The Best Men's Designer Knitwear Autumn/Winter 2026 Guide

Lyle & Scott cable knit crew neck jumper in dark navy marl

A good jumper does more work than anything else in a winter wardrobe: over a shirt for the office, over a polo at the weekend, under a coat when it turns cold. This guide goes through the best men's designer knitwear for autumn and winter 2026 by style and yarn, with honest notes on fit, fabric and price, from an official stockist of every brand in it.

The short answer

Start with a merino crew neck, then add a quarter zip. A fine merino crew neck from Lyle & Scott is the most useful jumper you can own, and a quarter zip from Lyle & Scott, Barbour International or Sergio Tacchini is the natural second. For something warmer, go for lambswool or a cable knit, and for a smarter look, a BOSS roll neck or knitted polo.

Crew necks

The one to own first. A crew neck works over a shirt collar, a polo or a tee, which is why it is the most versatile knit there is. Lyle & Scott's merino crew neck is fine, light and comes in several colours, Barbour International's Oxham and Crawley crew necks are cut sharper, and Sergio Tacchini's Caputo crew neck brings its retro Italian feel. Lyle & Scott began as a knitwear maker in Hawick in 1874, and it still shows. Shop Lyle & Scott · Lyle & Scott sizing guide

Lyle & Scott Archive Revisited Argyle Knitted Jumper Dark NavyShop

Barbour International Burley Half Zip Cardigan Jumper BlackShop

Barbour International Oxham Half Zip Jumper AsphaltShop

Quarter and half zips

The easiest smart layer. A zip-neck knit gives you a collar without a shirt, and it opens up when you warm up. Lyle & Scott makes quarter zips in cotton merino and in a warmer lambswool blend, Barbour International's Oxham half zip and Crawley funnel zip neck are the sleekest, and Sergio Tacchini's New Dallas quarter zip knit adds colour-blocked chest stripes for a retro look. BOSS's Kwinter zip neck is the premium pick. Shop Barbour International · Shop Sergio Tacchini

Roll necks

The smartest knit in the room. A roll neck replaces a shirt and tie under a jacket and looks just as good on its own. BOSS's Akiro roll neck is the clean, grown-up version, and Sergio Tacchini's Moretti knitted roll neck adds a striped, retro edge. Wear one close to the body, so take your usual size. Shop BOSS · BOSS sizing guide

Cable and argyle

Texture and heritage. When you want the knit to be the statement, go for texture. Lyle & Scott's cable knit crew neck is the chunky, warm option, and its Archive Revisited argyle jumper brings back the golf pattern that became an 80s casual favourite. Both look best over a plain tee or an open-collared shirt. 80s casual clothing · Shop Lyle & Scott

Knitted polos and hoodies

Knitwear with a twist. BOSS's Ever knitted zip neck polo is a polo shirt in a fine knit, smart enough for the office, and Barbour International's Inline knitted hoodie gives you the comfort of a hoodie with the look of a proper jumper. Both are an easy way to wear knitwear without it looking formal. Shop BOSS · Shop Barbour International

At a glance

Which knit for which look. Choose by where you will wear it and how warm you need to be.

Style	Best for	Brands
Merino crew neck	Everyday layering	Lyle & Scott, Barbour International
Quarter or half zip	Smart casual	Lyle & Scott, Barbour International, Sergio Tacchini, BOSS
Roll neck	Under a jacket	BOSS, Sergio Tacchini
Cable or argyle	Statement and warmth	Lyle & Scott
Knitted polo or hoodie	Relaxed smart	BOSS, Barbour International

The yarns

Merino, lambswool or cotton. Merino wool is fine, soft and breathable, so it is warm without bulk and rarely itches. Lambswool is warmer and has a softer, fuller texture, which makes it the pick for colder days. Cotton and cotton merino knits are lighter and easier to wash, so they suit autumn and milder winters. The yarn is listed on every product page. Shop all knitwear

Price guide

From around £65 to around £180. Sergio Tacchini knits start at around £65 to £75, Lyle & Scott runs from around £75 for a merino crew to £130 for the cable knit, Barbour International sits at around £90 to £160, and BOSS is the premium end at around £140 to £180. Every jumper is on the knitwear page with its current price. Shop all knitwear

Common questions

Is merino better than lambswool?

Neither is better, they do different jobs. Merino is finer, lighter and breathable, so it layers easily and rarely itches. Lambswool is warmer with a fuller, softer texture, so it suits colder days.

How should a jumper fit?

A jumper should sit close without clinging, with the shoulder seam on your shoulder and the cuffs reaching your wrist. Leave enough room to wear a shirt or polo underneath, and check the size guide on each product page.

How do I wash a wool jumper?

Hand wash it or use a cool wool cycle, then reshape it and dry it flat. Never tumble dry or hang a wet jumper, and fold knitwear rather than hanging it so it keeps its shape.

What is a quarter zip jumper?

A quarter zip is a jumper with a short zip at the neck, usually with a stand collar. It gives you a collar without a shirt and opens up if you get warm, which makes it one of the easiest smart-casual layers.

Which designer knitwear is best value?

Sergio Tacchini and Lyle & Scott give you a genuine designer knit for the least money, from around £65 to £90, while Barbour International and BOSS are the premium choices.

Still unsure

Ask the team and we will help you pick. Tell us your chest measurement, your usual size and how you will wear it, and we will point you to the right knit and the right size, because we are an official stockist of every brand in this guide. If the size is not right, exchanges are free, and UK returns are £3.00 within 14 days with a pre-paid Royal Mail label. Contact us · Shop all knitwear

Written by the Spiral Seven buying team · Updated 26 September 2026 · Official stockist of every brand in this guide