Jayne Cherrington-Cook
Our edit of the best Christmas jumpers for 2022 is sure to get all the family in the festive spirit, with offerings for men, women and teenagers.
You've got your matching family Christmas pyjamas sorted and secured those top Christmas toys, so now it's time to snap up some of the best Christmas jumpers for the family.
“Fast becoming a festive staple, Christmas jumpers continue to be incredibly popular for us at George, and each year takes on its own unique trend," explains Jamie-Lou Carr, Buying Assistant for Ladies Knitwear at George. "This Christmas we're seeing more colour than ever, veering away from the traditional green and red to include pops of blue and yellow, as well as slogan sweatshirts and character options."
There's something for every taste and budget out there, from Christmas jumpers for kids to those difficult-to-please teens, and we've found the best options to save you the legwork.
The best Christmas jumpers as chosen by a fashion expert
Jayne Cherrington-Cook is a fashion and lifestyle writer with over 23 years' experience. She's also a Christmas jumper fanatic. After years of wearing seasonal sweaters, she knows what to look for in the perfect Christmas jumper.
"The most important aspect is that they need to be versatile," she states. "It can't be too thick as it gets hot in the kitchen on the big day, but you also want to wear it on a Boxing Day walk or to the pub for a pre-Christmas drink with mates. It should also feel nice. You don't want to spend the earth on something you wear a few times a year, but you don't want something that's cheap and itchy."
With that in mind, she (and her family) have tried on pretty much every jumper going, and these are her top picks...
The best Christmas jumpers for women
We had to start our best Christmas jumpers round-up with this special Save the Children jumper - the official charity of Christmas Jumper Day 2022. Not sure when is Christmas jumper day? This year, it's on Thursday 8 December.
Designed exclusively for Save the Children by Myleene Klass and her daughters, each jumper is made from an upcycled vintage sweatshirt. It comes in two designs and various colours - and the best part is 100% of the products goes to supporting children across the globe.
Match with all the family in this cute Christmas jumper. This ribbed crew neck jumper comes in different versions for men and children, so you can be all matchy-matchy for that perfect Christmas photo.
Jayne says: "My son is sadly at the age where matching jumpers are a big no-no, but he said he might be tempted by this one as it wasn't too in your face, however, I have been banned from posting any photos of us wearing them on Instagram."
Knitted from a super soft and snuggly fabric, this is the best Christmas jumper for those who don't want to be too obvious. The pretty pink colour combined with a sequin snowflake means you'll get more wear out of it across the festive years - and beyond.
"This pretty pink shade is so on trend right now and I was immediately drawn to it when I saw it in my local store," says Jayne. "It didn't disappoint when I tried it on either. It really is super soft and strokeable, and I loved colour. It might not be festive enough for me but pink is so on trend right now and this shade is a super happy hue."
Those after something a little cheekier should look no further than New Look's Christmas pudding jumper. The two festive desserts are given the sequin treatment and positioned in the same place as some other prized puddings...
"Sequins are a key component for me when it comes to Christmas jumpers, which is why this one is great," says Jayne. "I also think it's a time of the year to have a bit of fun, which this jumper has in spades (or in this case, puddings)."
This cute slogan jumper from Rock on Ruby at Not on the High Street can be personalised and is made up of a soft cotton and polyester blend. Available in five colours, including festive red, it's designed to be oversized, making it great to cosy up in on a cold December night when working out what to watch in the Christmas TV schedule!
"Sweatshirts are great if you want something that's cosy but a bit more lightweight than something knitted," says Jayne. "It's also a nice touch that you can add personalisation to the cuff, which makes it a lovely Christmas gift."
This sweet sweater from Apricot shuns the traditional Christmas colours for something a bit more modern and stylish - pastel green adorned with sequin snowflakes.
"How cute is this knit? And it's a real bargain," says Jayne. "These knits are only worn once or twice a year so it's not worth spending lots of money, especially when they feel as soft and lovely as this one."
Get ready for the festive season with this classic Christmas jumper in red. Featuring a sparkly sequin snowflake design, the lightweight knit is perfect for evening dos teamed with a pair of leather trousers or a velvet skirt!
Jayne says: "I love that Peacocks have a wide range of sizes in their Christmas jumpers - and this one is a classic. It's a design that won't date and the simplicity of it means that it will go with everything in your wardrobe."
If it's your Christmas wish to match your dog, then this is the best Christmas jumper for you. The Scandi-inspired Fair Isle pattern is chic and will last past the festive period. Made from a yarn mix that contains wool, it's super cosy, so one way to cheap way to keep warm this Christmas! But all that is outshone by the fact your dog can have a jumper in a matching design, ensuring your dog's Christmas outfit is sorted! Twinning is winning, after all...
