22 Ugly Christmas Sweater Ideas to Try This Holiday Season (Plus Some DIY Versions, If You're Feeling Crafty)
One small benefit of doing holiday parties over Zoom? We can skip the itchy sequins and constrictive Spanx in favor of a comfier (but no less festive) option: the ugly holiday sweater. These light-up knits, pun-covered pullovers and tinsel-strewn cardigans have become a December tradition we look forward to almost as much as the Starbucks holiday cup reveal or binge watching Elf over and over again as we eat gingerbread by the handful. Here, 22 ugly Christmas sweater ideas (including three to DIY) to help spread the holiday cheer.
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6 DIY Ugly Christmas Sweater Ideas to Try
1. I Love to Create Starbucks Red Cup Ugly Sweater DIY
Combine two of your favorite holiday traditions—ugly Christmas knits and the annual Starbucks holiday cups—with this hilarious design by Celery Jones. For the actual cup design, all you need is a few strips of felt, hook-and-loop tape and an unused coffee cup. As for the rest, feel free to stick to Jones’ lace collar and ‘Cheers!’ design or branch out and try something different.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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?
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.
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.
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.”
Available in sizes XS to XXL
13. Star Wars Ugly Christmas Sweater
May the force eggnog be with you.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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?
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.)
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).
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.
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.
Available in sizes S to XL
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