Top 10 Best Jumper Dresses in the UK 2021 (Topshop, River Island and More)

Jumper dresses may not sound like a chic item of clothing, but modern iterations come in a range of unique and sophisticated designs. Read our buying guide below, to find out how to choose the right jumper dress for you!

Jumper dresses are often made from a combination of different synthetic and natural fibres, like polyester, acrylic, viscose and alpaca wool. Here, we'll discuss the benefits of each fabric blend, so you can make an informed choice.

Many jumper dresses are made from acrylic, which is a synthetic fabric that looks and feels similar to wool. It's soft and comfortable, and is thought to have the best insulation out of all the synthetic fabrics as it traps air. Invest in a dress made from this material for very cold days, as it's sure to keep you warm!

Acrylic can also be blended with nylon, polyester, elastane or alpaca wool. If there's elastane or nylon in the blend, the dress will be stretchy for extra comfort, whereas polyester will improve the garments durability, making it less likely to bobble.

If you're looking for a jumper with a pleasant feel, nothing will beat an acrylic blend with alpaca wool. It's a cosy fabric that can be even softer than cashmere. It's durable, too, so it won't lose its fluffy texture after a few washes. Although, it's not suitable for vegans.

Viscose is another popular synthetic material for jumper dresses. It's a little bit different to acrylic, as it has a lighter feel and silky texture. Choose this fabric if you're looking for a jumper dress for early autumn or spring, as it has better breathability.

Again, it can be blended with other materials like elastane and polyester, which have the same benefits as when they're mixed with acrylic. You should consider a stretchy elastane blend if you live an active lifestyle, as the dress won't restrict movement.

We've already mentioned some polyester blends above, but you can also find knit dresses made primarily from this material. Combined with a small amount of elastane or polyamide (also called nylon), this makes the fabric stretchy.

It's stronger and heavier than other knit fabrics, so it's likely to last longer. You can also wear a polyester knitted dress on rainy days without worrying too much about it shrinking, as the fabric has good water resistance.

If you care about your impact on the environment, you're probably aware that many manmade fabrics have a bad reputation. Luckily, some brands are using more sustainable synthetic materials, like EcoVero, which is a type of viscose. 

EcoVero fibres are made of wood pulp from renewable sources, and fashioned into fabric using methods which have a lower impact on the environment. You can also find recycled polyester, which causes less damage than the traditional variety we're all familiar with. 

This fabric is made from recycled plastic water bottles and other discarded PET products that would have otherwise gone to landfill. The process of making polyester with recycled PET is better for the environment than making it new, as fewer chemicals and fossil fuels are used to produce it.

There are many types of knitting techniques that can create unique finishes. Jersey is a standard knit many jumper dresses have, with small vertical lines that lie fairly flat. Jersey knits are great for layering with jackets and shirts, as they're thin and lightweight, but will quickly unravel if you snag it.

Rib knits are less likely to unravel due to the way in which they're woven. This knit also has superior stretch, making it the best for long countryside walks, as the fabric will move with your body.

Pick a Fair Isle or cable knit if you want something that looks decorative. Cable knits have a unique appearance with various loop and plate patterns that are sure to get you a compliment or two. This style is also double knitted, which makes it thicker and therefore warmer than other styles.

Jumper dresses come in many different lengths with varying necklines. If you're buying the dress to wear on very cold days, look for a midi length with a high, funnel or roll neck, as the extra fabric is sure to keep you warm. Roll necks are particularly good as the fabric is folded over, offering even better protection.

On the other hand, in milder weather or when you're transitioning between seasons, look for a mini dress with a round neck as it'll offer some warmth, without making you hot and sweaty. You can even find some designs with a drawstring hood, which will help shield you from the rain.

Keep your eyes peeled for two-in-one designs that incorporate a shirt dress with a jumper over the top. They're ideal for professionals following a smart dress code, and are very on-trend at the moment. Plus, it's a whole lot cheaper than buying a jumper and dress separately.

You should now be all clued in after reading the buying guide, so it's time to reveal our ranking of the top 10 best jumper dresses available to buy in the UK. We've found a great selection you're not going to want to miss!

Just because the weather is cold, it doesn't mean you have to be! To help you stock up on some winter essentials that'll keep you feeling toasty, no matter the temperature outside, we've included our guides to best cardigans, jumpers and scarves in the UK!

After reading this article, you should be well prepared for cooler days. We hope our top 10 ranking has given you some style inspiration, so you'll be able to choose a jumper dress that's both practical and stylish!

Author: Rosa Fairfield