Ugly Christmas Sweaters Have Never Looked so Good (2024)

Table of Contents
Tipsy Elves Women's Bristle Babe Ugly Christmas Cardigan Sweater Tipsy Elves Women's Bristle Babe Ugly Christmas Cardigan Sweater Tipsy Elves Tipsy Elves Men's Gaudy Garland Sweater Tipsy Elves Tipsy Elves Men's Gaudy Garland Sweater Boy's / Girl's Little Present Ugly Christmas Sweater Boy's / Girl's Little Present Ugly Christmas Sweater Petcare Ugly Christmas Dog Sweater Elf Petcare Ugly Christmas Dog Sweater Elf Woolen Knitted Pet Sweater Woolen Knitted Pet Sweater Untyo Baby Christmas Sweater Reindeer Pattern Untyo Baby Christmas Sweater Reindeer Pattern FamilyDaisyTee Christmas "Friends" Sweater FamilyDaisyTee Christmas "Friends" Sweater Embellished Fair Isle Sweater Embellished Fair Isle Sweater SoCal Look Unisex Snowman Reindeer Cardigan SoCal Look Unisex Snowman Reindeer Cardigan DreamsbytheStitch Ugly Kwanzaa Sweater DreamsbytheStitch Ugly Kwanzaa Sweater Threadrock Oy to the World Hanukkah Celebration Unisex Sweatshirt Threadrock Oy to the World Hanukkah Celebration Unisex Sweatshirt Faux Real Ugly Christmas Half & Half Holiday Long Sleeved T-Shirt Faux Real Ugly Christmas Half & Half Holiday Long Sleeved T-Shirt Tipsy Elves Women's Tacky Tinsel Plus-Size Cardigan Sweater Tipsy Elves Women's Tacky Tinsel Plus-Size Cardigan Sweater SpiritForgedApparel Happy Challah Days Ugly Sweater SpiritForgedApparel Happy Challah Days Ugly Sweater Raiseevern Graphic Printed Ugly Christmas Sweater Raiseevern Graphic Printed Ugly Christmas Sweater DazzleTeesUS Naughty and Nice Christmas Couple Matching Sweater DazzleTeesUS Naughty and Nice Christmas Couple Matching Sweater TackyUglySweaters Made-to-Order Christmas Sweater TackyUglySweaters Made-to-Order Christmas Sweater KalisClosetCo Happy Hanukkah Gin & Tonica Unisex Sweater KalisClosetCo Happy Hanukkah Gin & Tonica Unisex Sweater ExpressiveHQ Couples Christmas Sweaters ExpressiveHQ Couples Christmas Sweaters Old Navy Matching Holiday Fair Isle Cardigan Sweater for Women Old Navy Matching Holiday Fair Isle Cardigan Sweater for Women FAQs References
Ugly Christmas Sweaters Have Never Looked so Good (1)

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Now that the holidays are officially in full swing and the weather outside is (finally!) "frightful," it's understandable if you're all about bringing some much-deserved Christmas cheer to your wardrobe. In recent years, the famed "ugly Christmas sweater" has been reclaimed and given new life, and now it's beloved in ways both ironic and totally serious, which means you absolutely need one or two in your arsenal for all your festive celebrations ahead.

Whether you've got a theme party on the cal in the coming weeks or simply want to spruce up your go-to holiday outfit with some seasonal silliness, there's sure to be an ugly sweater out there for you. And while there are plenty of fun ugly Christmas sweaters, there's no shortage of great options out there for those who celebrate Kwanzaa, and Hanukkah as well.

With sweaters to suit every unique style and price point out there (even as low as $21!), lighting up every room you walk into this holiday season is as easy as clicking "add to cart" on your favorite pick. In fact, we don't blame you if you scoop up more than one. We've gone ahead and done the legwork to uncover the best ugly sweaters on the block, which means all you need to do is show up and prepare for smiles, laughs, and requests for selfies galore—after all, these ugly sweaters are just too good not to make it to social media.