"To me, this isn't a proper festive knit, but it is a great alternative if you want something that you can wear past Christmas day, " says Jayne. "It's also lovely and warm. Perfect for winter walks though, especially as you can match your dog.”
If cats are more your thing, this Christmas jumper is the perfect choice. Available in a range of colours and sizes, it depicts a cute cat tangled in the Christmas tree lights - something all cat owners will more than likely have experienced at some point during the festive season.
"I've snapped this one up for my cat-loving pal," says Jayne. "It's a simple design, but fun, and I love that it comes in so many sizes."
Mrs Claus take centre stage in this inspired Christmas jumper. Perfect for sassy individuals not afraid to wear their heart on their sleeve - this jumper is snug, vegan- friendly and makes a fun statement on Christmas day.
"While I love a traditional Christmas jumper, this one rates very highly on my list of must-have jumpers," says Jayne. "I'm a true feminist and I think Mrs Claus has been overlooked for far too long, so it's great she's getting her turn in the Christmas jumper spotlight."
Get ready to sparkle in this gorgeous bow jumper. The sequin adornment ensures you'll be shimmering all festive season. While the design is very Christmassy, it's also wearable once the decorations have been taken down.
Jayne says: "I'm such a magpie and am immediately drawn to anything shimmery or shiny. I loved the look of it, however, I wish it was a bit more festive - black is a bit boring for me."
Looking to have a sustainable Christmas? Then start with an eco-friendly jumper. The most sustainable Christmas jumper is one you already own, but if you're feel the need to splurge, this one is a great choice. Made in the UK from 100% recycled yarn, 40% of which comes from recycled bottles, it's super soft to the touch.
Jayne says: "I love seeing companies that are using recycled material to make their clothes. Despite this one being made out of recycled bottles, it's surprisingly soft and snuggly. The Parisian design is also really unique and will make you stand out from the Christmas jumper crowd!"
This is the best Christmas jumper for those people who love all things bright and beautiful. The colour clashing makes a real statement, while the motif and type give it a proper festive feel.
"As soon as I saw the colours on this one, I knew I had to have it," exclaims Jayne. "Not only does it look nice, but it's also a lovely fit. Not too tight or too baggy, and also not too warm. I will literally be wearing this to EVERY festive event this season."
The best Christmas jumpers for men
Nothing says Christmas like a classic Fair Isle knit - and we're big fans of this stylish green one from Next. It gives a festive feel without the need to into novelty Santas and reindeer. You can also mix and match with the whole family as this style is available for women and children too.
"The subtle design on this one got the thumbs up from my husband, who unlike me, doesn't buy into the kitsch side of this trend," says Jayne. "It was a good fit as well, not too baggy, and felt nice to the touch as well."
This adorable festive dinosaur jumper is sure to be a roar-ing success on the day itself. Because not every Christmas jumper has to feature a penguin, snowman or reindeer. Pair with jeans and trainers for a comfy look.
"I love, love, love the design on this festive sweater," says Jayne. "It was a bit too much for my other half, but he did say that he liked the slim fit of the jumper, which made it feel modern."
Pick up this festive jumper for under £20 at Tu. Featuring a variety of polar bear motifs, it's a fun and easy-to-wear Christmas jumper that will last for years to come.
"This is a true bargain, plus you can't go wrong with polar bears in sunglasses," says Jayne.
Perfect for the (pac)man in your life. The classic retro game has been given a festive twist for this novelty jumper, in a bold purple print. What's more, they fit both women and men so you can twin.
"If you remember PacMan, then this is the jumper for you!" says Jayne. "I loved the design - as did the hubby - and as it comes in sizes for both women and men you can match on Christmas day."
Express your comic alter ego in this fun and festive Batman jumper. They'll be no questioning your allegiance come Christmas Jumper day and it's sure to spark a few water cooler chats on which superhero trumps all - Father Christmas surely?
"Can a Christmas jumper get any cooler?" says Jayne. "I wish it was in slightly more festive colours, but I love the idea of it and it's great for those men who want to get into the spirit of Christmas but don't want Santa on their chest."
The tradition of baking gingerbread houses and their tasty inhabitants at Christmas now extends way past the kitchen with this fun gingerbread print by H&M. The soft knit is a steal at £20 and perfect for those not afraid of making a cheesy statement.
"This knit is generously sized so if you don't want it to be too baggy, I'd recommend ordering a size down," says Jayne. "The material is also nice and soft and I just love the design - it's almost good enough to eat."
While R2-D2 may not be known as a traditional Christmas icon, he does make a one of the best Christmas jumpers we've seen. The Fair Isle design is given a movie makeover with images of R2-D2, making it the best Christmas jumper for any Star War fans.
