What is Ugly Sweater Day?

It could be a Christmas tree, a skier in a bobble hat, a team of reindeer, a snowman or Mr Santa Claus himself. OK no need to guess, we’re talking about motifs that you could find on an Ugly Christmas sweater. It’s truly become a popular gift option and wardrobe staple of the holiday season in recent years.

The concept originated with commercial impetus in the 1950s in the United States, before gaining further exposure in TV series. It thus entered pop culture as a way to celebrate self-conscious kitsch. From then on, the ugly sweater became a fashion phenomenon and evolved into a global industry. Brands, department stores and distribution chains, couldn’t help but fall for it, turning the knitted ugliness into a serious and highly lucrative business!

But how did the Christmas sweater get so popular? There’s a dedicated hashtag isn’t there? But how did we go from Christmas sweater to ugly Christmas sweater? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions!

To listen to the last episodes, you can click here:

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A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance.

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