1

Best for Women

Tipsy Elves Women's Bristle Babe Ugly Christmas Cardigan Sweater

Ugly Christmas Sweaters Have Never Looked so Good (2)

1

Best for Women

Tipsy Elves Women's Bristle Babe Ugly Christmas Cardigan Sweater

We can guarantee that this festive crewneck cardigan will be the star of the show at every holiday soirée. Available up to size 3XL, this sparkly sweater looks and feels luxe, and you'll surely be crowned the queen of Christmas all season long.

2

Best for Men

Tipsy Elves Tipsy Elves Men's Gaudy Garland Sweater

Ugly Christmas Sweaters Have Never Looked so Good (3)

2

Best for Men

Tipsy Elves Tipsy Elves Men's Gaudy Garland Sweater

Equal parts cute and tacky, this green crewneck includes just the right amount of embellishment to make you the hit of every holiday party year after year. With a few styles to choose from up to size 4XL, this ugly sweater for men is sure to make the season bright. (Pssst... there's also a version for women, too.)

3

Best Kids Ugly Christmas Sweater

Boy's / Girl's Little Present Ugly Christmas Sweater

Ugly Christmas Sweaters Have Never Looked so Good (4)

3

Best Kids Ugly Christmas Sweater

Boy's / Girl's Little Present Ugly Christmas Sweater

This sweater proves that ugly can be adorable. Children are a gift, and in this sweater, they'll certainly look like one. It's got all the festive red and green you'd expect from your own little elf, plus a glitzy gold accessory for extra festive fun. This one is the gift that keeps on giving. Available in age sizes 4-13 years.

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4

Best Dogs’ Ugly Christmas Sweater

Petcare Ugly Christmas Dog Sweater Elf

Ugly Christmas Sweaters Have Never Looked so Good (5)

4

Best Dogs’ Ugly Christmas Sweater

Petcare Ugly Christmas Dog Sweater Elf

When we said we had sweaters for the whole family, we meant it. We never leave our four-legged friends out, and that includes ugly Christmas sweaters. Raise many smiles and laughs in this cute elf sweater for dogs.

Cats can also join in the fun with this ugly Christmas cardigan. They may not be easy to wrestle into, but the end result will be more than worth it.

6

Best Ugly Knit for Babies

Untyo Baby Christmas Sweater Reindeer Pattern

Ugly Christmas Sweaters Have Never Looked so Good (7)

6

Best Ugly Knit for Babies

Untyo Baby Christmas Sweater Reindeer Pattern

Even babies can get in on the act with this delightful ugly-sweater-inspired onesie. Available for babies 0-24 months, this red and white knit features some of the cutest reindeer we've seen, ensuring baby will be nothing less than adorable this holiday season.

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7

Best Funny Ugly Christmas Sweater

FamilyDaisyTee Christmas "Friends" Sweater

Ugly Christmas Sweaters Have Never Looked so Good (8)

7

Best Funny Ugly Christmas Sweater

FamilyDaisyTee Christmas "Friends" Sweater

Now 20% Off

Pop culture fans, this one's for you. With a holiday-inspired take on everyone's favorite sitcom, you'll find surprise appearances from some of the biggest seasonal classics, including Buddy the Elf, the Grinch, Clark Griswold, Kevin McCallister, and Ralphie Parker on this sweatshirt, which comes in a slew of color, size, and cut options to suit everyone.

8

Best Luxury Christmas Sweater

Embellished Fair Isle Sweater

Ugly Christmas Sweaters Have Never Looked so Good (9)

8

Best Luxury Christmas Sweater

Embellished Fair Isle Sweater

Now 30% Off

For those who like the finer things in life, even when it comes to ugly Christmas sweaters, look no further than Boden. This embellished Fair Isle pattern knit sweater still understands the assignment, but executes it with a bit more style.

