It’s a fact that one way to celebrate Christmas, apart from making hot chocolate and biscuits, is to buy or knit an ugly sweater. But, have you ever asked yourself why people love to wear these “hideous” jumpers during Christmas? How did they become so popular? It’s definitely part of pop culture, and we’re going to explain why.
Let’s Knit an Ugly Timeline for these Sweaters
All this “Cozy Ugly Tradition” started in the 50s with the massive marketing of Christmas. In fact, at the time, they were known as “Jingle Bell Sweaters” and they were never intended to be ugly; they weren’t so striking.
The 1980’s saw the popularization of this garment, as pop culture and sitcom characters turned this sweater into an ugly joy. But, of course, it was Cliff Huxtable from The Cosby Show who made ugly coats famous. By then, it was a commonplace for Christmas TV specials to feature this now iconic garment.
However, this success waned in 1990. It was then, that the garment began to be seen as something that only its outdated older relatives would think of wearing or giving as a gift.
This style may have declined, but it never died. In the 2000s, the party started in Vancouver when Chris Boyd and Jordan Birch launched the first Ugly Christmas Sweater Party. This great idea spread across Canada and the United States, and later on around the world.
Make it Ugly by Yourself!
Now that you know the ugly, yet cozy history of warm knitted sweaters, it’s time for you to make one yourself! You don’t know how to start one? Don’t worry because UFFMag is always here to give you the best advice. So here’s your guide to knitting the ugliest sweater in existence.
Similarly, if you want to be one of those people who find inspiration by listening to music, we recommend you to read our article “Start Defrosting Your Playlist Because Christmas is on Its Way!” we leave you a gift that will help you get in the mood while making your sweater and during the whole Christmas season.
