The Christmas jumper has a grim reputation, often justified (see the images below). Despite this, as I went to press with this post, I heard that Debenhams sales of 'novelty festive jumpers' are up more than 200% on last year. They claim that more than a third of men (35%) and three in ten women (31%) admitting to owning one. They suggest that, 'Once the uncontested preserve of the uncool dad, Christmas sweaters have become a festive must have'.
Christmas jumpers from the presumably ironically-named Funny Christmas Jumpers |
Debenhams jumpers are less kitsch than many (see below), but you may prefer something a little more sophisticated. Help is at hand and I've tracked down some tasteful Christmas knitwear, at varying prices, for the discerning readers of this blog. I was looking for bright colour, Nordic influences, fisherman's knits, Fair Isle, Aran, Argyle or cable/patterned looks. Traditional knitwear is the way to go. The links to buy, or for more information, appear under each image.
Kitsch featuring flashing lights & more traditional, both Red Herring from Debenhams |
A favourite of mine, this Inis MeƔin Aran jumper is from Private White VC. Other colours and patterns available |
Drake's Jacamo - Williams & Brown Shetland wool jumper and Southbay Sherpa lined cardigan |
Howlin' Neish Crew from End Clothing |
Cashmere 8-ply Aran - Johnstons of Elgin |
The Cave Embroidery - I love the designs hand-embroidered in London |
Marks & Spencer Blue Harbour |
APC Pull Yeti Snow from Oi Polloi |
Urgh! I loathe "Christmas Jumpers". Irony has no place in menswear. (I do have a sense of humour, even if that comment suggests otherwise!)
ReplyDeleteThanks for a decent selection of alternatives, especially that Private White VC one.
My own - perhaps unexpected - Christmas jumper wish is for the Alexander McQueen skull-Aran!
http://www.alexandermcqueen.com/gb/alexandermcqueen/crew-neck_cod39440208rx.html
But at that price, I could have a unique Aran knitted. Always an issue.
Definitely kitsch - Appropriate wear for Christmas Day is a tweed jacket and flannels. Perfect for church but the jacket may be removed for presents/lunch (goose or roast beef).
ReplyDeleteI can handle a bit of fairisle and also enjoy the more fun patterns that RL/PW do but anything novetly really is a huge no for me.
ReplyDeleteBuckets & Spades
Hmmm. At this point, I'm rather glad to be living in the Southern Hemisphere, and don't have to even think about this ;-)
ReplyDeleteTony