What Jumpers & Sweaters Are On Trend for 2026

The jumper and sweater trends for 2026 are all about texture, statement sleeves, and sustainable luxury—think chunky cable knits, oversized silhouettes, and rich jewel tones that'll have you looking effortlessly chic from January through December. As someone who's spent years styling clients through every knitwear crisis imaginable, I can tell you that 2026's trends are refreshingly wearable whilst still making a proper statement.

After decades of fast fashion dominating our wardrobes, we're finally seeing a return to quality knits that you'll actually want to keep for years. The key trends emerging for 2026 blend comfort with sophistication, offering pieces that work just as well for a Teams call as they do for Sunday lunch with the in-laws.

The Oversized Statement Sleeve

Forget everything you knew about proportions—2026 is the year of the dramatic sleeve. We're seeing bell sleeves, balloon sleeves, and sculptural puff sleeves that transform a simple jumper into a conversation starter. The trick is balancing the volume: pair a statement-sleeve knit with slim-fit trousers or a sleek midi skirt.

For high street options, Zara continues to excel at trend-led knitwear with their architectural sleeve details, whilst COS offers more minimalist interpretations with clean lines and superior wool blends. Mango has been particularly strong this season with their dramatic sleeve collection that won't break the bank.

Textural Cable Knits Make a Comeback

Cable knits are having a major moment, but we're not talking about your gran's fishing jumpers. The 2026 versions are chunky, contemporary, and often asymmetrical. Think cables that wrap around the body or create interesting diagonal patterns.

White Stuff does excellent traditional cables with a modern twist, whilst Whistles offers more fashion-forward interpretations. For those wanting to invest, Jigsaw produces beautifully crafted pieces that'll last decades.

The Return of the Turtleneck

Turtlenecks are back with a vengeance, but 2026's versions are anything but basic. We're seeing exaggerated high necks, ribbed textures, and cropped lengths that work brilliantly for layering.

H&M offers brilliant basics that you can afford to buy in multiple colours, whilst M&S provides quality cotton and wool blends that wash beautifully. ASOS has been particularly clever with their trend-led interpretations, offering everything from metallic finishes to cut-out details.

Jewel-Toned Luxury

Colour is crucial for 2026, with emerald green, sapphire blue, and amethyst purple dominating the palette. These rich, saturated tones work beautifully in knits and add instant sophistication to any outfit.

Next has excellent jewel-toned options at accessible prices, whilst Coast offers more occasion-appropriate pieces perfect for the party season. Fat Face provides lovely casual options in these trending hues.

Sustainable and Artisanal Knits

There's a growing movement towards handcrafted and sustainable knitwear. Consumers are increasingly interested in knowing where their clothes come from and how they're made.

For unique, independent options, Gabriela Hearst creates stunning artisanal pieces using traditional techniques and sustainable materials—though they're definitely an investment. Ganni offers more accessible Scandi-cool knits with a focus on responsible production and playful designs that feel fresh and contemporary.

Brand Recommendations by Budget

High Street Heroes

Massimo Dutti continues to impress with their sophisticated knitwear that looks far more expensive than it is. Monsoon offers beautiful textural pieces perfect for transitional dressing, whilst Anthropologie provides unique, bohemian-inspired knits that stand out from the crowd.

Premium Picks

Ted Baker excels at statement knits with interesting details and superior fit. Reiss offers contemporary classics that work beautifully for both work and weekend, whilst Me&Em creates incredibly flattering silhouettes in luxurious fibres.

Luxury Investment Pieces

Max Mara remains the gold standard for luxury knitwear, with their camel-hair blends and impeccable Italian craftsmanship. The Row offers minimalist perfection for those who appreciate understated luxury and exceptional quality.

Styling Tips from the Trenches

Here's what I've learned from years of dressing real women: the best jumpers are the ones you'll actually wear. Choose pieces that suit your lifestyle, not just the latest trends. A well-fitted cable knit in a flattering colour will serve you better than a trend-led piece that doesn't suit your body or personality.

For layering, remember that texture mixing is your friend. Try a chunky knit over a silk slip dress, or layer a fine gauge turtleneck under a sleeveless jumper. The key is varying the weights and textures to create visual interest without bulk.

Never Guess Your Size Again with Tellar.co.uk

As much as I love talking trends, there's nothing more frustrating than ordering the perfect jumper online only to find it doesn't fit. That's where Tellar.co.uk comes in—the UK's leading sizing tool that matches your body exactly to over 1500 brands instantly.

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Plus, there's the Tellar Fashion Hub—a library stacked with free posts from top stylists. Honest, unbiased, independent advice that's always free, covering style advice, top picks, and the best brands.

For more expert guidance, check out these essential reads:

The Bottom Line

2026's jumper and sweater trends offer something for everyone—from statement sleeves for the fashion-forward to sustainable luxury for the conscious consumer. The key is choosing pieces that reflect your personal style whilst embracing the textural richness and sophisticated colours that define the season. Remember, the best trend is the one that makes you feel confident and comfortable in your own skin.

Whether you're drawn to cable knits, turtlenecks, or jewel-toned cashmere, invest in quality pieces that you'll love wearing season after season. After all, good knitwear is like a good friend—reliable, comforting, and always there when you need them.