 | The examples and perspective in this articlemay not represent aworldwide view of the subject. You mayimprove this article, discuss the issue on thetalk page, orcreate a new article, as appropriate.(December 2019) (Learn how and when to remove this message) |
 An example of a 1980s Christmas jumper | |
| Type | jumper |
|---|---|
AChristmas jumper (alsoChristmas sweater, orugly sweater due to their over-the-top designs) is asweater themed with aChristmas or winter-style design, often worn during thefestive season. They are oftenknitted. A more traditional approach is aroll neck (or "turtleneck") top-pulled garment. It can generally be said that embellishments such as tinsel, reindeer, or sparkles make a sweater "ugly", in terms of ugly sweaters.[1]
In the United Kingdom, Christmas jumpers became popular during the 1980s after a variety of television presenters such asGyles Brandreth andTimmy Mallett began wearing them during the Christmas holidays. In particular, their popularity may be attributed to the influence of singers such asAndy Williams andVal Doonican, who appeared in these types of jumpers in their television Christmas specials.[2] In Ireland,The Late Late Show's host wears an extravagant jumper for the ChristmasLate Late Toy Show.[3][4][5][6] They are often seen as a hand-made present knitted by an elderly relative that are given as a Christmas present.[7][8] During the 1990s and 2000s they were seen asgag gifts and fell out of favour[2] and featured as something to be embarrassed by as in the 2001 filmBridget Jones's Diary.[7] They gainedcamp appeal during the 2010s,[2] with online retailerAmazon reporting an increase in sales of 600% in 2011, and the trend has been followed by a number of celebrities.[9] Ugly Christmas Sweater Contests are held annually in the United States.[10]
In 2012, the British newspaperThe Daily Telegraph described them as "this season's must have",[8] with retailerTopman selling 34 different designs alone and reporting sales had increased 54% compared to 2011.[8] Higher end fashion labels have also produced Christmas jumpers, includingBurberry andJil Sander,[8] and evenmetal bandSlayer released one as part of their merchandise range.[11]
The charitySave the Children runs an annualChristmas Jumper Day each year in December using the slogan "Make the world better with a sweater". It encourages people to raise money for the charity by wearing their Christmas jumpers on a specific day.[12]The New York Times reported in 2012 that a major venue for sweater sales are independent company websites, with ugly-sweater themed names.[13]
Environmental charity Hubbub reported in 2019 that up to 95% of Christmas jumpers are made using plastic, and that two-fifths of them are worn only once. A spokeswoman for Hubbub described the Christmas jumper as "one of the worst examples offast fashion" and urged people to "swap, buy second-hand or re-wear" rather than buy new.[14]
Media related toChristmas jumpers at Wikimedia Commons