9

Best Walmart Ugly Christmas Sweater

SoCal Look Unisex Snowman Reindeer Cardigan

Ugly Christmas Sweaters Have Never Looked so Good (10)

9

Best Walmart Ugly Christmas Sweater

SoCal Look Unisex Snowman Reindeer Cardigan

This unisex cardigan features festive iconography over a chic-yet-ugly-enough black and red design scheme that you'll actually want to wear again and again. Jacquard knit fabrics keep you cozy, with sizes up to 3XL.

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10

Best Ugly Kwanzaa Sweater

DreamsbytheStitch Ugly Kwanzaa Sweater

Ugly Christmas Sweaters Have Never Looked so Good (11)

10

Best Ugly Kwanzaa Sweater

DreamsbytheStitch Ugly Kwanzaa Sweater

Ring in Kwanzaa—the annual seven-day celebration of individuals with African roots—in style thanks to this tongue-in-cheek "ugly Kwanzaa sweater" that comes in three color options (gray, white, and black) up to size 3XL.

11

Best Funny Ugly Hanukkah Sweater

Threadrock Oy to the World Hanukkah Celebration Unisex Sweatshirt

Ugly Christmas Sweaters Have Never Looked so Good (12)

11

Best Funny Ugly Hanukkah Sweater

Threadrock Oy to the World Hanukkah Celebration Unisex Sweatshirt

Enjoy this cheeky riff on the holidays by sporting this festive, top-rated crewneck that reads "Oy to the World" and includes snowflakes and a menorah. It comes in five colors up to sizes 2XL, and makes for the perfect topper for any of the eight nights of celebrating ahead.

12

Best Interfaith Ugly Holiday Sweater

Faux Real Ugly Christmas Half & Half Holiday Long Sleeved T-Shirt

Ugly Christmas Sweaters Have Never Looked so Good (13)

12

Best Interfaith Ugly Holiday Sweater

Faux Real Ugly Christmas Half & Half Holiday Long Sleeved T-Shirt

Now 29% Off

You and your loved ones celebrate both Christmas and Hanukkah? No sweat! This hilariously ugly long-sleeved tee honors both holidays, serving as the perfect seasonal style that's sure to score big smiles everywhere you go.

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13

Best Plus-Size Ugly Christmas Sweater

Tipsy Elves Women's Tacky Tinsel Plus-Size Cardigan Sweater

Ugly Christmas Sweaters Have Never Looked so Good (14)

13

Best Plus-Size Ugly Christmas Sweater

Tipsy Elves Women's Tacky Tinsel Plus-Size Cardigan Sweater

Calling this cropped plus-size cardigan ugly is sort of a misnomer, since it's actually so cute. Available in sizes XL to 5XL, it's got all the sparkle you need to make a standout style statement during the holiday season.

14

Best Ugly Hanukkah Sweater for Men

SpiritForgedApparel Happy Challah Days Ugly Sweater

Ugly Christmas Sweaters Have Never Looked so Good (15)

14

Best Ugly Hanukkah Sweater for Men

SpiritForgedApparel Happy Challah Days Ugly Sweater

Not only is this ugly Hanukkah sweater for men cute and cheeky, it's less than $25 ,with tons of rave reviews, which means you don't have to blow your gift-buying budget to score the ideal sweater for any theme parties you've got in the works.

15

Best Ugly Sweater for Dog Lovers

Raiseevern Graphic Printed Ugly Christmas Sweater

Ugly Christmas Sweaters Have Never Looked so Good (16)

15

Best Ugly Sweater for Dog Lovers

Raiseevern Graphic Printed Ugly Christmas Sweater

Animal lovers will adore just about any of the silly and sweet unisex graphic sweatshirts up for grabs here. With a slew of options and sizes up to 3XL, the toughest part will be picking just one.

