Christmas Day can ask a lot of one outfit. It needs to look good at the table, stay comfortable through a long lunch, and still work when someone suggests a walk before pudding. Most men don't want a novelty jumper or a suit. They want to look as though they've made an effort without looking like they're trying too hard.
Knitwear does that job well. A good jumper is smart enough for the table, relaxed enough for the sofa, and warm enough to layer under a coat. Below are three Christmas outfits: one for a smart family lunch, one for a relaxed day at home, and one for Boxing Day walks and the pub. Each is built around knitwear, with an overcoat on top for arrivals and walks.
The festive piece that isn't novelty
Fair Isle is the easiest way to look festive without a reindeer on your chest. It has pattern and colour, but you can wear it well into January without anyone thinking it's left over from Christmas.
Our Highbury Fair Isle Quarter-Zip is made from 95% cotton and 5% elastane. It comes in five colourways: Ecru/Navy, Charcoal, Camel, Navy/Forest and Denim/Chocolate. The quarter-zip gives you options. Zip it up when you're outside, or open it a little over a collared shirt indoors.
On fit: the Highbury is true to size. If you're between sizes, size up for layering or a more relaxed fit, or down for a closer fit. If you're buying for someone else, the easiest check is to compare against a jumper he already wears and likes.
1. The smart family lunch
This is the lunch with the good tablecloth, extended family and perhaps a host who has asked people to "dress nicely". You want polished, not formal.
The outfit
Knitwear: the Highbury in Ecru/Navy or Charcoal, worn over a plain collared shirt. White, pale blue or a soft oxford all work.
Trousers: smart flat-front trousers in navy, grey or a deep brown. Tailored chinos are fine if they're pressed.
Shoes: polished leather shoes or clean suede boots.
Coat: a longline overcoat for the arrival.
Why it works
A collar under a quarter-zip looks deliberate. It gives the outfit structure at the neck, which is what makes knitwear read as smart, and the Fair Isle pattern adds the festive note on its own. Keep everything else plain. One patterned piece is enough.
Layering for the arrival
First impressions at the door happen in your coat. The Hampstead Longline Overcoat is a cotton and polyester blend, fully lined in cotton. Its long length covers the jumper and most of the trousers, so the outfit looks finished before you take it off. Browse the full range of overcoats if you'd like another length or style.
2. The relaxed house Christmas
Some Christmases are spent in one house all day: present opening, a late lunch, a film and the cheeseboard. Comfort matters most here, but you still want to look good in the photos.
The outfit
Knitwear: the Highbury in Camel or Denim/Chocolate, worn over a plain T-shirt or a fine long-sleeved top.
Trousers: soft chinos or relaxed-fit trousers in a neutral colour.
Shoes: clean minimal trainers, loafers, or good slippers if the house allows it.
Why it works
Warmer, earthier colourways feel cosier and pair well with relaxed fabrics. Without the collar, the quarter-zip becomes more casual, and you can open or close the zip as the kitchen warms up and cools down. A little stretch from the elastane helps when you're sitting for most of the day.
If you're between sizes and expect to spend the day lounging, sizing up gives a more relaxed fit. If you'd like other knitwear to rotate through the holidays, see the full knitwear range.
3. Boxing Day walks and the pub
Boxing Day usually means a walk, often followed by the pub. The outfit has to handle cold air, muddy paths and a warm, busy bar.
The outfit
Knitwear: the Highbury in Navy/Forest, zipped higher for the walk.
Underneath: a long-sleeved T-shirt or thin base layer if it's especially cold.
Trousers: sturdy chinos, cords or dark jeans.
Shoes: walking boots or leather boots that can take a bit of mud.
Coat: an overcoat, plus a scarf and gloves.
Layering for the walk
Layers let you adjust as you go. Zip the quarter-zip right up on the walk, open the coat once you're moving, and take both off when you reach the pub. The deeper Navy/Forest colourway also hides a muddy splash better than lighter shades.
For a coat with some wool in it, the Pimlico is a 25% wool blend. If you prefer a long line, the Hampstead also suits a walk. Either way, choose a coat with enough room for knitwear underneath. If you're between sizes on the jumper, sizing down keeps it closer to the body for easier layering under a coat.
What not to wear
A novelty jumper that ends the conversation. If the joke is the whole outfit, it'll feel tired by mid-afternoon. Pattern can be festive without being a gag.
Too many patterns. A Fair Isle jumper with a check shirt and patterned trousers is one pattern too many. Let the knit lead.
A full suit. Unless your family really does dress formally, a suit can feel stiff at a relaxed lunch.
Anything you can't sit in. Christmas lunch is long. If the trousers are tight before the meal, they'll be worse after it.
Shoes you won't want muddy. On Boxing Day, leave delicate pairs at home.
Find your Christmas knit
If Fair Isle is new to you, our guide to men's Fair Isle jumpers explains how to choose a pattern, colour and fit. If you're shopping for someone else, our guide to the best jumpers to gift a man covers sizing and style for other people. For evenings out over the season, see our Christmas party outfits for men.
Orders are dispatched in 1–2 working days, with delivery 6–10 working days from order and free tracked delivery. If the fit isn't right, you have 30 days to return it.
Have a warm, comfortable and well-dressed Christmas.
Shop the range
Christmas Day, dressed and comfortable: the fleece dressing gown (£52.95) for the morning, the brushed flannel pyjama set (£43.95) the night before, the herringbone scarf (£9.95) for the walk, and the wool-blend boot socks (£21.95) inside the boots.
The whole day is in the Winter Edit.