The Perfect Grey Jumper

[NancyStStacey]

I have spent the last 20 years it feels, trying to find the perfect grey jumper, but they always end up not being quite right in some way or being poor quality and looking like dishrags after a couple of washes

I kind of want it to feel expensive and casual and slightly oversized, the kind you can throw on and look effortlessly stylish (in my head anyway).
I've seen this one by White Company, wbich isn't oversized but looks nice. Any other recommendations?

Update in case anyone is interested.

I went in to White Company and tried on the first jumper. It was so thin, you could see my top underneath - honestly it was terrible quality for the money, I wouldn't have looked twice at it if I was browsing instore.

I did see this one in John Lewis, which was thicker and felt better quality and £20 cheaper than the White Company one, so its a contender.

I'm still tempted by that Uniqlo wool one too.

Update here too - the Arket jumper is (for me) perfect. I’m a 10/12 and ordered small and medium, this is the small which I am keeping.

I tried on this one in Cos today here - really nice quality and decent thickness, although they only have it in dark grey (not light).

@Judystilldreamsofhorses it looks great - you, in fact, look amazing (I love your jeans too). Its a definite keeper.

@stringbean I really like the dark grey.

I'm beginning to wonder if grey marl actually suits me at all... I looked washed out when I tried the John Lewis one on earlier, but then I have just had covid and still feel like death warmed up.
If it doesn't suit me, why am I so drawn to grey jumpers?

I tried on a 100% cashmere jumper in Marks and Spencer today, not sure with exchange rate as am abroad but guess around 80 pounds? Ir was especially nice., really good shape, on the small size. Beautiful quality, amazing!

@Valerianandfoxglovesoup was it this one? If so, I have it in the beige and I agree, its feels lovely and decent quality.
If they had it in a dark or light grey, I'd probably buy another.

@Watermelon47 I always wear a T-shirt or thermal vest (long sleeved from M&S or Uniqlo) underneath jumpers. You can go much longer without washing them if you’re not wearing them against your skin.

I’ve got quite a few grey jumpers and probably the best one is a cashmere mix from Benetton that someone else mentioned.

I love an oversized grey cashmere jumper and I like the look of the H&M one linked up thread! I got one from Raey in their sale in the summer - actually it might have been on the Outnet - very pleased with that one but you can never have too many...

Thanks so much @NancyStStacey - the jeans are Levi’s “baggy dad” and I love them!

Not sure if anyone has mentioned Boden but I have a few of their plain cashmere jumpers and they are lovely quality.

As LonelyBones said, J Crew cashmere jumpers are fabulous. They are very expensive so have a look at new ones on eBay. I also recommend Cove Cashmere grey jumpers and again there are some brilliant brand new, this season, ones at a great price on eBay. I am a complete convert having tried every brand. The jumpers do not go bobbly with repeated wear and they are significantly higher quality than The White Company, M&S, Uniqlo etc

I bought a White Company grey cashmere jumper… lovely cut but looked like a rag after 4 weeks… avoid!

the white company one is very nice but very thin. I can imagine catching things on it easily like rings etc.

I have a grey J Crew wool jumper (not cashmere) and it's gone horrendously bobbly.

Probably my best grey jumper is from Ralph Lauren (from an outlet store in the US, not the ludicrously priced versions in the U.K.) and has worn very well. And a cotton one from GAP menswear.

My best ever grey cashmere jumper was also bought in a Ralph Lauren outlet in 2001! Still wear it but only at home because it's got holes in the elbows now!
I recommend looking on Vinted, I've found some amazing cashmere sweaters on there.
I wear them with a vest or t- shirt and wash them as little as possible, a good airing outdoors works wonders.

I've got one a grey one very similar to this but bought mine 'as new' second hand on eBay (and it genuinely was) about three years ago and I bloody love it. It's still in excellent shape, retained its shape really well after lots of use and washes, and so easy to throw on with jeans https://finisterre.com/collections/womens-knitwear/products/womens-merino-farne-roll-neck-knit-jumper-oatmeal-grey

Appreciate roll necks not for everyone https://finisterre.com/collections/womens-knitwear/products/womens-wool-mora-jumper-grey

Finisterre do regular very good sales (50% off).

How about Sezane?
https://www.sezane.com/en/product/otis-jumper/mottled-grey#size-XXS
https://www.sezane.com/en/product/louise-jumper/mottled-grey#size-XXS

These Anthropologie cashmere jumpers are a game changer for me, I love the shape. I just bought the grey one this week.

https://www.anthropologie.com/en-gb/shop/alani-cashmere-mock-neck-jumper3?category=knitwear&color=005&type=PLUS&quantity=1

My holy grail grey sweater came from Autumn Cashmere. A fine knit but in quite a boxy shape that I wanted. Love it so much I got it in a purple shade too. That Arket one is lovely too.

Have you tried this one from Hush? I'm a UK 8/10 and have it in an XS.

Saphira cashmere

@NancyStStacey i feel like your post was written by me as I am also always trying to find the perfect grey jumper. I feel the cold so have quite a few jumpers in other colours but always reach for grey if I can.

I would love something from navygrey but I don’t think I can justify the price.

What I would love is a slouchy jumper, not thin, and most importantly a jumper that will not bobble immediately!

@BangingOn love that Sezane Louise jumper - has anyone bought Sezane knitwear, does it wash well?

@SorrelForbes I have unfortunately had too many Hush jumpers that look great online but are terrible quality, to venture into their knitwear again.

@kryptonfactor I really like that Anthropolgie jumper, have you had one longer than a week, if so how is the bobble/rag factor?

@Notcontent If I add up the cost of all the disappointing grey jumpers I have bought over the years, I could probably afford to have some artisanal goat herder hand spin and then knit me the perfect custom jumper

@NancyStStacey I have a couple of their Gaspard jumpers (or cardigans, depending on which way around you wear the buttons) and they have survived the hand wash cycle in my washing machine and still look great.

@BangingOn grrr, they are out of stock in size small. I shall have to stalk it.