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16

Best for Adults

DazzleTeesUS Naughty and Nice Christmas Couple Matching Sweater

Ugly Christmas Sweaters Have Never Looked so Good (17)

16

Best for Adults

DazzleTeesUS Naughty and Nice Christmas Couple Matching Sweater

Now 50% Off

With so many "adult" ugly Christmas sweaters skewing toward the crass or crude, this set keeps things cute without making any inappropriate innuendos for gatherings with loved ones. Available in crewneck sweatshirts or hoodies in a bevy of bold colors up to size 3XL, so you can coordinate perfectly with your partner and create your own version of a Hallmark moment.

17

Best Over-the-Top Ugly Christmas Sweater

TackyUglySweaters Made-to-Order Christmas Sweater

Ugly Christmas Sweaters Have Never Looked so Good (18)

17

Best Over-the-Top Ugly Christmas Sweater

TackyUglySweaters Made-to-Order Christmas Sweater

While this festive pullover isn't the most budget-friendly, it will be the most fun at any gathering you go to. Not only does it light up (!!), it's bedazzled with garland, bells, candy canes, and other intricate add-ons, making it a genuine showstopper of an ugly sweater.

18

Best Ugly Hanukkah Sweater for Adults

KalisClosetCo Happy Hanukkah Gin & Tonica Unisex Sweater

Ugly Christmas Sweaters Have Never Looked so Good (19)

18

Best Ugly Hanukkah Sweater for Adults

KalisClosetCo Happy Hanukkah Gin & Tonica Unisex Sweater

Pay homage to Adam Sandler's hilarious holiday classic by wearing this ultra-cozy crewneck with everyone's favorite adult beverage printed on the front. An inner fleece lining keeps you toasty whether you're hitting the bars with pals or staying home with your nearest and dearest. Choose from a slew of bold colors to make a statement everywhere you go.

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19

Best Ugly Christmas Sweater for Couples

ExpressiveHQ Couples Christmas Sweaters

Ugly Christmas Sweaters Have Never Looked so Good (20)

19

Best Ugly Christmas Sweater for Couples

ExpressiveHQ Couples Christmas Sweaters

Now 50% Off

Got a bit of a Grinch on your hands? These coordinating crewnecks were made for you. Available in red, green, black, or white up to size 5XL, you likely won't need to try too hard to convince them when they see how cute these pullovers actually are.

20

Best Old Navy Ugly Christmas Sweater

Old Navy Matching Holiday Fair Isle Cardigan Sweater for Women

Ugly Christmas Sweaters Have Never Looked so Good (21)

20

Best Old Navy Ugly Christmas Sweater

Old Navy Matching Holiday Fair Isle Cardigan Sweater for Women

Okay, so these aren't your traditional "ugly sweaters," but they sure do fit the bill when it comes to keeping things merry and bright. These Fair Isle sweaters come in a slew of colorways, with a cardigan for the ladies, a matching crewneck for the guys, and even coordinating kids' sizes, so you can dress up as a family and snap the perfect holiday pictures you'll treasure for years to come.

Ugly Christmas Sweaters Have Never Looked so Good (2024)

FAQs

Why do people think Christmas sweaters are ugly? ›

The term "ugly" in the context of ugly Christmas sweaters refers more to their kitschy and over-the-top design elements rather than their actual appearance. These sweaters often feature whimsical patterns, bold color combinations, and quirky embellishments.

How do you enhance an ugly Christmas sweater? ›

Transform yourself into a Christmas tree with plenty of tulle and tinsel. You can even add real lights to make your look really shine! Plus, a tinsel hat will really take your ugly Christmas sweater to new heights.

Are ugly Christmas sweaters still a thing? ›

The Tradition is still going strong ! While Las Vegas rarely drops below 50 degrees, many grizzlies still follow this little fun tradition of wearing Christmas sweaters. They come in all different, fun, and festive colors. Many ugly sweaters are generally Christmas themed.

When did people start wearing ugly Christmas sweaters? ›

Though ugly Christmas sweaters have undergone a resurgence in the 21st century, its origins date to the 1950s. Originally coined "Jingle Bell Sweaters," long-sleeved sweaters were typically adorned with the usual Christmas symbols – snowmen, Santa, angels, snowflakes, jingle bells, etc.

