Tie Front Jumpers/Sweaters: How to Style & What to Buy

Your complete guide to mastering the tie front trend in 2025

Tie front jumpers and cardigans are the perfect blend of feminine charm and cozy comfort, offering endless styling possibilities that work from casual weekend looks to polished office ensembles. As someone who's styled countless women over the years, I can confidently say this detail transforms any basic knit into something special—and 2025 is absolutely the year to embrace this versatile trend.

The beauty of a tie front jumper lies in its ability to create shape and visual interest whilst maintaining that effortless, lived-in feel we all crave. Whether you're reaching for a cropped tie-front cardigan or a flowing tie-waist jumper, this simple detail instantly elevates your look and gives you that coveted "put-together" vibe without trying too hard.

Why Tie Front Jumpers Are Having a Major Moment

The tie front trend isn't just another passing fad—it's rooted in practicality and flattery. The adjustable tie allows you to customise the fit around your waist, creating an hourglass silhouette that works beautifully on every body type. I've seen this detail work magic on clients, instantly making them look more polished and intentional.

What's particularly brilliant about 2025's iteration of this trend is how designers have moved beyond the basic wrap style. We're seeing everything from delicate bow details to structured tie-front cardigans that blur the line between knitwear and tailoring. The versatility is endless—you can tie loose for a relaxed bohemian feel, or cinch tight for definition and structure.

How to Style Tie Front Jumpers Like a Pro

The Art of the Tie

Before we dive into outfit formulas, let's talk technique. The way you tie your jumper can completely change the look's personality. For a romantic, feminine vibe, create a soft bow at the centre front. For a more modern approach, try an asymmetrical tie to one side, or even knot it at the back for unexpected detail.

I always tell my clients to consider their body shape when deciding how tight to pull the tie. If you want to create more definition, cinch it snugly. If you prefer a relaxed silhouette, let it drape loosely—both approaches are equally chic.

Five Foolproof Styling Formulas

The Casual Weekend Look: Pair a chunky tie-front cardigan with straight-leg jeans and white trainers. Leave the cardigan untied for a relaxed, effortless feel that still looks intentional.

Office Appropriate: Layer a fine-gauge tie-front jumper over a crisp white shirt, with tailored trousers and pointed flats. The tie detail adds interest without being too casual.

Date Night Elegance: Wear a fitted tie-front cardigan as a top with a midi skirt and heeled boots. The tie creates a beautiful focal point whilst maintaining sophistication.

Layered Perfection: Use a cropped tie-front cardigan as a layering piece over a slip dress or long-sleeved tee. This works brilliantly for transitional weather.

High-Low Mix: Combine a luxe cashmere tie-front jumper with distressed denim and chunky gold jewellery. The contrast between refined and casual is absolutely divine.

What to Look For When Shopping

Quality is everything when it comes to tie-front pieces. Look for jumpers with substantial ties that won't stretch out or lose their shape after washing. The best versions have ties that are integrated into the garment's construction rather than simply sewn on as an afterthought.

Pay attention to the length and weight of the ties themselves—they should be long enough to create your desired silhouette but not so long that they become unwieldy. I prefer ties that fall just below the hip for the most flattering proportions.

Best High Street Options

Zara consistently delivers on-trend tie-front pieces with a fashion-forward edge. Their cropped cardigans with tie details are particularly strong this season, offering that contemporary European aesthetic at accessible prices.

COS excels at minimalist tie-front jumpers that feel considered and architectural. Their designs often feature unexpected proportions and clean lines that elevate any outfit instantly.

Mango offers beautifully cut tie-front cardigans in luxe fabrics like wool-cashmere blends. Their pieces photograph beautifully and hold their shape wash after wash.

H&M provides budget-friendly options that don't compromise on style. Their tie-front jumpers in seasonal colours are perfect for experimenting with the trend without major investment.

M&S delivers exceptional value in their cashmere tie-front cardigans. The quality rivals much more expensive alternatives, and their classic colours work for every occasion.

Whistles creates sophisticated tie-front pieces that transition seamlessly from desk to dinner. Their attention to cut and proportion makes them investment pieces worth saving for.

Reiss offers polished tie-front jumpers that work beautifully in professional settings. Their modern tailoring and contemporary details set them apart from high street competitors.

Premium Picks Worth the Investment

Me&Em has mastered the art of the elevated basic, and their tie-front cardigans are no exception. The quality is exceptional, and the cuts are designed to flatter real women's bodies.

