Caroline Parr
We're all going to find ourselves reaching for toasty knitwear in the months ahead, and the very best wool jumpers make for an excellent addition to any wardrobe. With the ability to keep your body temperature regulated - so you feel warm but not overheated, there are many stylish options available to ensure you can look and feel good too.
A key building block to any wardrobe, the best wool jumpers don't have to cost the earth, but well-looked after will be a staple in your autumn capsule wardrobe for years to come. From bright, block colour ensembles, to festive fair isle and slouchy cardigans, a great piece of knitwear can be dressed up or down, depending on occasion.
Crafted from natural fibres (from sheep), because of the production process, wool jumpers can be costly, but they are also hardwearing, and when correctly cared for can last your for years. Although the best cashmere jumpers often take the crown when it comes to the most luxurious and softest of knits, both types of jumper are ideal for cold winter days, and are occasionally found blended together for maximum benefit.
Shop the 12 best wool jumpers for 2024
Fashion editor and stylist Antonia Kraskowski is a keen jumper aficionado. She has a striking collection of knitwear and offers this advice:
"When you’re looking for a wool jumper, materials such as lambs wools are much softer on the skin and wearable - Uniqlo’s crew neck style is immensely popular for a reason, and it's a great price too!"
Size range: XXS-XXXL
Composition: 37% Super kid mohair, 37% Baby Alpaca, 26% Polyamide
Care instructions: Hand wash in cold water
You can't beat a Breton stripe and this mohair and alpaca blend cardigan takes this nautical nicety to the next level. This Sezane Gaspard cardigan is one of the best knits around right now, and it's available in a whole rainbow of colour options.
Size range: XS-XL
Composition: 100% wool
Care instructions: Handwash in cool water
Looking to bulk up your winter capsule wardrobe? This pure wool, classic camel knit is one you can turn to again and again to complete work or casual ensembles. The neutral colourway will work well with a range of basics for a polished finish.
Size range: 6-24
Composition: 100% merino wool
Care instructions: Wash at 40°C
Roll necks are a great investment choice when it comes to the best wool jumpers as the higher neckline will help keep you supremely cosy, ensuring your chest and neck stays warm. Slip under blazers, dresses or your favourite winter coat.
Size range: 6-24
Composition: 100% merino wool
Care instructions: Machine washable
If you're after the best knitwear brands, there is a solid selection of natural fabrics at the White Stuff. This merino wool jumper features a timeless thick stripe pattern and we love the combination of hues that will work right through to mid-spring.
Size range: XS-L
Composition: 100% wool
Care instructions: Dry clean
The unique asymmetric hemline and loose fit one makes this one a style you'll inevitably find yourself reaching for all the time. Cosy, chic, easy... what more could you ask for? Bravo, Cos.
Size range: XXS-XXL
Composition: 100% wool
Care instructions: Hand wash, dry clean, not suitable for tumble-drying
When it comes to the fashion colour trends of 2024, deep green hues are super popular for autumn and we don't see this pretty forest green shade falling out of favour anytime soon. A great price for a 100% lambswool sweater, this will pair with pretty much any silhouette.
Size range: XXS-XXL
Composition: 70% wool, 30% recycled cashmere
Care instructions: Hand wash cold separately or dry clean
Perfect for teaming with the best jeans for your body type, this boxy knit is made up of wool and cashmere. Black might feel like a boring choice, but it's the most versatile so it's worth splashing a bit more cash on classic, then sprinkling in cheaper, trend-led colours into your knitwear collection.
Size range: XS-XL
Composition: 39% alpaca, 37% polyamide, 24% wool
Care instructions: Cool hand wash
Jumpers, cardigans, we love them all. Red works so well with the leopard print trend that's everywhere this year, and will add a welcome pop of colour to the navys and greys you no doubt have on rotation.
Size range: XS-XL
Composition: 60% wool, 35% polyamide, 5% cashmere
Care instructions: Cool hand wash
This will tick two trends off your list in one go. Rich chocolate brown shades are everywhere at the moment, and so is this type of collar. As this model image shows, it will look incredibly chic paired with black leather trousers.
Size range: XS-3XL
Composition: 90% wool, 10% cashmere
Care instructions: Dry clean only
Chinti & Parker do some super fun prints and slogans, but this cable knit is a complete classic. It's 90% wool, with just a hint of cashmere for that added warmth and softness. It's very When Harry Met Sally.
Size range: 10-28
Composition: 65% Merino wool 30% recycled nylon 5% yak
Care instructions: Hand wash in cold water
Fair Isle knits always feel so festive, don't they? This one would be a luxe addition to your winter outfit ideas, keeping you snug and stylish. It's far chicer than a novelty Christmas knit!
Size range: XS-XL
Composition: 100% wool
Care instructions: Hand wash
A great price point for 100% wool, you'll be really impressed at the quality of Mango's offering. Wear this with your best wide leg jeans, or as a layer to make your favourite floaty midi dresses that bit more season-appropriate.
FAQs
Are 100% wool jumpers good?
Wool jumpers are an excellent choice because not only is this natural fabric warm and comfy, it is also breathable, helping to regulate your body temperature, so you're never too hot, or too cold.
100% wool jumpers will be naturally warmer and more expensive than wool-blends, however if you pick a sweater with at least a 50% or more wool content you should still receive the main benefits of investing in this fabrication. Derived from sheep, wool has a natural odour resistance, making it easier to care for than other fabrics as you don't have to wash it quite as often - just be careful with those coffee spills.
Some people can find wool fibres a little coarse as they aren't as soft as cashmere styles. If, like woman&home's deputy fashion editor, Charlie Bell, you find wool can feel a little scratchy, she has this advice:
"I find wool jumpers can be a bit scratchy on my skin so I would go for a wool-blend or cashmere as it's a bit gentler. Or wear a top underneath".
How should you care for a wool jumper?
The safest way to wash a wool jumper is by hand, as the fibres are extremely delicate. Washing your best wool jumper on a cycle that is too hot and the fabric can literally turn to felt, changing the entire make up of your sweater.
If you want to wash your wool jumper in a machine you can try a wool or gentle cycle, never washing your sweater at more than 30 degrees and lying flat to dry (do not tumble dry). Of course, the first port of call should always be to check the care label on the garment and follow the manufacturers advice for best results.
The best way to store jumpers is folded, as this avoids the weight of the fabric stretching the whole garment, which can happen if hung from the shoulders. As a natural fabric, wool jumpers are also susceptible to moths, so invest in moth protection in the form of moth balls or a similar product to keep your wool jumpers in tip top condition.
With over 15 years experience in the fashion industry, freelance fashion editor, Antonia Kraskowski has worked at Conde Nast, across titles including, Glamour, Vogue New Markets and Easy Living. Antonia later went on to serve as the Fashion Editor of Express Newspapers and Magazines for five years before embarking on a freelance career.
As deputy fashion editor at Future plc, Charlie works across multiple women’s magazines including Woman & Home, Woman and Woman's Own, ensuring she has her finger on the pulse. Beginning her career in the magazine industry in 2009, Charlie has written for titles including Stylist, Closer and Dare. With a weakness for a printed midi dress, Charlie is on a mission to shop more sustainably and loves finding new ethical brands and second-hand buys.
