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Best Holiday Christmas Sweater

Last updated on December 20, 2021
Best Christmas Sweater

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Our Picks For The Top Christmas Sweaters

Show Contents
Our Take
  Best Overall

Blizzard Bay Men’s Light-Up Christmas Sweater

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

Blizzard Bay

Men's Light-Up Christmas Sweater

Overall Take

Festive Sweater for MenThis Christmas sweater look great when paired with denim jeans.

  Sparkly Pick

Tipsy Elves Women’s Sequin Snowman Christmas Sweater

Tipsy Elves

Women's Sequin Snowman Christmas Sweater

Overall Take

Cute Snowman SweaterThe sequined snowman on this Christmas sweater is sure to melt your heart.

  Comfy Pick

Hybrid Apparel Men’s Dinosaur Christmas Sweater

Hybrid Apparel

Men's Dinosaur Christmas Sweater

Overall Take

Nice Loose FitThe details on this Christmas sweater are embroidered.

  Most Versatile

U LOOK UGLY TODAY Unisex Pullover Santa Christmas Sweater

U LOOK UGLY TODAY

Unisex Pullover Santa Christmas Sweater

Overall Take

Unisex DesignWith six different sizes (extra-small to extra-extra-large) to choose from, you're sure to find one of these Christmas sweaters in your size.

Guide written by Anam Ahmed
Last updated on December 20, 2021

When the weather starts to get colder and the radio starts playing Christmas music all day long, you know it’s time to bring out the festive sweater. Often called an “ugly Christmas sweater,” the festive sweater is a great outfit choice when you want to celebrate the holiday season while staying warm and cozy. Festive sweaters are generally considered a bit on the gaudy side, but with an element of fun. The more embellishments they have, such as tinsel and pom-poms, the better.

What exactly makes a sweater festive? It’s all in the colors, design and patterns. The main colors on a festive sweater are red, green and white, to mirror the colors of Christmas. However, you will also find many festive sweaters that have black, blue, brown and beige on them as well.

In terms of design, you will find a lot of Christmas trees, Santa Clauses, reindeer and wrapped presents. You may also see some Christmas lights, candy canes, holly and mistletoe. Many festive sweaters have stripes, floral patterns, geometric patterns or argyle shapes. You may also see some with polka dots or plaid patterns as well.

The beauty of a festive sweater is that it can be worn almost anywhere. It’s a great option if you’re putting up the Christmas tree at home, or if you’re heading to a holiday party in the evening. Many workplaces have festive days in December where employees are encouraged to wear an ugly Christmas sweater. It’s also a good choice for snuggling up and watching a holiday movie or just wrapping presents and writing holiday cards.

Trends in festive sweaters for women include different shapes, such as cardigans or sweaters with long, flowy sides. You may also find festive sweaters that have large buttons down the front or options with a turtleneck. While many festive sweaters have only images and patterns, you may also be able to find ones that have short sayings or phrases. Be sure to find a festive sweater that matches your personality so you can really stand out this holiday season.

The Best Christmas Sweaters

1
  Best Overall

Blizzard Bay Men’s Light-Up Christmas Sweater

Gift the man in your life this warm and cozy Christmas sweater. The sweater is made from 100% cotton and features Santa being guided by adorable cats instead of his normal reindeer. If this pattern isn't your cup of tea, the company has 28 other choices to shop from.

Features


Specifications

Brand
Blizzard Bay
Model
2
  Sparkly Pick

Tipsy Elves Women’s Sequin Snowman Christmas Sweater

Celebrate the beginning of the holiday season with this Christmas sweater. It's made from a high-quality material that won't shrink in the wash or itch when you put it on. A smiling snowman rests on the center of the sweater with snowflakes falling down the sleeves and back of the sweater.

Features


Specifications

Brand
Tipsy Elves
Model
3
  Comfy Pick

Hybrid Apparel Men’s Dinosaur Christmas Sweater

Are you looking for a Christmas sweater to wear to an ugly Christmas sweater party? If so, consider this green sweater with red trim. Each of the seven dinosaurs covering the front of sweater have adorable Santa hats on the top of their heads.

