jumpers

Jumpers are knitted upper-body garments with sleeves, designed to provide warmth. In British English, jumper is the standard term for a pullover sweater; in American English, the garment is usually called a sweater, while "jumper" can refer to a dress-style garment worn over a blouse in some contexts.

Jumpers are typically made from wool, cotton, synthetics such as acrylic, or blends. They are produced in a range of weights, from lightweight summer knits to heavy winter jerseys. Common necklines include crew, V-neck, and turtleneck, while hems and cuffs are often finished with rib knitting. Jumpers can be worn as standalone tops or layered over shirts and blouses; cardigans are a related open-front variant.

Knitted patterns vary from smooth stockinette to ribbed textures and decorative cables or intarsia. Cable-knit jumpers are particularly associated with traditional, rustic, or maritime styles, while plain knits are widely used in contemporary fashion.

Historically, knitted upper-body garments emerged in Europe before becoming widespread with industrialized textile production in the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, jumpers are common in casual and outdoor wear, school uniforms, and fashion collections around the world. The term and style may differ by region, but the basic function remains warmth, comfort, and versatility.

Care and maintenance: follow label instructions; wool often requires hand washing or a gentle machine cycle and air drying to avoid shrinkage; cotton and synthetics may tolerate machine washing. To prevent pilling, wash inside out and keep away from rough fabrics; store folded rather than hanging to avoid stretching.