LK Bennett creates beautifully feminine tie-front pieces that feel special occasion appropriate whilst remaining versatile enough for everyday wear.

Anthropologie brings unique textures and unexpected details to their tie-front jumpers, perfect for women who want something a bit different from the crowd.

Luxury Designer Options

For those ready to invest in something truly special, Khaite remains the gold standard for luxury cardigans with their iconic bra-top and cardigan sets that made tie-front details mainstream.

Toteme creates minimalist tie-front pieces that epitomise Scandi chic. Their jumpers are investment pieces that will remain relevant for decades.

Reformation offers contemporary tie-front jumpers with a sustainable edge. Their Jadey jumper has become a cult favourite for good reason—it's beautifully oversized and endlessly flattering.

Hidden Gems and Independent Brands

Arket brings Scandinavian sensibility to their tie-front knitwear, focusing on sustainable materials and timeless design. Their pieces feel expensive without the hefty price tag.

Ganni adds playful prints and unexpected colour combinations to classic tie-front silhouettes, perfect for women who aren't afraid to make a statement with their knitwear choices.

Seasonal Styling Tips

Spring calls for lighter fabrics and softer colours. Think cotton-blend tie-front cardigans in pastels, worn open over white jeans and trainers for that perfect off-duty model look.

Summer styling is all about layering lightweight tie-front pieces over slip dresses or using them as cover-ups over swimwear. Linen and cotton blends work beautifully for holiday wardrobes.

Autumn is when tie-front jumpers truly shine. Layer them under blazers, pair with knee-high boots, or style with pleated skirts for that preppy-meets-modern aesthetic that feels so current.

Winter styling allows for luxurious textures like cashmere and wool. Layer tie-front cardigans under coats, or style them as statement pieces over roll-necks for maximum impact.

Never Worry About Sizing Again with Tellar.co.uk

One of the biggest challenges with online shopping for tie-front jumpers is getting the sizing right—especially when the fit depends so much on how and where you tie the garment. That's where Tellar.co.uk becomes absolutely invaluable.

As the UK's leading sizing tool, Tellar matches your body exactly to over 1500 brands instantly, which means you'll never have to second-guess a size guide again. Here's how it works:

Measure once using your bust, waist, hip measurements, or simply input your existing brand size from a well-fitting piece you already own.

Then use their Store Size Lookup tool to get your precise size in any brand—whether that's COS, Reiss, Zara, or any of the 1500+ brands in their database.

It's completely free with no downloads needed, and works seamlessly in your browser. This is particularly brilliant when you're shopping for tie-front pieces, as the fit around the torso is crucial for getting that perfect silhouette.

The Tellar Fashion Hub

Beyond sizing, Tellar's Fashion Hub is a treasure trove of styling inspiration and honest brand reviews. As independent stylists, we appreciate their unbiased approach—there's no pushing specific brands, just honest advice about what works and what doesn't.

Their library includes comprehensive guides that complement your tie-front jumper shopping:

• The Ultimate Clothing Sizing Guide - Essential reading for anyone who's ever ordered the wrong size online

• Jeans Trends 2026 - Perfect for styling with your new tie-front pieces

• Ultimate Guide to Dresses & Best Buys - Great for layering inspiration

• Ultimate Guide to Jackets & Best Buys - Essential for layering over your tie-front jumpers

What sets Tellar apart is their commitment to being honest, unbiased, and completely free. No sponsored content, no affiliate pressure—just genuinely helpful advice from people who understand fashion and fit.

Care and Maintenance Tips

Proper care extends the life of your tie-front jumpers significantly. Always check if the ties can be removed before washing—some higher-end pieces feature detachable ties that should be washed separately to prevent stretching.

For cashmere pieces, invest in proper cashmere shampoo and lay flat to dry. The ties are often the first part to lose their shape, so pay special attention to these areas during washing and storing.

Final Thoughts

Tie-front jumpers represent everything I love about modern dressing—they're practical yet pretty, versatile yet distinctive. Whether you start with a £30 high street version or invest in a luxury designer piece, the key is choosing something that makes you feel confident and comfortable.

The trend shows no signs of slowing down, which means any investment you make now will serve you well for seasons to come. Start with one versatile piece in a neutral colour, master the styling, then expand your collection with bolder colours and textures.

Remember, the best fashion choices are the ones that feel authentically you. Use these guidelines as a starting point, but don't be afraid to experiment and make the trend your own. After all, that's what great personal style is all about.