Christmas is often characterized as a joyous holiday filled with family get-togethers, tree decorating and gift giving. What better way to celebrate this than by sporting something that's sure to spread some holiday cheer: an ugly Christmas sweater!
Ugly Christmas sweaters were once something only your grandmother would have in her closet, but now they're loved and flaunted by many. With so many options, from actually cute to straight-up hilarious, you'll want to get one of these ugly sweaters for your holiday celebration this year.
What is an ugly Christmas sweater? | Can ugly Christmas sweaters be fashionable? | What to look for | Best ugly Christmas sweaters | How we chose | Meet the expert
For the kid at heart$47.92$59.90
What is an ugly Christmas sweater?
Well, back in the day, it was exactly as it sounds — a swift switch from a flattering top to an excessively over-the-top knit bursting at the seams with as much holiday-related patterns and bright Christmas colors as possible. And some designs wouldn't stop there, boasting 3-D details with attached tinsel and ornaments having right from the chest.
But in 2024, gone are the days of solely cheesy and downright tacky Christmas sweaters. Well, not really, but fashion stylist Jana Meister says the traditional garment has absolutely evolved over the years. "I feel like people are really embracing it now, and it's become more trendy," says. "To find the bright-colored really flashy sweaters, it's kind of a fun thing, and I still think there are ways to make it fashionable."
Can ugly Christmas sweaters be fashionable?
According to Meister, that's a hearty "yes!"
She says they're easy to make stylish by playing up some of the already-existing trends we're seeing in the fashion space. "It's really fashionable to put an oversized sweater (be it ugly or not) over top a feminine, silk dress. You can belt things and add pops of color with a red handbag or a red pair of high heels. Just really make it very festive and pretty," she says.
Meister also says leather leggings or pants can make a chic addition to your holiday look, especially when paired with a more "out there" type of top. Or you can play it a little safer with a classic pair of high-waisted denim and a belt.
What to look for in an ugly Christmas sweater
Meister recommends that if you're thrifting your sweater, you should be aware of the fabric. "I would watch for fabrics that may be itchy or scratchy or just uncomfortable to wear."
If you've found the perfect design, but the knit is a sensory nightmare, she suggests pairing it with layers. "Have a bodysuit or something underneath the sweater so it doesn’t itch or scratch you.”
When it comes down to it, there really aren't any hard-set rules for wearing an ugly Christmas sweater, whether you go by the "more is more" sentiment or not.
"You're making a statement," says Meister. "This outfit is a talking point. You're going to the party and everyone wants to see what sweater you're wearing. Have fun with it!"
Best ugly Christmas sweaters
For extra sparkle: Forever 21 Get Lit Christmas Sweater
- Features 3D embellishments
- Hand wash cold
Colors: One | Sizes: XS-XL | Fabric: 90% acrylic, 10% metallic yarn
Who doesn't like a bit of sparkle during Christmas? This ugly Christmas sweater is brimming with glistening tinsel in three different colors, as well as 3-D bows and festive prints.
Colorful take on a classic: A New Day Holiday Crewneck Pullover Sweater
- Classic fit
- Midweight fabric
- No pickup available
Colors: 13 | Sizes: XS-4X | Fabric: 74% recycled polyester, 24% acrylic, 2% spandex
So "ugly" isn't in your vocabulary, huh? Fair. We have just the one. Target is offering some pretty chic-yet-festive holiday sweaters that will absolutely pass the holiday vibes check without sacrificing your personal style.
For the sports fan: Homage Kansas City Chiefs Holiday Crewneck
- Great reviews
- Delivery may be slow
Sizes: XS-3XL | Sizes: XS-3XL | Fabric: Polyester, cotton and rayon blend
The holidays are about spreading love, cheer and, let's face it, diehard support for your favorite football team. The best way to do that is by grabbing an ugly Christmas sweater in their honor. Since this brand is officially licensed by the NFL, you can find your favorite team here!
For the festive friend: Etsy "Could I Be Any More Festive" Crewneck
- Also available as a hoodie
- Unisex sizing
- "Size up for a slouchier look"
Colors: 10 | Sizes: (Adults) S-3XL (Kids) 5T-L | Fabric: Natural cotton, eco-friendly ink
If their Christmas day is spent binging holiday episodes of "Friends," they'll be elated to receive and wear this comfy crewneck that features a variation of the iconic line from the show. With the current sale, sizes start at just $14!
I prefer a cardigan:33 Degrees Santa Print Christmas Festive Graphic Cardigan
- Has heavyweight jersey fabric
- Lay flat to dry
Colors: One | Sizes: XXS-XXL | Fabric: 63% Acrylic, 34% Nylon, 3% Spandex
Yes, pink is a Christmas color! And we found the Christmas cardigan to prove it. This festive find features fun details everywhere, from bearded Santas to candy cane prints to the holiday buttons!
For the pet lover: Pawfect House Personalized Ugly Christmas Sweater
- Can be personalized
- Products are made to order
Colors: Seven | Sizes: (Adults) S-5XL (Kids) 2XS-XL | Fabric: 70% Acrylic, 30% Wool
If you’re a cat lover or have one in your life, this sweater will become their (or your) new favorite thing. It can be customized with one of three pre-selected phrases — Cat Mom, Cat Dad or Cat Mum — or you can put in your own title. You can also put up to eight cats on it (choose one of four breeds for each) along with their names!
For the lover of holiday classics: Disney Store Home Alone Sweater
- Ribbed collar, cuffs and hem
- One color option
Colors: One | Sizes: XS-3XL | Fabric: Acrylic
If "Home Alone" is your favorite Christmas movie, this is the sweater for you. It features one of the most famous quotes from the movie, front and center, and is incredibly bright, so no one can miss it.
Best scrubs: Wink Scrubs Women's Holiday Print Zip Front Onesie
- Relaxed fit
- Plenty of pockets
- Only two designs
Colors: Two | Sizes: XS-3X | Fabric: 92% polyester, 8% spandex
If there's one person who deserves a little cheer, it's the hospital worker in your life. This festive scrub jumpsuit is sure to make them, along with their patients, smile all season long!
Mele Kalikimaka: Jollidays Holiday Sweater
- Classic fit
- Unlined
- Machine wash delicate
Colors: 11 | Sizes: XS-XXL | Fabric: Acrylic
If their holidays are best spent snow-free and on the beach, gift them with a sweater that'll keep them warm once the sun goes down, where Santa can be seen taking a break from gift-giving and relaxing in a hammock.
Likes to get cheesy: Allntrends Jingle Bell Rock Ugly Christmas Sweater
- Pill resistant
- Do not put in the dryer
Colors: 10 | Sizes: S-4XL | Fabric: 50% polyester, 50% cotton
The hallmark of a good ugly Christmas sweater is a cheesy pun (the cheesier, the better). This sweater, which says “jingle bell rock” and features the face of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, fits the bill. It comes in 10 different colors.
For the Will Ferrell fan: House of Rodan "Bye Buddy" Elf Ugly Christmas Sweater
- Ink won't fade or crack
- Ships from USA
Colors: One | Sizes: S-2XL | Fabric: Not stated
Fans of this Christmas classic will instantly recognize the phrase accompanied by the supportive character who says it.
For couples: House of Rodan Todd and Margo Matching Couples Ugly Christmas Sweater
- Unisex sizing
- Need to add to cart one at a time
Colors: Two | Sizes: S-2XL | Fabric: Not stated
Fans of “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation" will get a kick out of these matching couple sweaters. Note: the cost is per sweatshirt, and each also comes in black.
An oversized fit: v28 Oversized Christmas Reindeer Cardigan
- Thick fabric
- Mixed reviews on sizing
Colors: Two | Sizes: S-3XL | Fabric: 100% acrylic
This sweater cardigan is loved by Amazon shoppers. In fact, over 2,000 verified shoppers have rated it a perfect five stars. It’s cute, comfy and comes in four different holiday-themed patterns.
