Novelty Christmas Jumpers

Novelty Christmas jumpers have become a beloved part of the festive season. Whether you call them jumpers or sweaters, these iconic pieces of Christmas fashion are more than just clothing—they’re a way to spread joy, start conversations, and, of course, add a bit of fun to your winter wardrobe. But where did this trend come from, and how should you wear them? Let’s dive into some frequently asked questions about Christmas jumpers and unravel the story behind these festive favourites.

Novelty Christmas Jumpers

Are Novelty Christmas Jumpers a British Thing?

Yes, Christmas jumpers are predominantly a British thing, but their popularity has spread far beyond the UK. In the 1980s, they started gaining traction in Britain, thanks to TV personalities like Sir Bruce Forsyth and Gyles Brandreth, who wore them on festive specials. These jumpers, often decorated with reindeer, snowmen, and glitter, caught the public’s eye and soon became a Christmas staple across the country.

While the concept of Christmas-themed sweaters isn’t exclusive to Britain, the British have certainly embraced it more enthusiastically than most. The annual “Christmas Jumper Day” organised by the charity Save the Children, is a testament to how ingrained the tradition has become in British culture. It’s the one day of the year when everyone from school kids to office workers dons their most ridiculous festive knits—all in the name of charity.

Across the pond, in places like the United States and Canada, the trend is known more commonly as the “Ugly Christmas sweater” Though the names differ, the essence is the same—a goofy, cheerful celebration of all things Christmas, proudly worn on your chest.

When Should You Stop Wearing Christmas Jumpers?

The golden rule of Christmas jumper etiquette is simple: you can wear them from the start of December right up until Christmas Day. After that, it’s generally time to put them away. No one wants to see a novelty Christmas jumper at any other time of the year!

That said, some people like to stretch the festive spirit a little longer and may wear their jumpers up until New Year’s Eve, especially if they have designs that are more winter-themed than overtly Christmas-specific. If your jumper has generic winter elements like snowflakes or penguins, you might get away with wearing it through January.

However, there’s definitely a point where it starts to feel awkward. By mid-January, most people have packed away their Christmas decorations, and at that point, wearing a Christmas jumper might raise a few eyebrows, and bring some banter. So, unless you’re trying to make a statement (or just didn’t do laundry), it’s best to retire them with the rest of your festive gear.

Declan Rice Christmas Jumper

Why Is Christmas Jumper Day a Thing?

Christmas Jumper Day is a relatively recent addition to the festive calendar, first launched in 2012 by Save the Children, a British charity. The idea behind Christmas Jumper Day is simple: once a year, people across the UK (and now internationally) wear a novelty Christmas jumper and donate to Save the Children to support their efforts to improve children’s lives around the world.

It’s a fun way to get people into the festive spirit while also doing something positive. Schools, businesses, and even celebrities get involved, making it a huge annual event. The best part? The sillier the jumper, the better! It’s not about fashion—it’s about fun and raising money for a good cause.

In just a few short years, Christmas Jumper Day has grown into a much-loved tradition, with many people taking the opportunity to go all-out with their festive wear. Whether it’s a light-up jumper, a hand-knit masterpiece, or an “ugly” sweater that looks like it came straight from a 1980s Christmas special, the aim is to have fun, be silly, and, most importantly, help children in need. Search hard enough and you’ll even find some people wearing their Christmas suits into the office.

What Is a Novelty Christmas Jumper?

A novelty Christmas jumper, also known as an ugly Christmas sweater, is a festive jumper that’s intentionally over-the-top, garish, and, well, a little bit hideous. Think bright colours, clashing patterns, and decorations that shouldn’t be on a piece of clothing—like tinsel, pom-poms, bells, and even flashing lights.

The point of a novelty Christmas jumper is to be so bad, it’s good. It’s about embracing the kitsch and having fun during the Christmas season. What started as a joke has turned into a massive trend, with funny Christmas jumpers becoming a common fixture of the festive season.

Some people go so far as to customise their own sweaters, adding baubles, battery-powered lights, and even sound effects to create a truly one-of-a-kind look. In recent years, retailers have caught on to the trend, offering a wide range of pre-made tacky sweaters, some of which are intentionally designed to be as outrageous as possible.

Liverpool Christmas Jumper

Who Invented Novelty Christmas Jumpers?

While it’s difficult to pinpoint exactly who invented the Christmas jumper, their rise in popularity can be traced back to the 1950s, when mass-produced knitwear became more common. During this time, Christmas-themed clothing started to appear as part of a wider trend of novelty Christmas wear.

However, it wasn’t until the 1980s that novelty Christmas jumpers truly became a mainstream hit, thanks in part to TV personalities in the UK and North America. Shows like “The Cosby Show” in the US and “Top of the Pops” in the UK featured stars sporting festive knits, which gave the trend its first real push.

The idea of intentionally “ugly” Christmas sweaters took off in the early 2000s when people started holding ugly sweater parties as a way to celebrate the sillier side of the festive period. Since then, Christmas jumpers have continued to grow in popularity, becoming a multi-million-pound industry with everyone from high-street retailers to high-end designers getting in on the action. Check out Blokey’s selection of Funny Christmas Jumpers

How Do You Rock a Christmas Jumper?

Rocking a Christmas jumper isn’t just about wearing it—it’s about owning it. Here are a few tips to make sure you look (and feel) festive and fun:

1. Confidence is Key

The number one rule of wearing a Christmas jumper is to embrace the silliness. Whether you’re sporting a subtle reindeer design or a jumper covered in flashing lights, wear it with confidence. People are meant to laugh and smile when they see your jumper, so don’t be afraid to have fun with it!

2. Pair It with Something Simple

Let your jumper do the talking. Keep the rest of your outfit simple so the jumper remains the star of the show. Pair it with jeans or chinos and casual footwear to balance out the loudness of the top.

Baa Humbug

3. Accessorise Wisely

If you really want to go all out, consider adding some festive accessories like a Santa hat or Christmas socks. But be careful not to overdo it—there’s a fine line between festive and overwhelming. A single accessory can complement your look, but too many can push it into the territory of “festive overload.”

4. Layer Up

Christmas jumpers are often worn indoors at parties or gatherings, but if you’re heading outside, layering is essential. Throw on a smart coat or jacket over your jumper to keep warm, and you’ll still look festive when you take off your outerwear.

5. Customise It

If you can’t find a novelty Christmas jumper you love, why not make your own? You can start with a plain sweater and add decorations like tinsel, pompoms, or even small Christmas ornaments. This way, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind piece that’s sure to get attention.

6. Own the Theme

Whether you’re wearing a classic Christmas jumper or a full-on tacky sweater, lean into the theme. If your jumper has a Christmas tree design, consider standing near the tree for photo ops. If it’s reindeer-themed, get into the festive spirit by singing a carol or two. The point is to have fun and enjoy the festive vibe.

Embrace the Festive Spirit with Novelty Christmas Jumpers

Christmas jumpers are more than just a festive trend—they’re a way to embrace the season with joy, laughter, and a touch of silliness. Whether you’re proudly sporting your jumper at a party, rocking a tacky sweater for a good cause, or simply looking to add some festive flair to your wardrobe, there’s no wrong way to wear a novelty Christmas jumper. Just remember to wear it with confidence, have fun with it, and enjoy spreading Christmas cheer wherever you go!