"I live in a Star Wars obsessed family so this is a must for us!" says Jayne. "It does go up to a size XL and I love the fact that R2-D2 is bringing the merry force with him in time for Christmas!"
Add festive spirit (or beer) to your outfit this holiday season with this fun reindeer beer knitted Christmas jumper. The crew neck is flattering for all, while the red pom-pom nose adds a 3D element. What's more there's a special pocket where the reindeer's glass is - just don't pour your beer into it.
Jayne says: "I love pom-poms, so this gets my thumbs up straight away. The little pocket is also a fun touch and although the design was a little OTT for my other half, he said the fit was great and it felt super nice on."
The best Christmas jumpers for teens
Whether it's their bestselling Greggs steak bake or a cheeky Greggs chicken bake man teens love a Greggs and this novelty jumper is perfect for fans of the bakery chain. Sure to start a conversation or two at lunchtime and might make up for missing out on the famous Lidl Christmas jumper.
"The tween loves Greggs and although he thought this jumper was hilarious, he wasn't too sure about wearing it out and about" says Jayne. "It's also best for older teens as the smallest size was just a tad too big for my son."
This pretty pink sweatshirt is perfect perfect for teens who are too cool for classic Christmas jumpers. It features a soft fleecy inside so is perfect for chilling during the festive break.
"Can a 40-something woman buy this one?" asks Jayne. "Honestly, I think it's great for all ages. The sweatshirt is so soft and the design is just too cool, that I may have just bought it for myself..."
There's a lot to unpack in this Christmas jumper. Lights, snowflakes and trees in a Fair Isle pattern, finished off with a sunglass-wearing alpaca? Teens will love it for it's quirkiness. Available in sizes S to XXL, it's also a great novelty Christmas jumper for men too.
"The reviews mentioned that the quality wasn't great, but for the price, it looked OK to me, but it hasn't been worn for more than a quick try on," says Jayne. "It's nice and thin as well, which is great for ensuring the wearer isn't hot under the collar."
Even though England are out of the World Cup, football fans can get into the festive spirit with this special World Cup themed Christmas jumper. Made from responsibly sourced cotton, it comes in a relaxed fit. What's more, it also comes in adult sizes so the whole family can support the English side in style.
"'When are we ever going to celebrate Christmas and the World Cup?' was the plea I got from my son when he saw this jumper," laughs Jayne. "As expected with M&S, the quality is great. It's made from pure cotton, so it means my son won't get all hot and sweaty."
For a Christmas jumper with a Disney twist, look no further than this cute H&M offering. It has a drop shoulder and a cropped finish to up the teen fashion credentials, while the Mickey Mouse design is subtly stylish.
"H&M produce some great quality knitwear for small prices, which is why I had to include this one," says Jayne. "It is slightly cropped, but most teens I know love that style, and it feels really nice to the touch."
At first glance, this Christmas jumper looks like a traditional Fair Isle design. Look more closely however and you'll notice a famous lightening scar and pair of glasses! The best Christmas jumper for any Harry Potter fan, this is one jumper that will get worn all year round.
"This jumper does come up quite large, so definitely order down a size," advises Jayne. "It felt nice on and even though I didn't end up keeping this one, the reviews all say that it washes well, which is sometimes an issue with cheaper knits."
If your teens mumble the words lag, noob and rage quit, then they need this Christmas jumper, pronto. Christmas icons of Santa and snowmen are mixed in with all the important game controller. It's also 60% cotton, ensuring a soft feel.
"My son is autistic and struggles with the texture of clothes, but he loved the feel of this jumper," says Jayne. "A really fun design as well, which isn't (in my son's words) 'too babyish'."
Reach for the stars with this gorgeous sparkly Christmas jumper, which is perfect for any teen who loves to shine. Made from a super soft fabric, while it's pricier than some other Christmas jumpers for teenagers, it will last more than just the festive season, especially paired with a simple skirt or jeans.
"This simple crew neck is elevated by the sequin stars, and what I really love about this jumper, is it can be worn all winter, especially important when you're looking after the pennies," says Jayne.
If you've not spent the year hidden under a bush, you'll know that Stranger Things is one of Netflix's most watched shows. This festive twist on the Hellfire Club logo is a super cool way to get any teen to don a Christmas jumper.
Jayne says: "We are a family of Stranger Things fans and I knew my son would love this sweatshirt. He says it feels nice to wear and it looks really good with jeans and tracksuit bottoms."
For those teens that are all about the style, this cropped jumper is the solution. Available in a bright aqua blue it says Christmas without being too obvious - because, that's just not drip...
"Made of acrylic, this isn't the nicest feeling of jumpers, but then I doubt most teens care about," says Jayne. "It's a super cool design though and would look great teamed with tracksuit bottoms or even worn over a dress."
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