Let's keep it PG:"A Christmas Story" Oh Fudge Christmas Sweater
- Unisex sizing
- True to size
Colors: One | Sizes: S-4XL | Fabric: Not stated
For a matching moment, this unisex sweater from Walmart has everyone covered, thanks to its inclusive sizing. Donning a family-friendly quote from the movie, reviewers adore the knit material the sweatshirt is made out of, further raving of its high quality and the fact that it fits true to size.
Make a statement: Santa Claus 3D Chimney Climbing Ugly Christmas Sweater
- Has 3D details
- Includes music
Colors: One | Sizes: S-4XL | Fabric: 60% cotton, 40% polyester
This sweater takes ugly Christmas sweaters to a completely new level. Featuring a mechanical Santa that literally climbs into a chimney attached to the front of the shirt, you’ll be the talk of the Christmas gathering for weeks.
For anyone who loves games: Reindeer Ring Toss 3D Ugly Christmas Sweater
- Sizes up to 6X
- Mixed reviews on quality
Colors: One | Sizes: XS-5XL | Fabric: 100% acrylic
What’s better than an ugly sweater? An interactive ugly sweater! Kids and adults alike will love playing ring toss right on your shirt. You’re sure to be the talk of the party with this one.
Light it up!:Joyin LED Light-Up Reindeer Ugly Christmas Sweater
- Includes blinking lights
- Do not dry clean
Colors: 4 | Sizes: S-XL | Fabric: 100% acrylic
People won’t be able to look away from this reindeer sweater that has real bulbs adorning its antlers and a scarf wrapped around its neck. It has six different light modes and also comes in red, blue and gray.
For the Disney fan: Box Lunch Disney Pixar Cars Lightning McQueen Santa Hat Holiday Sweater
- Reviewers say it's comfy
- Wash cold with like colors
- Dry low
Colors: One | Sizes: XS-3X | Fabric: 50% recycled polyester, 28% polyester, 22% viscose
This fiery hot sweater is sure to keep them warm despite cold temperatures, decorated with speedster Lightning McQueen and his signature catch phrase.
It has pockets!: Pink Queen Ugly Christmas Sweater Dress
- Oversized fit
- Hand wash only
Colors: 16 | Sizes: S-XL | Fabric: Acrylic
For those that want to be festive but keep it stylish, this adorable sweater dress is for you. It comes in 16 designs, all with different knitted Christmas characters on the front. Most importantly, it has pockets!
Never arrive empty-handed: Tipsy Elves Stocking Stuffer Ugly Christmas Sweater
- Reviewers happy with quality
- Hand wash or dry clean
Colors: One | Sizes: XS-2X | Fabric: 100% acrylic
With a sewn-in stocking smacked front and center of this sweater, you can store goodies (including — but not limited to — a full-sized wine bottle) and strut your stuff at the same time.
Never a dull moment: Ugly Christmas Sweater Beer Pong 3D Ugly Christmas Sweater
- Cups are detachable
- May run big
Colors: One | Sizes: XS-4XL | Fabric: 100% acrylic
This ugly sweater was designed with the party animal in mind. People will love playing rounds of beer pong right on the front of your sweater. The plastic cups are detachable and the ping pong ball is included.
Bring a friend: 3D Squirrel in the Christmas Tree Ugly Sweater
- Reviewers say it's well made
- Squirrel measures 7" tall
Colors: One | Sizes: XS-5X | Fabric: 100% acrylic
Flaunt a furry friend on your shoulder with this hilarious 3-D sweater. Inspired by a tale of accidentally taking home a squirrel when you pick out a Christmas tree, everyone will go nuts for this adorable top.
How we chose
Shop TODAY asked a stylist for tips on finding the best ugly Christmas sweaters for the holidays. We also rounded up some unique finds currently on the market based on customer reviews and recommendations.
Meet the expert
- Jana Meister is fashion stylist, style contributor and digital creator.
