This Jumper Trend Is 2020's Answer to "Dad" Trainers

There has been something of a resurgence of "ugly" buys in recent years. Dad trainers, which largely started to dominate in 2018, continue to be a strong sartorial vibe right up until summer hits, when the next footwear fixation comes into play: chunky-soled boots.

We've also witnessed the miraculous metamorphosis of knitted tank tops—of a similar ilk to those made famous by Chandler Bing—which have since become chic layering staples. So yes, "ugly" is no longer off-putting. And while this latest must-have buy isn't quite as iffy as those previously mentioned, it does fall into the same category. 

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(Image credit: @lucywilliams02)

Whether they're jumpers with zips that stop halfway or reach all the way down to the hemline (or even the ones your dad used to wear on days out to the beach/to walk the dog/to BBQ in), these items keep cropping up on our Instagram feeds.

From the blogging elite (here's looking at you, Lucy Williams) to London It girls like Natasha Ndlovu and industry insiders like stylist Hannah Lewis, everyone is giving this dad jumper airtime right now. And you know what? While we were initially reserved, we've come to find it not only practical but also incredibly stylish. We particularly like it when those in the know unzip their turtleneck styles to the collarbone and layer any excess, unzipped fabric over the top of their outerwear.

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(Image credit: @alyssainthecity)

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(Image credit: @natashandlovu)

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(Image credit: @hannahlewisstylist)

From Acne to & Other Stories, keep scrolling to see and shop our edit of the best zip-up jumpers.

SHOP OUR EDIT OF THE BEST ZIP-UP JUMPERS

Next: the ugly knitwear trend you'll see everywhere in three months' time

Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over twelve years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories, and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, works closely with influencer talent on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media. Previously, Maxine appeared on TV in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o. 


Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship, she was offered a position on the Look magazine fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. She went on to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others. Maxine works remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh.