I have a love/hate relationship with ugly Christmas sweaters. How about you? What makes for the ugliest Christmas sweater? Once considered gaudy or tacky, folks now create and wear ugly Christmas sweaters to win pride and prizes via themed parties and contests.
We’ve collected a fun list of some of the ugliest Christmas sweaters for the entire family from Amazon and some of our favorite Etsy sellers.
Ugliest Christmas Sweaters
The ugly Christmas sweater has become a regular sight during the holidays. Sweaters you once thought were hideous, possibly worn by a grandmother or elementary school teacher are now “in fashion.”
It’s pretty easy to spot ugly Christmas sweaters. Lots of red and green with large characters of holiday staples like snowmen, Santa, reindeer and more. Practically any animal with a Santa hat is included in the mix. Having bells, lights, ribbons and other baubles definitely creates some winners in this category.
I’ve had a blast searching for the ugliest Christmas sweaters. What do you think? Would they rank as ugliest in your book?
What’s the History of Ugly Christmas Sweaters?
It’s hard to say when this theme started. When I did some research and found vintage sweaters, it seems that many were actually meant to be fashionable in their day.
Since then, companies like Tipsy Elves have launched entire businesses based on the ugly Christmas sweater popularity. According to Time Magazine, there has been a noticeable increase in Ugliest Christmas Sweater parties.
In the 80s, generally “ugly” sweaters (by today’s standards) became a popular norm through TV shows like The Cosby Show, fashion brands like United Colors of Benetton and more.
More Ugly Christmas Sweaters on Etsy
The UGLIEST Christmas Sweater on our list – Partridge in a Pear Tree
You need to be a brave on to wear this. It’s definitely the ugliest Christmas sweater on our list. Buy it here.
Female Abominable Snowman Light Up Sweater
I think I might win at an Ugly Christmas Sweater party in this one. Buy it here.
Santa Floss
I love this one with Santa performing one of the popular dance moves. Buy it here.
Personalized Family Ugly Christmas Sweatshirts
Get the entire family into the act with these customized sweatshirts from Fam Fam Shirts on Etsy. Buy them here.
Kids Light-Up Penguin
You can see this ugly Christmas sweater even in the dark. While kids might not call this one ugly today, wait until they look back on family photos. Buy it here.
Kamala-la-la
I totally need to order this one. Maybe I will get a matching one for my daughter too! Buy it here.
Deck the Halls with Lysol
Another one perfect for 2020. Get this one for the clean freak on your list. LOL! Buy it here.
Matching couples sweaters
This set is perfect for my husband and I. He is definitely reluctant to match sweaters, but I think he would for a goof. Buy them here.
Don’t touch me
Another perfect one for 2020. This one is a good giggle. It’s the perfect sort of Christmas for the Grinch. Buy it here.
Ugly Christmas sweater for nerds
A fun one for the nerd, space junkie or techie on your list. Who knows, maybe Santa is from space. Buy it here.
For the pet lovers
Who can resist a Christmas corgi? Buy it here
The Nutcracker
I humorous sweater for the guys on your list. My son loves this one! Buy it here.
Star Wars Fans
No Star Wars fan can resist baby Yoda so why not wear him for Christmas? Buy it here.
Where’s Kevin – Home Alone Fans
If you are like our family, Home Alone is a holiday classic. Celebrate with this fun sweatshirt. Buy it here.
The ugly Christmas skirt
Last, but not least, why not add a fun skirt to your ugliest Christmas sweater ensemble? Buy it here.
Does an Ugly Christmas sweater bring on a nostalgic feeling for you? It certainly does for me. Check your parents and grandparents closet and see what you can find. Who knows, maybe it will be an Ugliest Christmas Sweater winner!
This set is perfect for my husband and me. He is definitely reluctant to match sweaters, but I think he would for a goof. I totally need to order this one. Maybe I will get a matching one for my daughter too! A former personal trainer, Jenn looks for ways to keep her family fit and active both at home and on the road.