Features


Specifications

Brand
Hybrid Apparel
Model
4
  Most Versatile

U LOOK UGLY TODAY Unisex Pullover Santa Christmas Sweater

When you go with this Christmas sweater, you'll have a choice between 15 different designs. You could go with the "cookies for Santa" print, the "let it snow" pattern or the "keeping it classic" style. No matter which one you select, you'll love the soft fabric material that won't shrink when you wash it.

Features


Specifications

Brand
U LOOK UGLY TODAY
Model
5
  Disney Pick

Disney Minnie Mouse Holiday Snowflakes Sweatshirt

If you know someone who loves Minnie Mouse, you'll want to nab this Christmas sweater. A series of colored snowflakes form the shape of Minnie's head, which is adorned with the mouse's famous red bow. The sweater has a classic fit with a twill-taped neck.

Features


Specifications

Brand
Disney
Model

Our Christmas Sweater Buying Guide

When the weather starts to get colder and the radio starts playing Christmas music all day long, you know it’s time to bring out the festive sweater. Often called an “ugly Christmas sweater,” the festive sweater is a great outfit choice when you want to celebrate the holiday season while staying warm and cozy. Festive sweaters are generally considered a bit on the gaudy side, but with an element of fun. The more embellishments they have, such as tinsel and pom-poms, the better.

What exactly makes a sweater festive? It’s all in the colors, design and patterns. The main colors on a festive sweater are red, green and white, to mirror the colors of Christmas. However, you will also find many festive sweaters that have black, blue, brown and beige on them as well.

In terms of design, you will find a lot of Christmas trees, Santa Clauses, reindeer and wrapped presents. You may also see some Christmas lights, candy canes, holly and mistletoe. Many festive sweaters have stripes, floral patterns, geometric patterns or argyle shapes. You may also see some with polka dots or plaid patterns as well.

The beauty of a festive sweater is that it can be worn almost anywhere. It’s a great option if you’re putting up the Christmas tree at home, or if you’re heading to a holiday party in the evening. Many workplaces have festive days in December where employees are encouraged to wear an ugly Christmas sweater. It’s also a good choice for snuggling up and watching a holiday movie or just wrapping presents and writing holiday cards.

Trends in festive sweaters for women include different shapes, such as cardigans or sweaters with long, flowy sides. You may also find festive sweaters that have large buttons down the front or options with a turtleneck. While many festive sweaters have only images and patterns, you may also be able to find ones that have short sayings or phrases. Be sure to find a festive sweater that matches your personality so you can really stand out this holiday season.

DWYM Fun Fact

Were festive sweaters always considered “ugly”? It’s hard to know whether they started out with gaudy intentions or whether the perception of the festive sweater changed as fashion trends evolved.

The first mass-produced Christmas garments first became available to the mainstream market in the 1980s. They were originally called “jingle bell sweaters.” Around the same time, family sitcoms became popular on TV, with characters often wearing buttoned-down cardigans with flashy Christmas designs on them.

Vancouver, Canada claims the title of birthplace of the ugly Christmas sweater, as it held the first ugly Christmas sweater party in 2002. In fact, the founders of the party have actually trademarked the phrases “ugly Christmas sweater” and “ugly Christmas sweater party.”

The Christmas Sweater Tips and Advice

  • When you’re looking for a standout holiday sweater, the most important element to consider is the level of festivity it offers. You want to make sure the colors, designs and patterns match with your overall sense of style and help you show your enthusiasm for the holiday.
  • For many shoppers, the material of the sweater is important to check. After all, you don’t want to show up to a Christmas party only to realize that you’re allergic to your festive sweater. Be sure to keep comfort and warmth in mind when shopping for your festive sweater.
  • If you are not a fan of handwashing clothes, be sure to check the care instructions of your festive sweater. Because of all of the tactile elements on festive sweaters, many of them are handwash only. However, you may also be able to find options that can be thrown into the washing machine.
  • Do you plan on wearing your festive sweater on many occasions over several holiday seasons, or do you just want a Christmas sweater for a party coming up? How often you plan on wearing your sweater may dictate how much you want to pay for it.

About The Author

Anam Ahmed 

Anam Ahmed is a copywriter and essayist based in Toronto. She has been writing on technology, travel, parenting, and business for over 10 years, and works with a number of high-profile organizations. She values finding the best products to make people's lives easier. Anam earned an M.A. from the University of Toronto and a B.A.H. from Queen's University. Learn more at www.anamahmed.ca.