Move over Elf on the Shelf. The hottest trend for the holidays the past few years is made of yarn! Ugly Christmas Sweaters are on all the good kids’ Christmas list, and they can make family get-togethers hilariously fun.
Where did these homely holiday knits come from? They’ve been around since the 80’s, often becoming the butt of jokes from the cool kids. Now, however, they’ve inspired parties and photo sessions. The ugly Christmas sweater industry has grown to a multi-million dollar industry.
Popular around the world, the Christmas sweater (or “jumper” in some countries) is a must-have holiday staple. Check out the 10 must-have sweaters in our buying guide, from the vomiting unicorn to the Santa sloth.
Gonna Party Ugly Christmas Sweaters
Alex Stevens has been famous for creating tongue-in-cheek holiday sweaters and stockings that often refer to pop culture. This sweater features a grinning, birthday-cake holding Jesus and reads “We Gonna Party Like It’s My Birthday.” Get it at Amazon for $29.99. (There is also a ladies’ version!)
Vomiting Unicorn Ugly Christmas Sweaters
If a unicorn threw up on Christmas, it might look something like this sweater. The light-up top sports a very sick unicorn spilling out candy and all things holiday. This Blizzard Bay ugly Christmas sweater might be one of the most hideous around. Buy it from Amazon for under $25.
Santa Sloth Ugly Christmas Sweaters
Many people think sloths are just plain adorable. For the rest of us, this Fair Isle style sweater is truly a sight. The ladies sweater from Isabella’s Closet is a form-fitting style with ¾ inch sleeves, proving sloths can be stylish! Snag this at Amazon for around $20. The men’s version is available, too!
Cat Sweater with Bells Ugly Christmas Sweaters
Tipsy Elves made name for themselves in the ugly Christmas sweater niche when they appeared on the popular reality TV show Shark Tank. Their success has led to more and uglier sweaters being produced every year, including this very disturbing cat sweater. With puffy adornments tinsel accents, it is something you’d see on your crazy aunt this holiday. Get it in select ladies’ sizes at Amazon for $35.
Ermahgerd Ugly Christmas Sweaters
Following on the success of the Ehmahgerd internet memes, this Alex Stevens sweater will impress your web-savvy friends. Truly ugly, it spells out “Ermahgerd, Erts Cherstmers.” Get it from Amazon for $29.99.
Star Wars Argyle Ugly Christmas Sweaters
Some true fans wouldn’t believe anything about Star Wars could truly be ugly. (It probably depends on if you’re with the Dark Side.) Pick up this argyle print sweater with a bold Star Wars logo for your next Christmas party and possibly wear it all winter long! Get it at Amazon for under $40.
Elf Uniform Ugly Christmas Sweaters
Impersonate your favorite Elf on the Shelf with this holiday sweater that is costume and jumper in one! It looks just like what your favorite small holiday helper would wear. It also features “holiday helper” printed on the back. This sweater is unisex in fit, so get the size you want for men or women. Get it at Amazon for $26.
8-Bit Santa Ugly Christmas Sweaters
The nostalgia of video games can bring together so many hearts during the holidays. This Alex Stevens style features a repeating “8-bit” pattern of little Santa renderings to delight and nauseate fellow party goers. The contrasting ribbed trim takes it over the top. Get it at Amazon for $29.99.
Home Alone Ugly Christmas Sweaters
The 90’s classic Home Alone inspired many famous one-liners, including the quote adoring this truly ugly holiday sweater. “Merry Christmas You Filthy Animal” makes this sweater an instant classic! Buy it from Amazon for under $55.
Ugly Christmas Sweater Vest
Sometimes, you just want to take your ugly holiday apparel up a notch. This vest lets people know that you like things ugly, but you want to do it with class. The black knit vest features brightly-colored Santa, reindeers, and Christmas trees. Get it at Amazon for $24.99.
Which ugly Christmas sweater catches your eye – and your heart?
