Best jumpers for women: I'm a style editor that's tried on hundreds of high street knits - these are the eight styles that are cosy and flatter you at every age

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As cosy season continues, a good jumper, along with a trusty winter coat and pair of tights is a non-negotiable for me.

The main problem is, there are quite literally thousands of jumpers out there to choose from - all at varying budgets and quality levels. Not every cashmere crew is created equal, while finding something you can wear at work and out to dinner isn't as simple as throwing on a tailored knit. And this doesn't even take into account the variety of brands on offer - from classic M&S knits to limited edition Princess Diana jumpers from Virgin Atlantic.

There have been countless mornings where I have reached into my wardrobe for a jumper I haven't worn since last year, only to find it's not quite as chic as I remembered. Too bulky. Too sheer. Too stretchy. A dated print. A baggy neckline. The wrong style can quickly make you feel like you've raided a jumble sale rather than being a must-have winter 'it knit'.

Instead, it's worth finding a couple of timeless pieces that are simple but well put together. The ones you can reach for year after year - guaranteed to feel chic and fashion-forward. 

While there was a time when I thought the best approach to curating my winter wardrobe was, 'the more the merrier,' after years of styling both models and real women for YOU Magazine, I've worked out that quality over quantity is the only way to go.

Of course, this doesn't mean that the more you spend on a jumper the better. It's all about carefully curating a wardrobe full of perfectly cut styles in long-lasting.

In order to help break down the seemingly endless number of jumpers out there, I've tried on close to 100 different styles to find the best across eight different categories - from crew necks to cardigans - all of which can be worked effortlessly into all of your winter looks

Best jumpers for women: Quick list 

1. Best Cashmere jumper: Autograph Pure Cashmere Crew Neck Jumper 
2. Best V Neck jumper: River Island Grey Knitted V Neck Jumper 
3. Best Polo neck jumper: Next Chunky Cable Knit Polo Collar Jumper 
4. Best Roll Neck Jumper: Rise & Fall Superfine Merino Roll Neck Jumper 
5. Best Chunky Knit Jumper: ASOS Design Lambswool Curved Hem Jumper 
6. Best Cardigan: With Nothing Underneath Yak Wool Cardigan 
7. Best Sustainable Jumper: Herd Jersey knit stitch jumper
8. Best affordable jumper: Uniqlo crew neck jumper

Read on for the best from each category - tried, and tested by a fashion editor - with prices starting at just £35.

1. Best Cashmere jumper: Autograph Pure Cashmere Crew Neck Jumper

Best Cashmere jumper: Autograph Pure Cashmere Crew Neck Jumper

This beautiful jumper is crafted from 100% cashmere. And, at £90, it's likely the best value for money available on the market. Unlike some cashmere, you can also chuck this in the washing machine at 40°C without fear of it shrinking. 

Autograph Pure Cashmere Crew Neck Jumper

Product Specs

• Material100% cashmere
• FeaturesRegular fit, crew neck, ribbed trim
• Sizes availableUK6-UK24

2. Best V Neck jumper: River Island Grey Knitted V Neck Jumper

Best V Neck jumper: River Island Grey Knitted V Neck Jumper

A V neck jumper is a wardrobe essential and is an easy win when you have no time to think about your outfit in the morning. I love how the ribbed cuff and neck are extra thick, making it feel really expensive. 

River Island Grey Knitted V Neck Jumper

Product Specs

• Material100% Polyester
• FeaturesV-neck, drop shoulders, long sleeves, ribbed trim, relaxed fit
• Sizes availableXS-L

3. Best Polo neck jumper: Next Chunky Cable Knit Polo Collar Jumper

Best Polo neck jumper: Next Chunky Cable Knit Polo Collar Jumper

When winter hits, there's nothing better than chucking on a chunky knitted jumper. This Next style, with its wide cuffs and polo neck, is a great update on the classic round neck style. It looks especially on-trend paired with a basic white tee underneath. 

Next Ecru Chunky Cable Knit Open Polo Collar Jumper

Product Specs

• Material100% Acrylic
• FeaturesChunky cable knit, open polo collar, long sleeves, textured fabric
• Sizes availableXS-2XL

4. Best Roll Neck Jumper: Rise & Fall Superfine Merino Roll Neck Jumper

Best Roll Neck Jumper: Rise & Fall Superfine Merino Roll Neck Jumper

The ultimate layering piece. It's got a fine knit so that it can be worn underneath any shirt or jumper without feeling too bulky. It's also made from a luxurious 100% merino wool meaning it's great at keeping you warm throughout the colder months. 

