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I'm a fussy fashion editor - these are the best wool jumpers to invest in for winter

I've found premium wool knitwear to keep you warm this winter, starting from £35

Julie Player's avatar
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last updated In Features
3 models wearing the best wool jumpers
(Image credit: Brora/Celtic & Co/Hush)
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With over 30 years of experience as a fashion editor and wardrobe stylist, I know how to find a great jumper. My ultimate goal is good-quality knitwear made from natural wool that will keep me comfortably warm while looking stylish – there's nothing worse than overheating in itchy man-made fibres!

A crisp cold day is the perfect excuse to wrap up in cosy layers, and I'll be adding wool jumpers to my autumn wardrobe ideas to keep me toasty this season. The best cashmere jumpers often take the glory when it comes to premium knitwear; however, a 100% lambswool or merino jumper will keep you just as warm and is often a more affordable option. Wool jumpers are also more hard-wearing and don't have to cost the earth. If properly cared for, they will be a staple for years to come.

Shopping for 100% wool knitwear isn't always as straightforward as it seems. Labels can be misleading, with many brands using the term 'wool' to describe knitwear containing only a proportion of natural fibres. I've done the hard work for you and tracked down the best 100% wool knitwear for every budget. From a staple roll-neck to a stylish statement piece - here are the knits that meet my quality criteria.

My pick of the best wool jumpers

How I tested the best wool jumpers

Julie Player testing the best wool knitwear

(Image credit: @julieplayerfashion)
  • Type of wool – Identify the fibre used, whether merino, lambswool, cashmere, Shetland, alpaca or another natural fibre. Consider its characteristics, durability and suitability for the garment.
  • Yarn quality and thickness – Assess the quality, consistency and structure of the yarn, including its thickness, softness, strength and potential to pill.
  • Colours and sizes – Review the colour palette, versatility of shades, size range and consistency of fit.
  • Weight and construction – Consider the overall weight of the jumper, stitch definition, knitting technique, garment structure and quality of finishing.
  • Feel and comfort – Evaluate softness, texture, warmth, breathability and how the wool feels against the skin.
  • Design details – Examine the neckline, cuffs, hem, buttons, pockets, fastenings and other distinctive design features.
  • Sustainability and brand values – Investigate responsible wool sourcing, animal welfare, environmental impact, manufacturing transparency and the brand's wider sustainability commitments.
  • Price and value – Consider the retail price in relation to fibre quality, craftsmanship, durability, design and the overall quality of the garment.

How to care for a 100% wool jumper

Wool is a natural fibre and is widely regarded for its insulation properties, holding heat and enabling you to keep warm while also wicking moisture. It's a renewable and biodegradable resource, making it an eco-friendly choice. To keep your jumpers looking good, you will need to wash and store them carefully to avoid shrinkage, shape loss and being eaten by the dreaded moths! Julia Dee, founder of Total Wardrobe Care, has the following tips, advice and essential rules to follow.

  • Rest your wool: Do not wear the same garment too frequently - allow a few days' rest after wearing.
  • Be mindful: Do not wear delicate, lightweight knits with metal necklaces, bracelets or rough belts; go for a silk scarf and pearls.
  • Wash carefully: Always check the washing instructions; some wool can be machine-washed, but a cold water hand-wash is safest if you are unsure. The worst things for wool knitwear are lots of agitation and harsh detergents. Use mild detergent for both hand and machine wash, without bleach or enzymes. Our Laundry Liquid contains natural Aloe Vera & Rosemary Oil and is ideal for cashmere and other delicate yarns such as merino.
  • Dry carefully: Squeeze gently; do not twist or wring. Twisting the wet wool sweater would stretch the shape. Air dry flat after removing excess water, away from direct heat and sunlight.
  • De-pill your wool: The first thing you are likely to find with wear is the appearance of small pills or bobbles caused by friction. These can be removed with a simple knitwear comb.
  • Store your wool: Dry your wool knits completely before storing to prevent moths from being attracted to the moisture in the fibres. Use storage bags to preserve the quality and ensure that no moths can come into contact.
  • Protect your wool jumpers: Before storing items for the long term, make sure they are clean. Stains left for a long time can oxidise and are then impossible to remove. Food residues and skin cells attract clothes moths like nobody’s business. Use fragranced sachets scented with essential oils to repel moths.

FAQs

Which is better, wool or cashmere?

Fashion editor and stylist Antonia Kraskowski is a keen jumper aficionado. She has a striking collection of both cashmere and wool knitwear and offers this advice: "When it comes to knitwear, cashmere is king; the soft fibres feel super luxurious, and the instantly cosy warmth can’t be beaten. But cashmere is delicate, expensive and requires special care. If you are looking for more durability, seek out knits made from lambswool or mohair, which feel almost as soft against your skin. When shopping for cashmere or wool jumpers, there are so many brands to consider, and you can find pieces at every budget if you hunt around."

Are 100% wool jumpers worth it?

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.

Will a wool jumper shrink?

The safest way to wash a wool jumper is by hand, as the fibres are extremely delicate. Washing your best wool jumper in water that is too hot will turn it to felt, shrinking the size and changing the entire make-up of your sweater.

Julia Dee founder of Total wardrobe care
Julia Dee

Julia has made it her life's work to protect luxurious knitwear from moth damage. She is widely recognised as the UK’s leading authority on clothes moth prevention and garment conservation. Trusted by royalty, historic houses, and the world’s most discerning wardrobe owners. She founded Total Wardrobe Care to help her customers protect, organise and preserve the clothes they love through expert wardrobe care, natural moth prevention, clothing storage solutions and garment care products.

headshot of writer Antonia Kraskowski
Antonia Kraskowski

With over 15 years' experience in the fashion industry, freelance fashion editor Antonia Kraskowski has worked at Condé 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.

Julie Player
Julie Player
Fashion Editor & Wardrobe Stylist

With over 30 years experience in the fashion industry, Julie is a regular contributor to Woman & Home, Woman’s Weekly and Chat magazines, creating engaging fashion and lifestyle content for women of all ages. She also works in the wardrobe department at ITN, dressing the presenters for Good Morning Britain. In her late fifties, Julie understands what women want when it comes to figure flattering fashion.

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