The ugly Christmas sweater trend has become a beloved tradition, transforming from fashion faux pas to a global phenomenon that brings joy and laughter to holiday celebrations. It is so popular we have parties for it . So how did the ugly sweater start and how did it get so popular ?
Origins of Ugly Christmas Sweaters
It's origins date to the 1950s. Originally coined "Jingle Bell Sweaters," long-sleeved sweaters were typically adorned with the usual Christmas symbols – snowmen, Santa, angels, snowflakes, jingle bells, etc. Sweaters, like ties, knit caps, or gloves.
As the counterculture movement of the 1960s and 1970s unfolded, so did a shift in the perception of fashion. Bold patterns, psychedelic colors, and unconventional designs became the norm, and the Christmas sweater was not exempt from this vibrant revolution. Suddenly, Santa’s donned sunglasses, Christmas trees twinkled in psychedelic hues, and the humble sweater was no longer just a winter necessity but a canvas of holiday expression.
How did it get popular
It had modest popularity until the 1980s when the sweaters became mainstream. We can thank Bill Cosby and Chevy Chase for becoming fashion icons for the sweater. The Cosby Show dominated mainstream American television from 1984 to 1992 and most likely contributed to the longevity of the ugly sweater as a fashion choice. The 1989 movie, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, highlighted the example of self-aware ugly Christmas sweater-wearing.
The Christmas sweater’s popularity faded in the 1990s until it was revitalized in the 2000s.
The 1st ugly sweater party
The first ugly sweater party was held in Vancouver, British Columbia, in 2002. The hosts were aiming for a “cheesy, feel-good, festive party.” Little did anyone know that would spark a cultural phenomenon that would eventually hit the high fashion runway.
In 2011, the ugly Christmas sweater gained so much traction that Dolce & Gabbana unveiled a collection of so-ugly-it’s-beautiful sweaters. Today, the ugly Christmas sweater has become a mainstay of holiday attire with major retailers offering a range of designs from modest to corny.
What is it about the ugly Christmas sweater that draws people? Is it a sarcastic poke at holiday excess? Does the goofiness help people let their guard down? Whatever it may be, it seems that the ugly Christmas sweater will be a closet staple for years to come.
So do you have a ugly sweater ? If you do send us a photo and we will share it on our social media pages .
Sources for this post is from different sites and google searches .
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