The Christmas Jumper!!!

Here at Grace Bardin HQ we are interested in the new trends that everyone will be wearing this season, and as a guy who likes to keep warm during the cold months, the Christmas jumper is a must have for every discernible gentleman's wardrobe. It may remind us of when we were young and our nan would present us with a shocking knitted cardigan with a dinosaur emblazoned across the chest. It may remind us of that moment in Bridget Jones' Diary, when her 'Mr Darcy' turns around at a festive party to reveal a beauty of a jumper that his mum had bought him. Poor old Colin Firth. However, the Indie kids have made it cool to walk around with Thomas the Tank Engine on their top. I for one, went out and got myself two embroidered tops the other day; one with ducks carrying umbrellas and the other with robots resting proudly on my mid-riff. The Christmas jumper makes us smile, it's nostalgic. Here is a run down of the best sweaters on the High Street at the moment.

This patchwork number from All Saints is £60 in their Mid-Season Sale. As with all of their knitwear, it is soft, invitingly warm and fits all shapes. Be careful, because as with most delicate garments, this cardigan has a tendency to disintegrate in the wash. I can imagine Colin Farrell wearing this as he is just about to bust heads open in Belgium. Or maybe you could be wearing it as you are just about to bust beers open at your Aunt Sally's house.

A nice jumper from H&M, retailing at £29.99. The funnel neck and ribbed cuffs and waistband are bound to keep you warm during those freezing London mornings. I love the snow flake style print and neutral tones. Imagine Sean Connery. a martini and a open fire with a beautiful girl. Or how about you, the Mrs, a can of Stella and X Factor on the telly.

A more simple traditional design from River Island, retailing at £34.99. Again the jumper is chunky, with a wintery feel to the embroidery. The crew neck, with ribbed cuffs and waistband are classic characteristics of the knitted jumpers from our youth. In fact, I think my nan may have got a job at the River Island design office.

Topman never fails to set trends and improve existing ones. They have gone all out Christmas in these two knitted jumpers above. I love the khaki reindeer inspired garment, but am also very fond of the blue snow flake piece. At £38 each, I might just buy both. They couldn't get more Christmassy; even if Bing Crosby came around to your house with Noel Edmonds in tow, singing Christmas carols and throwing roasted chestnuts at your head.

A more subtle piece from Zara, but just as striking. Very reasonable at £39.99, this Zara garment has a nice snowy feel to its finish. I can imagine the Indie kids around London Fields poncing around in this sweater throughout the festive season.

So have I sold you the Christmas jumper? I think you should all go out onto the High Street and purchase one of these fine sweaters mentioned. It will make me very happy; and if you don't care about me, it will definitely make your mum and nan smile this winter.


by philip booth