12 days of Christmas: ugly sweaters

The Uglier The Better: The Birth of The Ugly Christmas Sweater

Wearing tacky and outrageous sweater that are considered “ugly” has become a widely popular Christmas tradition. Where and Why did this tradition start? Families and offices around the the world celebrate by having a ugly sweater party, but what’s the real history of the ugly sweater?

Upon further research it appears that christmas sweaters have always been around, but recently have became more popular.

Back in the 50’s, wearing sweater to hit the slopes was a very popular style. These vintage sweaters have now found their way back into modern fashion and can be considered in the category of a ugly christmas sweater.

Time moved forward and style changed with it. Rather than the knit and patterned sweaters, we see the style become well, a little more kitschy. Maybe something that grandmas thought would look good on a sweater. At the time they were all the rage, but now have fallen into the category of ugly. 

These sweaters became widely popular finding their way onto the big screen in many classic christmas films. In films from Christmas Vacation, Home Alone, Christmas with The Kranks and The Santa Claus many of the beloved characters can be seen donning their best ugly christmas sweaters.

So through fashion, history and pop culture ugly christmas sweaters have found their way from grandma’s closet to christmas parties all around the world. From jingle bells, garland, snowflakes and lights the possibilities are endless when it comes to ugly christmas sweaters.

Here’s a round up of some of the ugliest sweaters around.

This is what could be classified as a combination of all elements that make a merry Christmas.

All the friends and family in one sweater. Great way to get everyone in the same spot for a christmas card photo.

This one doesn’t seem to be the right color of blue… might put whoever wears it on the naughty list.

You are sure to have a very meowy Christmas when wearing this sweater.

A snowman sweater vest, your first grade teacher may have worn it, but now you can rock it to your holiday office party.