sustainable as it is stylish – while it’s got a slightly oversized fit that means you can add a lightweight denim shirt underneath.
Buy now £300.00, &SONS
Oubas Men’s Donegal Sweater
Soft, warm and breathable, the Donegal sweater from Oubas – the sustainable, female-founded Cumbrian brand specialising in high-quality knitwear – is a thing of beauty. Made from merino wool in a forest-green colourway with a flecked finish, it gives fisherman vibes in all the best ways, while its lightweight feel means it can be easily layered without working up a sweat. This new-to-me brand is fast becoming one of my favourites.
Buy now £195.00, Oubas
Axel Arigato Sonar Sweater
A statement knit will do the heavy lifting when you want an easy weekday option to jazz up wardrobe staples like jeans and a plain white tee. Axel Arigato's has just the right touch of 70s appeal with a checked pattern and comfortable ribbed finishes.
Buy now £280.00, Axel Arigato
Octobre Jarel Sweater
I’ve seen French brand Octobre popping up on Instagram for a while now, so it was good to get a feel for its pieces in person. The hype checks out: they look great, especially this blush pink sweater crafted from a blend of fibres. It’s thick with a tactile texture and features a polo collar with buttons and ribbed detailing on the cuffs and along the hem.
Buy now £150.00, Octobre
Percival Archer Basketweave Long Sleeve Knitted Shirt
Everyone needs at least one long-sleeved knitted polo shirt in their closet, and this is it. Made by Percival – my favourite London brand, no less – it features a basketweave knit comprising a chequerboard pattern in forest green. It’s crafted from 100 per cent cotton for a soft and lightweight feel with a ribbed collar, cuffs and hem, plus three buttons at the neck. Throw a beige trench over it to complete with look.
Buy now £159.00, Percival
Uniqlo 100% Cashmere Knit Gloves
Who doesn’t need a pair of cashmere gloves in every shade? These are crafted from 100 per cent cashmere but are made to be hand-washable to reduce the usual bobbling, while they come in a number of colourways to suit all tastes and styles – my favourite is the wintery red. The only downside? They’re unisex, so your partner may just steal them.
Buy now £34.90, Uniqlo
