Men's cotton jumpers: crew neck, half zip and roll neck

A good men's cotton jumper is breathable, washes at home and does not itch. Wool is warmer for its weight, but cotton is the easier fibre to live with in a British autumn. It stays comfortable indoors, sits well against bare skin and goes in the washing machine on a cool cycle. That is why a cotton jumper is usually the first jumper worth buying.

Legacy London (formerly LCY London) designs its jumpers in London and makes them in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The house dates from 1997 and the jumpers carry no logos. Most of our jumpers are cotton, and each product page gives the cloth. Two are in other cloths: the velvet crewneck and the Heritage Knit, a nylon and viscose jacquard. This guide covers the three necklines, what to check before you buy, the pieces in stock now and how to look after them. To see everything in one place, browse our men's designer jumpers, from half zips to crew necks.

Crew neck, half zip or roll neck jumper

Crew neck. A crew neck jumper has a plain, round neckline that sits at the base of the throat. It is the simplest jumper to wear. Put it on its own over a t-shirt, or over a shirt with the collar folded out across the rim. Navy chinos and denim both suit it. A v neck shows more of the shirt underneath, so a v-neck jumper suits a collar and tie better.

Half zip. A half zip jumper is a pullover with a short zip at the neck and a stand collar. Some shops call it a quarter zip. Close the zip for warmth and open it for air. It sits well over a shirt or a knitted polo, with tailored trousers or denim, and it looks smarter than a crew neck at a desk.

Roll neck. A roll neck jumper, also called a turtle neck, folds over at the throat and covers it. It is the warmest of the three necklines and works under a coat or a jacket. Wear it plain with dark trousers. It does not need a shirt, so it is the quickest outfit to put together on a cold morning. Choose a crew neck instead if you dislike anything close to the throat.

What to look for in a cotton jumper

• Rib at the collar, cuffs and hem. Rib is the stretchy, ridged knit that grips the neck, wrist and waist. It keeps the shape of a jumper through repeated wear and stops the sleeves slipping down. Check it first when you pick one up.
• Weight. A heavier cotton knit is warmer, cosier and holds its shape. A lightweight one layers under a jacket without bulk. A chunky cable knit jumper looks impressive but sits bulky under a coat, so a plain or textured knit is the easier everyday choice.
• Fit. A relaxed fit has room through the body for a shirt underneath. A regular fit sits closer. Oversized is looser still and best worn on its own. Compare the measurements on the product page with a jumper you already own, and read how we measure if you are between sizes.
• Layering. A jumper goes over a shirt or over a fine knit. A thin layer underneath keeps the bulk down. Our knitted polo shirts suit that layer, and why knit polos explains how a knitted polo differs from a cut-and-sewn one.
• Colour. Navy, grey and black go with the rest of a wardrobe. A stripe, a pattern or a stronger colour works best when everything else stays plain.

The men's jumpers in stock now

These all sit in the jumper collection. They come in a range of colours. Sizes run S to XL, and stock changes, so each product page shows what is left in your size.

• Essential Half Zip Sweatshirt: a long-sleeve half zip with a structured stand collar and a plain front. The sweatshirt fabric is soft, the cuffs and hem are ribbed and the fit is relaxed. It comes in dark grey, silver, teal and black.
• Soft Horizon Zipper Pullover: a striped half-zip knit jumper with a raised rib collar, ribbed cuffs and hem, and a regular fit. It comes in sage green, black and mustard brown, and suits casual wear, travel and smart weekend layering.
• Double Jersey Oversize Crew Neck: a crew neck in double jersey cotton, cut oversized, with a ribbed stretch collar band that holds its shape. The cotton is substantial and soft, with a clean drape through the body.

Which jumper to start with

For a plain half zip, start with the Essential Half Zip Sweatshirt. The front is clean, the stand collar is structured and the relaxed fit leaves room for a shirt underneath. For a striped knit, start with the Soft Horizon Zipper Pullover. The stripes carry the outfit, so keep the trousers and shoes plain. For a cotton crew neck jumper in warmer weather, the Double Jersey Oversize Crew Neck wears well on its own. Not sure yet? Shop jumpers and check each page for your size.

How to wash and care for a cotton jumper

Cotton knits are easy to look after as long as you avoid heat.

• Wash cool, on a gentle cycle or by hand.
• Press the water out. Do not wring.
• Dry flat.
• Fold it on a shelf. Never hang a jumper, because a hanger pulls the shoulders out of shape.
• Never tumble dry.

A cotton knit softens with washing and keeps its shape when it is treated this way. If you tumble dry one, it can lose a little length. The full routine is in our knitwear care guide.

Frequently asked questions

Are cotton jumpers warm enough for winter?

Cotton is cooler than wool at the same thickness, so a single cotton jumper suits autumn and mild winter days best. For the coldest weeks, add a shirt or a fine knit underneath and a coat on top. A roll neck adds warmth at the throat.

Crew neck or half zip for the office?

A half zip over a shirt looks smarter at a desk, because the stand collar frames the neck and the zip lets you adjust the neckline. A crew neck with the shirt collar folded out across it is more relaxed. If your office is smart, choose the half zip in a dark colour.

Do cotton jumpers shrink?

Cotton can shrink with heat. Wash it cool, dry it flat and never tumble dry. A cotton knit that is tumble dried can lose a little length. Washed properly, it softens instead.

What is the difference between a jumper and a knitted sweater?

Almost none. Jumper is the British word and sweater the American one, and both mean a knitted top pulled on over the head. A pullover is the same thing. A cardigan is different because it opens down the front. A half zip is a pullover with a short zip at the neck.

How should a jumper fit?

The shoulder seams should sit on your shoulders, the sleeves should end at the wrist and the hem should reach your belt. A relaxed fit leaves room for a shirt underneath and a regular fit sits closer. Our sizes run S to XL, and our measuring guide shows how to check a size against a jumper you own.

Where are Legacy London jumpers made?

They are designed in London and made in our Colombo workshop in Sri Lanka. Delivery is free and tracked, and you have 30 days to return an item. Return postage is at your cost.