Putting sweater (jumper*, if you prefer) and Dubai in the same sentence feels wildly incongruous and mistaken, like ketchup and Sushi, or waffles and mayonnaise. Sure, one may feign the impression of cold by standing in air conditioned room for 23.5 hours of the day, but overall, Dubai doesn’t subscribe to warmer clothing. And yet here we are, the time of year when being outside may, in fact, warrant the assistance of a sweater, jumper, or knit. If you don’t already have a closet filled with delectable, untouched sweaters begging to be worn, here are 8 choices you should get, like, now.
HUGO – Cotton Rollneck
If you haven’t already seen Steve McQueen’s 1968 classic, Bullitt, then just know that I’m disappointed in you. The reason being that a) that film set the standard for how cool a car chase could be, and b) it features the turtleneck sweater in its most iconic performance on screen. You’ll look cool behind the wheel of a Ford Mustang, you’ll look smart wearing it beneath a blazer to a dinner party, and few do it as good as HUGO.
AED 740. Buy here.
Casatlantic – Full Zip Wool Cardigan
Casatlantic, known for making high waisted trousers that feel as if they were stolen out of Humphrey Bogart’s wardrobe, also make other stuff too. Specifically, their knitwear is made in direct relation to said trousers, as they are a bit shorter in length, which really nails that whole Jay Gatsby, winter in the Hamptons aesthetic.
AED 955. Buy here.
Loro Piana – Cocooning Turtleneck
Few brands, if any, embody stealth wealth better than Loro Piana. They are defined not by giant logos slapped across the chest, but rather by the quality of their fabric, recognised by those in the know, lost amongst those who are looking to be a walking billboard. And this ultra luxurious cashmere turtleneck is a must if you’re planning on spending any time in the alps with your Italian in-laws.
AED 14.200. Buy here.
J.Press X Buck Mason – Shaggy Dog Sweater
Call me bias, but I’m a sucker for classic Americana, especially if it’s made in California. Buck Mason’s closet staples feels like how a Lana Del Rey song sounds, and their latest collaboration with the 100+ year old, J. Brand, feels like a match almost too obvious. This Shaggy Dog Sweater is a bit more Bukowski in San Pedro rather than Fitzgerald in Paris; there’s room for both, but true American beauty is found in the back of 4 a.m. diners, instant coffee and shaggy sweaters.
AED 985. Buy here.
A.P.C. – Dave Cardigan
Years ago, I told my mom I wanted one of these cardigans. Her immediate response: “Seriously? The first thing I think of when I see that is someone’s grandpa.” You don’t get it, mom, that’s the point. It’s cool. Kurt Cobain wore one. Logan Roy wore one. It’s rock’n’roll. It’s “tell those darn kids to keep quiet!” It’s clutching a warm tea mug in the middle of winter as you gaze out of rain soaked windows, reminiscing over youthful days of being wild.
AED 1,160. Buy here.
COS – Boiled Wool Crewneck
Nobody ever got flack for wearing too much black. This cut, this colour, and this unparalleled versatility should be a staple in your closet if it isn’t already. Wear it with a velvet blazer and slacks or ripped jeans and converse – this guy can do it all.
AED 495. Buy here.
Acne Studios – Jaquard Jumper
Sure, this one is perhaps a bit “I need everyone at this party to know that I am fashion conscious and have a verified blue check on Instagram,” but where the Shaggy Dog Sweater pales, this one prevails. Hunter S. Thompson would scream profanities, but Alexander McQueen would give you a hug – it all depends on where you’re headed both physically and philosophically. And leave it to the Swedes to put some kittens on a very expensive wool sweater. Sensational.
AED 2,350. Buy here.
Amiri – Swirl Cardigan
Amiri makes clothes for men who have an expensive guitar hanging on their wall but don’t know how to play it, though I’ll take an un-played guitar over this overplayed Instagram nightmare any day of the week. Amiri is Sweet Child O’ Mine as much as it NYFW, and in an era devoid of rock bands, snarling attitudes, and unpaid room service bills, Amiri gives us something modern that Marc Bolan would’ve (probably) approved of. This faded pink cardigan is guaranteed to do some damage on the Sunset Strip, but will still cover up your gaping chest tattoo before grandma comes home for Christmas.
AED 6,040. Buy here.
Qasimi – Alpaca Wool Sweater
(Of course we had to include a 9th) Qasimi is the perfect mix of ‘I could actually wear this to a job interview’ and ‘I am a disruptor’; isn’t that what we’re all going for anyway? The longer sleeves give it a touch of 2049 cyberpunk, but its light, white tone won’t scare anyone away. And it’s so so soft.
AED 2,047. Buy here.
Keep warm in the cool.
