With Christmas looming, our fashion writers have shared their favourite festive jumpers from the high street
With December 25 less than a month away, many of us are in full shopping mode seeking out gifts for loved ones. But with just two weeks until Christmas Jumper Day, which lands on December 11 this year, many of us may be on the lookout for a fabulous festive knit to celebrate the occasion.
But gone are the days when a Christmas jumper is overlooked with so many stunning designs on the market. From delicate bows, sparkles and slogan-adorned knits, to jumpers bearing Christmas trees and reindeers, festive garments are a playful way to lean into the holiday season relatively easily – without looking like classic, novelty jumpers spotted in the likes of Home Alone, Bridget Jones’ Diary and Elf.
With a whole host of designs to choose from on the high street, our fashion team have shared below some of their favourite designs that are both Christmassy and stylish and will certainly garner compliments.
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Eve’s pick: River Island Nephthys Green Bow Christmas jumper –
Traditional Christmas jumpers often come across a little bit garish; made with painfully bright colours, oodles of sparkles shoved in your face, or have a rather unchic design (akin to Bridget Jones’ in the first film). And while it’s all in good spirit for the holiday season, I’d rather a jumper that fills me with joy at both its festive appearance and style – and in RIver Island’s Nepthys Green Bow Christmas Jumper, designed by London-based illustrator Nephthys Foster, I think I’ve found the perfect balance.
The jumper comes in an overall green shade but isn’t quite as in your face – its main body is a muted pistachio green, while the cuffs, neckline and hem are more of a Christmas tree green. Decorating the body is a delicate pink bow surrounded by subtle sequin star details that are so cute.
Tied onto the end of the sleeves are little bows to tie in with the chest’s design. It’s overall such a pretty jumper that is Christmassy without being over the top. I’d pair it with some barrel jeans and heels for a smart-casual meal or even over the top of a satin dress and boots for something a bit more formal.
My only gripe is that it looks to come up quite short, which may not tick the ‘cosy’ box for many people. Although it does have a heavy weight (as stated by the brand), which may add to its comfort level. For something a little longer, Next’s Bright Green Embroidered Merry Era Sequin Tinsel Graphic Short Sleeve Christmas Jumper, £30, is subtle with its festive embroidery and ’tis the season’ slogan.
Lauren’s pick: Next Pink Fairisle Jumper– £38
I’ll admit, I’ve never been a Christmas jumper person. The idea of novelty knits usually brings on a mild sense of panic; all that bright embroidery and over-the-top festivity has just never been my style.
However, Next’s Pink Fairisle Jumper has changed my mind. It avoids the typical Christmas-jumper clichés, which is precisely why it caught my attention.
The bright pink hue sits firmly in my comfort zone, while the classic Fair Isle pattern add a subtle festive touch without feeling excessive or overly themed. The jumper also looks incredibly soft and cosy, with long sleeves and a plush finish, making it ideal for winter wear.
For anyone who isn’t a fan of bright colours, it might be worth considering M&S’s Fairisle Crew Neck Jumper (£75) in a lighter hue.
Jess’ pick: New Look Cream Embroidered Merry Mimosa Christmas Jumper – £29.99
I’m normally a neutrals girl through and through, so I like that this New Look jumper adds some festive cheer without being too bold. Perfect for Christmas evenings with the girls, I’m a big fan of the fun slogan. At under £30, it’s a great option that won’t break the bank and can be pulled out year after year to get the cost-per-wear down.
I love that it still has a touch of sparkle, but it’s a more subtle option than many others on the market, meaning it would work well for all manner of festive gatherings; from Christmas dinner to Boxing Day walks.
One drawback is that the cream knit may not be the most practical colour for December’s festivities, however it is machine washable making it easy to care for should any spillages occur.
Another fun option for those who prefer a little colour is Brave Soul’s £28 Oversized Christmas Jumper that boasts a sequin candy cane detail and is shoppable from ASOS. A little more traditionally festive in a burgundy hue, it’s Christmassy yet still easy to style.
Lucy’s pick: Amazon Bow Knit Sweater – £17.88
I can’t get enough of the bow trend this season – in fact, I’m on the hunt for bow-related bits every December. So it was only right that my chosen Christmas jumper for 2025 features a big red bow. I first saw this jumper being styled by someone on a seasonal trip to New York, and while flights to the Big Apple aren’t quite in my budget, this Bow Knit Sweater Crew Neck from Amazon is.
Priced at under £20, it comes in small, medium or large so you can find a fit that works for you. I love that I can wear this sweater well into January and February, and the red stitching around the neckline gives it a nostalgic touch that I adore.
It’s not the warmest winter jumper I have in my wardrobe, but that does mean it works perfectly for layering when commuting or going shopping and not wanting to end up overheating. I’ve had so many compliments since picking this piece up and it’s a jumper I know I’ll keep reaching for in years to come.
Narin’s pick: Boden Christmas Tree jumper – £119 for adults, £39 for kids
Make no mistake, this cardigan is the Marmite of Christmas knitwear. When wearing it at an early festive family get-together, I got responses ranging from looks of pure horror courtesy of my fashionista sister through to giddy glee from various children in the family. The biggest fan was Willow, the family pet, who basically seemed to see me as a walking dog toy display thanks to the pom poms attached liberally across it.
While a Christmas tree inspired cardigan may not be everyone’s cup of tea, as a woman who loves Christmas so much I write a year-round weekly Christmas newsletter called Secret Elves Club (sign up here) this was always going to be a tempting prospect. It is warm and cheery and the whimsical design never fails to make me smile.
What’s more, I’m clearly not the only person who thinks so. It’s sold out twice this winter so far that I’ve spotted and is only available in limited sizes right now as it’s been reduced by 20% in the Boden Black Friday sale, although the mini-me matching children’s version is in stock in all sizes and reduced to £39.20.
This is definitely firmly on the quirky side of Christmas knits, but it still has the same thoughtful design style and quality you’d expect from Boden. The pompoms sit firmly below the bust line, keeping it the right side of ridiculous (no, there is one) and they’re only on the front of the cardigan so you can still sit comfortably without pompoms digging into your back.
While I fell in love with this when I first saw it, I was worried I wouldn’t get wear out of it because it risked being impractical. It’s surprisingly not and brings me a feeling of Christmas cheer whenever I put it on – the fact it’s so cosy is a handy side benefit.