What day should you wear an ugly Christmas sweater? ›

National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day is celebrated on the third Friday of December each year.

What is the most expensive ugly Christmas sweater? ›

“Proceeds of this sweater will go to charity.” 2 Chainz promoted his five-figure sweater in a tweet, in which he wrote, “$90,000 cash. 50 carats of diamonds and 250 grams of gold on the worlds most expensivest ugly Christmas sweater.

What are the rules for an ugly sweater? ›

To be eligible as part of the “sweater” it must be attached. Additional items such as hats, jewelry, pants or other festive attire will not be considered when voting for the Ugliest Christmas Sweater, but we encourage you to wear for entertainment purposes.

What to wear to an ugly sweater party if you don't have an ugly sweater? ›

1. Red and White (not red and green, duh) Red and white is very crisp and says holiday! And it's not a Santa costume when you make the individual pieces chic and sophisticated, like a pencil skirt and ivory bomber jacket.

What is attributed to the gain in popularity of the ugly Christmas sweater? ›

It wasn't until the 1980s that the item hit the mainstream. The shift came thanks to pop culture and comedies, with goofball dad characters like Chevy Chase's Clark Griswold in “National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation” turning the holiday sweater into an uncomely but endearing expression of cheer.

How many people wear ugly Christmas sweaters? ›

Likeliness of wearing ugly holiday sweaters in the U.S. 2022

According to a survey conducted in the United States in December 2022, 13 percent of adults reported to be very likely to wear an ugly holiday sweater for the upcoming holiday season, and 18 percent said they were somewhat likely to do so.

When to stop wearing Christmas sweaters? ›

Traditionally, once the New Year festivities conclude, it's customary to bid farewell to the festive attire. However, some may choose to extend the enjoyment until the end of January, especially when attending post-holiday gatherings or themed events.

What is a tacky Christmas sweater? ›

Updated on January 09, 2020. An ugly Christmas sweater is any Christmas-themed sweater that could be considered in bad taste, tacky, or gaudy. The general consensus is that the more embellishments—tinsel, reindeer, Santa Clauses, candy canes, elves, presents, etc. —the uglier the sweater.

What is the point of an ugly Christmas sweater? ›

But, the modern-day tradition of wearing ugly Christmas sweaters started in the 1980s with the Young Men's Institute (YMI) Club members in San Francisco. The clubmen started wearing festive, ugly sweaters as a joke to see who could wear the ugliest one.

What is an interesting fact about ugly sweaters? ›

Ugly sweaters have been around for a long time and likely have an accidental origin. Experts say back when people used to knit sweaters, they probably created the ugly trend by accident. The trend got even more popular when Cliff Huxtable sported the offbeat sweaters on "The Cosby Show" in the 1980s.

Why do they call it an ugly sweater? ›

The Origins of Ugly Christmas Sweaters

Initially, these sweaters were not intended to be unappealing; rather, they emerged as a result of evolving fashion trends and a desire to celebrate the holiday spirit in a unique way. The term “ugly” was later embraced as a playful and endearing label for these festive garments.

Why are ugly Christmas sweaters called ugly? ›

The Origins of Ugly Christmas Sweaters

Initially, these sweaters were not intended to be unappealing; rather, they emerged as a result of evolving fashion trends and a desire to celebrate the holiday spirit in a unique way. The term “ugly” was later embraced as a playful and endearing label for these festive garments.

What makes a Christmas sweater ugly? ›

Over the last decade the ugly Christmas sweater has firmly embedded itself in yuletide culture. You know the one. It's a wooly pullover, usually in different shades of red, white and green, often of questionable fabric, and with at least one Christmas-inspired motif on it — a snowman, tinsel, a reindeer or candy canes.

What is the meaning of ugly Christmas sweater day? ›

In 2011, ugly Christmas sweater lovers created National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day as a way to lighten up the busy holidays and to show off their absurdly, ugly sweaters. The day has grown in popularity and is celebrated worldwide.

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