Rise & Fall Women's Superfine Merino Roll Neck Jumper

Product Specs

• Material100% Superfine Merino Wool
• FeaturesRoll neck, hip length, Lightweight, breathable, temperature-regulating
• Sizes availableXS-XL

5. Best Chunky Knit Jumper: ASOS Design Lambswool Curved Hem Jumper

Best Chunky Knit Jumper: ASOS Design Lambswool Curved Hem Jumper

Forget navy and beige, according to the recent SS26 runways, charcoal grey is the new neutral in which to be spotted. With a cool crewneck and boxy cut, this chunky jumper looks great paired with everything from barrel leg jeans to this season's kilt skirts. 

ASOS DESIGN chunky premium lambswool curved hem jumper in charcoal

Product Specs

• FeaturesCrew neck, drop shoulders, long sleeves, curved hem, oversized fit
• Sizes availableXS-L

6. Best Cardigan: With Nothing Underneath Yak Wool Cardigan

Best Cardigan: With Nothing Underneath Yak Wool Cardigan

Worn by Princess Kate during a recent royal visit to Northern Ireland, this 100% yak wool cardigan feels just as luxurious as one might expect from a knit worn by royalty. With the perfect high neckline and slightly cropped fit, it's great for layering over your favourite tees and roll necks this season. 

WNU Jura Cardigan

Product Specs

• Material100% Yak Wool
• FeaturesSlightly cropped, slim fitting, crew neck, ribbed details
• Sizes availableS-XL

7. Best Sustainable Jumper: Herd Jersey knit stitch jumper

Best Sustainable Jumper: Herd Jersey knit stitch jumper

When it comes to sustainable clothing, nobody does it quite like Herd. This piece is made from Bluefaced Leicester sheep wool in the Northwest of England. Dye is made using plant extracts, buttons are made from nuts and the brand's labels are 100% cotton. On top of all of that, this jumper is cut to be perfectly oversized and boxy. If cared for properly, you'll be reaching for this jumper for many years to come. 

Herd Brampton Crew Neck Jumper in Jam

Product Specs

• FeaturesSlightly oversized, mid weight jersey knit stitch, detailing on the cuff and hem
• Sizes availableXS-XL

8. Best affordable jumper: Uniqlo crew neck jumper

Best affordable jumper: Uniqlo crew neck jumper

Uniqlo is already the go-to destination for fashion insider's looking to buy t-shirts. Their Airism styles are second to none. But, after trying on this soufflé yarn crew neck, I'll also be buying all my knitwear here, too. Plus, at under £40, you can afford to get one in every colour!

Uniqlo Soufflé Yarn Crew Neck Jumper

Product Specs

• Material57% Acrylic, 32% Polyester - Recycled Fiber, 8% Wool, 3% Elastane
• FeaturesOversized fit, relaxed silhouette,
• Sizes availableXXS-XXL

Verdict

Those looking for classic comfort and style on a budget should definite pick up one or more of Uniqlo's crew neck jumpers. They're a bargain at full price and are currently on offer, so there's even more reason to buy. Chunky knit lovers will love the boxy fit of the ASOS lambswool jumper, while true cashmere fans should opt for the classic M&S Autograph pure cashmere crew neck.

FAQs 

What are the best jumper brands?

This depends entirely on what you want. High street brands like M&S and COS are good for affordable quality, while Uniqlo is well known for it's budget jumpers and cardigans. Choose Reiss and Massimo Dutti for classic, timeless styles for all ages.

What jumper style ages you? 

While there isn't one jumper style that ages you, it's worth considering a few things if you want to avoid looking drained and shapeless. 

Shape is really important if you want to look polished. Choose a boxy fit or thicker material that will keep its shape. Thinner materials are ok as long as they fit properly and are are high quality - good cashmere looks great if it's not oversized or undersized. 

Depending on your skin tone, you might want to avoid certain muted colours such as pale lavender or washed-out taupe and beige, as it can make paler mature skin look dull and tired.