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HOW TO WEAR A CHRISTMAS JUMPER: MEN’S STYLE GUIDE
The Christmas jumper can be a tricky one. Wear one, and you're fully embracing the season. Don't wear one, and you're missing out on something that can actually look good when it's done right. It’s less about avoiding the Christmas jumper altogether and more about choosing the right one and styling it so it feels intentional rather than ironic.
There's a difference between a jumper that says 'I'm in on the joke' and one that says 'I'm trying too hard.' The first works. The second maybe not so much. At Jacamo, we stock Christmas jumpers across the spectrum, from Fair Isle knits that tap into classic knitwear trends to proper novelty pieces if you're after a laugh. The styling matters just as much as the jumper itself. Pair it with the right bottoms and shoes, and you've got something that works for a work Christmas party, casual get-togethers, or a night out.
FAIR ISLE JUMPERS
Fair Isle has a long history in knitwear, so it feels more classic than novelty. A well-made Fair Isle jumper can look just as good in winter as it does at Christmas. Wear it with dark jeans or charcoal chinos and it feels less like a Christmas jumper and more like a great winter knit with a festive touch.
The key with Fair Isle is to keep the rest of your outfit simple. A Fair Isle jumper is doing the talking, so let it. Skip the statement trainers or shoes. Go for something classic: plain trainers in white or cream, or clean Chelsea boots in brown or black. For work or a smarter occasion, roll with plain tailored trousers or smart chinos in neutral tones like navy, charcoal, cream, or stone. The jumper already brings plenty of pattern, so there’s no need to add more.
COLOUR BLOCK JUMPERS
Colour block Christmas jumpers sit nicely in the middle. They feel festive without looking too much. Blocks of red and green, red and white, or even more unexpected combinations like burgundy and cream give you something that reads as intentional rather than novelty.
Styling them is simple: let the jumper be the focal point and build a neutral base around it. Black or navy jeans are an easy choice. For a slightly smarter look, grey or navy tailored trousers work well. Keep shoes simple and clean. White trainers remain the easiest choice, or go for a loafer in brown if you're aiming for smart casual. The colour block pattern has enough visual interest that you don't need to add anything else. A watch and you're done.
CABLE KNIT JUMPERS
Cable knit Christmas jumpers in deep reds, forest greens, or cream bring a festive feel without going over the top. The texture does the work rather than a loud pattern or slogan. These read as proper winter knitwear that just happens to come out at Christmas, which makes them easy to wear beyond the festive season.
A cable knit jumper pairs nicely with tailored trousers for a smarter look. Charcoal, navy, or black all work really well. For something more casual, jeans work well too, with a darker wash keeping the outfit looking considered. As the jumper already has plenty of texture, you can keep the rest of the look simple. Brogues, Chelsea boots, or even minimalist trainers suit a cable knit jumper. It’s one of the most versatile Christmas jumper styles because it slots seamlessly into your existing wardrobe.
NOVELTY CHRISTMAS JUMPERS
Novelty Christmas jumpers with slogans, reindeer illustrations, or Christmas scenes are brilliant if you're genuinely after a laugh rather than trying to look like you're having a laugh. The difference is confidence and context. Wear one to an office Christmas party or a casual night out with friends, and it works. The context matters.
Styling a novelty jumper is simple: don't try to make it look cool. Black jeans are your safest bet, paired with simple trainers in white, black, or a neutral grey. Keep the rest of your outfit understated so the jumper remains the centrepiece. You don't need smart shoes or tailored trousers with a novelty Christmas jumper. It exists to be fun, so lean into that rather than fighting it.
HOW YOUR CHRISTMAS JUMPER SHOULD FIT
Getting the fit right is just as important as choosing the right Christmas jumper style. You're not after something tight or something oversized. A jumper should sit comfortably without clinging to your chest or hanging too loosely. If you're broader or taller than average, ensure the jumper has enough length and width without dragging. At Jacamo, our Christmas jumpers come in extended sizes and a range of fits, making it easier to find one that suits your build rather than having to settle for something that doesn’t quite work.
LAYERING YOUR CHRISTMAS JUMPER
A Christmas jumper works as a standalone piece, but layering makes it more versatile. Wear a simple white or cream t-shirt underneath a Fair Isle or cable knit jumper for a layered look that works for smart casual settings. For cold weather, a long-sleeved tee in a neutral colour does the same job while keeping you warm.
Over a Christmas jumper, a smart overshirt or casual jacket in neutral tones (grey, navy, tan) adds another layer without competing with the jumper. For genuinely cold weather, a puffer jacket or wool overcoat works fine, though at that point the jumper becomes a base layer rather than a focal point. The point is that a Christmas jumper doesn't have to be worn in isolation. It slots into your existing wardrobe and works with pieces you already own.