Tennis Jumpers: How to Style & Where to Buy

Tennis jumpers are the preppy-chic wardrobe essential that effortlessly bridges the gap between sporty elegance and everyday sophistication, offering a timeless silhouette that works from country clubs to city streets. As someone who's styled countless clients over the years, I can tell you that these classic V-neck knits are having a major moment right now, and for good reason—they're incredibly versatile and flattering on virtually every body type.

What Exactly Are Tennis Jumpers?

Tennis jumpers, also known as tennis vests or cricket jumpers, are sleeveless V-neck knitted garments that originated in the sporting world of the early 20th century. Originally designed for tennis players who needed freedom of movement whilst maintaining a smart appearance, these jumpers feature that distinctive deep V-neckline, ribbed edges, and often sport contrasting trim details. The beauty lies in their simplicity—they're structured enough to look polished yet relaxed enough for casual wear.

How to Style Tennis Jumpers Like a Pro

The styling possibilities with tennis jumpers are endless, which is precisely why I recommend them to all my clients. For a classic preppy look, layer your tennis jumper over a crisp white shirt—this combination is foolproof and works for everything from weekend brunches to casual Fridays. The key is ensuring your shirt collar sits neatly above the V-neck without looking bunched.

For a more contemporary approach, try wearing your tennis jumper solo with high-waisted trousers or a midi skirt. This creates clean lines and shows off the jumper's architectural shape beautifully. I particularly love pairing them with pleated trousers for that effortless Parisian chic vibe.

When it comes to proportions, tennis jumpers are incredibly forgiving. If you're petite, choose styles that hit just below the waistline to elongate your torso. Taller frames can experiment with longer, oversized versions for a more relaxed silhouette. The V-neckline naturally flatters by drawing the eye upward and creating an elegant neckline.

High Street Heroes

The high street is absolutely brimming with fantastic tennis jumper options right now. Zara consistently delivers on-trend versions with their signature contemporary twist—their knits are well-constructed and come in brilliant seasonal colours. COS offers beautifully minimalist designs in premium wool blends that feel much more expensive than their price point suggests.

Mango excels at creating tennis jumpers with subtle design details—think contrast piping or interesting textures that elevate the classic style. For those who love timeless British style, M&S provides excellent quality pure wool options in classic colours that will last for years.

Whistles brings that effortless London cool to their tennis jumpers, often featuring interesting colour combinations or unexpected details. Jigsaw is fantastic for finding unique colourways and high-quality fabrics that feel special without the designer price tag. French Connection offers brilliant seasonal takes on the classic, often playing with proportions and fits.

For something a bit different, Le Petit Trou creates absolutely gorgeous cashmere tennis jumpers with playful embroidered details—they're a French brand that perfectly captures that insouciant Parisian style. Another gem is Chinti and Parker, a British brand known for their luxurious knitwear with cheeky, contemporary twists on classic styles.

Premium Picks

When you're ready to invest a bit more, the premium market offers some stunning options. Reiss creates beautifully tailored tennis jumpers that feel structured yet feminine—perfect for professional settings. Me&Em specialises in elevated basics, and their tennis jumpers are no exception, featuring luxurious fabrics and impeccable fits.

The White Company offers cashmere versions that are incredibly soft and come in their signature neutral palette. For something with heritage appeal, Barbour creates tennis jumpers with that quintessential British countryside aesthetic.

Luxury & Designer Options

At the luxury end, you'll find tennis jumpers that are true investment pieces. Brands like Brunello Cucinelli and The Row create exquisite versions in the finest cashmere and wool. These pieces offer superior construction, luxurious handfeel, and timeless styling that transcends trends.

Pringle of Scotland, with their knitwear heritage, produces exceptional tennis jumpers that honour the traditional sporting aesthetic whilst feeling thoroughly modern. For those who appreciate French luxury, Sézane offers beautifully crafted versions with that effortless Parisian elegance.

Getting the Perfect Fit with Tellar

Here's where shopping becomes infinitely easier: tellar.co.uk is the UK's leading sizing tool that matches your body exactly to over 1500 brands instantly. Never look at a size guide again! As someone who's seen countless fitting disasters over the years, I cannot stress enough how game-changing this is.

Here's how it works: Measure once using your bust, waist, hip measurements, or your existing brand size. Then use their Store Size Lookup tool at tellar.co.uk to get your precise size in any brand—whether it's COS, Reiss, Everlane, Arket, or any of the hundreds of other brands they cover. It's always free and works directly in your browser with no downloads needed.

Your Style Resource Hub

Tellar also features a comprehensive Fashion Hub—a library stacked with free posts from top stylists that's honest, unbiased, independent, and always free. You'll find style advice, top picks, and brand recommendations for every fashion query you might have.

For more comprehensive guides, check out tellar.co.uk, or dive into their tellar.co.uk.

Tennis jumpers are having their moment, and rightfully so. They're the perfect blend of sporty heritage and contemporary style that works for virtually every occasion. With the right fit—easily achieved through Tellar's sizing technology—you'll find yourself reaching for this versatile piece season after season.