Designer jumpers for men: what to look for and what to pay

A designer jumper is a jumper someone has designed with care: the cut, the collar, the rib and the cloth were all decided on purpose. It does not have to carry a famous name or a logo. Legacy London (formerly LCY London) designs its men's jumpers in London and makes them in Colombo, Sri Lanka. They carry no logos, and our men's designer jumpers are where to see them all.

This guide explains what to look for before you buy a man's jumper, how the main shapes differ and what a fair price looks like. The short answer: check the neckline, the rib and the fit first, and read the care label for the fibre.

What designer means in knitwear

In most shops, designer means a label. A famous house puts its emblem on the chest, and you pay for the name. In knitwear the better test is what you can see and feel. Is the collar structured? Does the rib at the cuff and hem grip, or has it already gone loose in the shop? Does the fit sit cleanly on the shoulder?

We use the word to mean designed by us. There is no licensed name on the label and no logo on the front. If you like a quiet jumper, that is the point. It also means the price is not carrying a brand extra for a logo you may not want to wear.

Cotton first: choosing the fibre

Cashmere and wool are warmer for their weight, and they are what many designer knitwear pages lead with. We do not make cashmere, merino or wool jumpers.

Cotton suits a British autumn better than people expect. It is breathable, it sits well against bare skin, and a cotton jumper is easy to wear indoors, which matters more than it sounds if you commute and sit in an office. Some of our jumpers use other cloths: the Heritage Knit Sweater is a nylon and viscose jacquard, and the velvet jumpers are velvet.

The Essential Half Zip Sweatshirt has a soft sweatshirt handle. The Soft Horizon Zipper Pullover has a soft knitted texture. The Double Jersey Oversize Crew Neck is double jersey cotton, substantial and soft, with a clean drape through the body. Read the care label on the piece you buy, because the label is the final word on the fibre.

Construction: crew neck, half zip and zip neck

The neckline changes how a jumper looks and when you reach for it.

Crew neck jumper

A crew neck has a plain, round neckline. It is the simplest jumper to wear, on its own over a t-shirt or over a shirt with the collar folded out. Our Double Jersey Oversize Crew Neck has a ribbed stretch collar band that holds its shape with wear.

Half zip and zip neck jumper

A half zip is a pullover with a short zip at the neck and a stand collar. Some shops call it a quarter zip jumper. Close the zip for warmth and open it for air. It looks smarter than a crew neck at a desk and sits well over a shirt or a knitted polo. The Essential Half Zip has a structured stand collar with a zip closure. The Soft Horizon has a half-zip front with a raised ribbed collar.

Rib, hem and cuffs

Rib is the stretchy, ridged knit that grips the neck, wrist and waist. Pick the jumper up and look at it first. Ribbed cuffs and a ribbed hem keep the shape through repeated wear and stop the sleeves slipping down. Both half zips have them.

Fit and layering

Fit differs by piece, so compare the measurements on the product page with a jumper you already own. Sizes run S to XL.

• The Essential Half Zip has a relaxed fit.
• The Soft Horizon has a comfortable regular fit.
• The Double Jersey Oversize Crew Neck is oversized and roomy by design.

For layering, put a thin layer underneath so the bulk stays down. A shirt or a fine knit works well. A knitted polo is a good base under a half zip. The stripes on the Soft Horizon carry the outfit, so keep the trousers and shoes plain. The Essential Half Zip is a plain front, so it pairs with almost anything, from denim to tailored trousers. We do not currently list cardigans, so a jumper or half zip is the knitwear layer here.

What to pay for a designer jumper

Price follows the fibre, the construction and whether a name is on the label. In the UK our stocked jumpers cost between £29 and £49: the Double Jersey Oversize Crew Neck at the low end, the Essential Half Zip in the middle and the Soft Horizon at the top. A jumper that carries a famous name and a logo on the chest will cost a good deal more, and part of that price is the label rather than the cloth.

A fair test for any man buying knitwear is cost per wear. A cotton jumper that holds its shape, washes at home and goes with your trousers will be worn weekly from October to March. If it needs dry cleaning or a special wash, it will be worn less. Also check what is left in your size. Stock moves quickly and each product page shows it.

How to look after a jumper

Follow the care label first. For cotton knitwear, a safe general routine is to wash it cool, at 30°C or below, on a gentle cycle, inside a mesh bag. Use a mild detergent and skip the fabric softener. Reshape it while damp and dry it flat, away from direct sun and radiators. Never hang a wet jumper, because its own weight stretches the shoulders and the neckline. Our men's cotton jumpers guide covers the three necklines and how to care for them in more detail.

Which jumper to start with

For a plain half zip, start with the Essential Half Zip Sweatshirt. It comes in dark grey, silver, teal and black. For a striped knit jumper, start with the Soft Horizon Zipper Pullover, which comes in sage green, black and mustard brown. For a cotton crew neck in a milder week, the Double Jersey Oversize Crew Neck is the roomier choice.

Frequently asked questions

Do designer jumpers run big or small?

It depends on the cut. The Essential Half Zip is relaxed, the Soft Horizon is regular and the Double Jersey Oversize Crew Neck is oversized. Sizes run S to XL, and the measurements on each page are the best guide.

Are designer jumpers worth it?

They are worth it when the cloth, collar and rib will last through repeated wear. A plain, well-made jumper that you wear every week is better value than a logo you wear twice.

Can I dress a jumper up or down?

Yes. Put a half zip over a shirt with tailored trousers for the office, or wear a crew neck over a t-shirt with denim at the weekend.

What is the difference between a jumper and knitwear?

Knitwear is the wider term for anything made from knitted fabric, including jumpers, cardigans and knitted polos. A jumper is a pullover that goes over the head.

What about delivery and returns?

Delivery is free in the UK, and you have 30 days to return an item. Return postage is at your cost.