22 Ugly Christmas Sweater Ideas to Try This Holiday Season (Plus Some DIY Versions, If You're Feeling Crafty)

2. Studio DIY Christmas Lights Sweater

For those in the mood for a more involved project, Kelly Mindell of Studio DIY has instructions on how to crochet a string of brightly-colored lights you can affix to any cozy sweater (or if one you knit yourself, if you’re feeling really ambitious).

Get the tutorial

3. Aww Sam DIY “Ugly” Tropical Christmas Sweater

This island-inspired design by Sam Ushiro is a bit more advanced (those palm trees are actually crocheted on), but you can always glue on some felt shapes if you’re more of a beginner crafter.

Get the tutorial

4. The SPruce Craft DIY Ugly Christmas Sweater

Add a little bit of all your holiday favorites—candy cane, ornaments, ribbons, gingerbread cookies—to a red or green sweatshirt with contrasting tinsel trim with the help of this easy DIY from Megan Graney.

Get the tutorial

5. The Samantha Show DIY Light Up Ugly Christmas Sweater

Turns out it’s not nearly as complicated as we thought to turn just about any knit into a light-up sweater. So whether you’re hoping to design your own ugly Christmas knit from scratch or just want to add an extra pop to one you already own, Samantha’s fun and easy DIY can get you there.

Get the tutorial

6. The Craft Patch Snow Globe Ugly Christmas Sweater

This pom-pom adorned design requires no sewing whatsoever, making it an excellent option for those who want a more low-key project. All you need is felt, scissors, pom-poms, fabric glue and a sweater or top you’re willing to transform into a festive winter wonderland.

Get the tutorial

16 Ugly Christmas Sweaters to Buy

7. Ugly Christmas Sweater Company Xmas Cardigan Sweater

Layer this reindeer cardigan over a simple black tee or, to up the kitsch factor, a sparkly silver blouse.

$35 at Amazon

^{Available in sizes S to XL}

8. Tipsy Elves Christmas Wine Stocking Tacky Sweater

Who needs a bag when you can carry a full bottle of wine in your sweater?

$50 at Amazon

^{Available in sizes S to XXL}

9. Monki Nana organic cotton Christmas fairisle print sweater

Sure, you could pair this patterned sweatshirt with some plain jeans, but why not up the ugly factor by pulling on some festive houndstooth or sequin pants, instead?

Buy it ($32)

^{Available in sizes XXS to L}

10. Zoe+Liv Santa Sherpa Hooded Sweatshirt

Pay homage to the man of the hour with this fun hoodie that’s also, according to reviews, surprisingly warm.

Buy it ($25)

^{Available in sizes XS to XL}

11. 33 Degrees Flamingo Christmas Tree Graphic Pullover Sweater

For those who prefer to spend their holidays in a tropical locale, perhaps a flamingo-, parrot- and frond-covered knit is the way to go.

Buy it ($30)

^{Available in sizes XS to XXL}

12. Tipsy Elves Cute Wrapping Paper Christmas Sweater

Be sure to fill out the gift tag with a clever combination, like “To: E. Scrooge, From: J. Frost.”

$50 at Amazon

^{Available in sizes XS to XXL}

13. Star Wars Ugly Christmas Sweater

May the force eggnog be with you.

$25 at Amazon

^{Available in sizes XS to XL}

14. Tipsy Elves Green and Red Tinsel Ornament Ugly Christmas Cardigan

For those who want something a little fancier than your typical oversize knit try this glittering argyle-inspired cardi.

$50 at Amazon

^{Available in sizes XS to XXL}

15. ModCloth Rawr Ambition Dinosaur Sweater

Because nothing says “Christmas” quite like snowflakes, traditional Shetland Fair Isle detailing and a string of ferocious Tyrannosaurus rexes.

Buy it ($69)

^{Available in sizes XXS to 4X}

16. Disney Villains Light-Up Holiday Sweater for Adults

As you might imagine, the Disney store has lots of festive options featuring all your favorite characters, including the wicked trio above (though Angelina Jolie’s recent portrayals of Maleficent has us questioning her Naughty List status).

Buy it ($50)

^{Available in sizes XS to XXL}

17. Coca-Cola Bear Holiday Pullover Sweater

OK, so this one is actually kind of cute. Especially if you pair it with a matching retro glass bottle of pop.

Buy it ($28)

^{Available in sizes XS to XXL}

18. BoxLunch Friends Stockings Holiday Sweater

Combine all the things you love—Friends, comfort and holiday cheer—into one cozy sweater. Could this knit be any more wonderful?

Buy it ($60)

^{Available in sizes XS to L}

19. Franzia I Heart Box Wine Sweater

There are just three things we wish for this year: red, white and rosé. Oh, and one of these spectacular wine-themed sweaters, of course. (P.S. Franzia’s holiday shop officially opens on December 1.)

Buy it ($50)

^{Available in sizes S to XXL}

20. 33 Degrees Llama Sequin Graphic Pullover Sweater

Llamas + sequins + pom-poms = a spectacular holiday sweater. Interestingly, this combo also equals a spectacular holiday party (just for future reference).

Buy it ($33)

^{Available in sizes XS to 3X}

21. Woman Within Holiday Pullover Sweater

There are eight adorable wintery animal designs to choose from, but we’re partial to this cozy kitty sporting a festive knit all her own.

Buy it ($60; $40)

^{Available in sizes M to 5X}

22. BoxLunch Cheetos Flamin' Hot Chester Cheetah Holiday Sweater

As Chester himself would say, this sweater is dangerously cheesy...in a different but equally excellent way from actual Cheetos.

Buy it ($60)

^{Available in sizes S to XL}

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