The best roll neck jumpers and where to buy them now

Image courtesy of & Other Stories.

You’ll turn to a roll neck knit at least three times a week over the winter months, so they deserve a little extra consideration. Here’s our definitive guide to the best ones to buy to see you through…

Bibby Sowray

22 October 2022

There’s little in this world I like more than a decent piece of knitwear, specifically roll neck jumpers. I have a lovingly curated collection that I bring out each autumn and occasionally add too. They’re a styling hug, and it’s a wrench when spring comes around and I have to pack them away again. 

When it comes to knitwear, I maintain that it’s always worth buying the best quality you can afford. It’s far better to buy a couple of really good quality knits, preferably with a 95% wool roll, rather than multiple cheaper knits that are made mainly of acrylic and/or polyester. If you look after it properly (check out our guide on looking after your clothes next…) knitwear made from good quality fabrics will far outlast that made from mainly man-made fibres – which means less clothing waste, something we should all be aiming for.

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But this doesn’t mean you need to raid your savings; the high street is getting better and better at great quality knitwear. 

H&M

H&M is brilliant for excellent quality knitwear at reasonable prices, and it excels at classic pieces with a trend-led twist, particularly in its Premium Selection range (which was a fashion editor’s best kept secret). A 100% wool knit usually starts at around £50, but be warned that the best pieces – usually those that dupe designer pieces perfectly – sell out really quickly. Sizing can really vary between styles, so it’s always a good idea to read through the customer reviews at the bottom of the product page to help you get a clear idea of whether to go for your usual size or size up or down. 

Mango

I would always advise shopping at Mango online and not in store – the stores never have as good a selection and it’s often hard to find the best pieces IRL. Plus, Mango is really, really good at styling pieces beautifully online, giving you a much better shopping experience as it’s easier to see how you might wear the piece yourself.

When it comes to knitwear and roll neck jumpers, the Spanish brand is great at colour, pulling out bright, bold knits every autumn/winter, no matter what the current colour trends are.

Arket

My love affair with Arket has been going for a few years now, and it shows no signs of waning. It’s the understated simplicity that does it for me, combined with the quality. It’s knitwear is a perfect example of this, with a great selection of classic roll neck jumpers and a few trend-led designs too. Yes, the price points are higher, but it is worth it – and as I mentioned before, if we spend a little more on things we tend to look after them better, meaning they last longer and therefore we reduce our clothes waste.

Zara

If you’re on a smaller budget, Zara is the holy grail. I have three oversized Zara roll necks that have seen me through six winters (and two pregnancies) so far and are still going strong. Whether you’re into more classic styles and colours or want something a bit jazzier, Zara will have something to fit the bill. Again, I’d always recommend shopping for Zara online as the stores can be overwhelming – or at least making an edit of the styles you would like to try on before you head to the store so you know exactly what you’re looking for when you hit the shop floor.

& Other Stories

I’m currently searching Depop and Vinted for an & Other Stories roll neck that I bought about seven years ago and am desperate to find in another colour. It’s that good. Chunky, oversized, with thick fold-back cuffs and a snuggly roll neck that holds its shape. Perfect. Let me know if you’ve got one and are selling. Sadly, they don’t do this exact style anymore, but they do offer plenty of other great options.

What’s brilliant about & Other Stories is its tight edit – you won’t find tons of options that you have to sift through, just a few really good roll neck jumpers that are all lovely quality, and worth that little bit more money.

Uniqlo

Uniqlo is your go-to for great quality knitwear at a super affordable price point. You won’t find anything trend-led here but you will find excellent wardrobe building blocks; simple, well-made pieces that will form the basis of your winter wardrobe for years to come. Most pieces are 100% lambswool or merino, so their circa-£30 price tags are unbelievably good value. Stock up and you’ll find you live in the fine-knit roll neck jumpers all winter long.