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Updated November 2020
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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.Read more 
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Ugly Christmas Sweater Company Light-Up LED Sweater
Ugly Christmas Sweater Company
Light-Up LED Sweater
Check Price
Let it Glow
Bottom Line

Best option if you need a statement-making sweater that is family-friendly.

Pros

Real LED lights that are motion-activated. Cotton and acrylic blend holds up well to frequent wash and wear during the season. Runs true to size and fits most wearers better than expected.

Cons

Some issues with malfunctioning lights. Shoulders are cut narrowly.

Best Bang for the Buck
Blizzard Bay Llama Sweater
Blizzard Bay
Llama Sweater
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Fa-la-llama
Bottom Line

An affordable option for a fun sweater that features animals bringing holiday cheer.

Pros

Has a 3D scarf and features a festive red-and-white Nordic print. Ribbed crew neck and wrist cuffs are a nice detail that gives the sweater a polished appearance. A steal for the price.

Cons

It's an all-cotton blend, so it's prone to shrinking and fading. Not the softest option.

Disney Mickey Sweater
Disney
Mickey Sweater
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Family Friendly
Bottom Line

A popular option for parents and teachers in search of an appropriate sweater to wear around kids.

Pros

Made from 100% acrylic, so it feels soft and cozy against skin. Ribbed cuffs and a fitted cut that wearers love. Vibrant, high-quality Mickey image. Lightweight and conducive to layering.

Cons

Sweater isn't tightly knit, so you can somewhat see through it.

Blizzard Bay Light-Up Shark Sweater
Blizzard Bay
Light-Up Shark Sweater
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Astro Shark
Bottom Line

A big hit featuring a light-up space cadet shark delivering Christmas gifts with a rocket strapped to its back.

Pros

Popular among "Sharknado" fans. Bold and quirky enough to spark conversations. Bright colors photograph well for holiday pics. Top choice and frequent winner of ugly sweater contests.

Cons

Requires special care for washing, so it's a bit of a high-maintenance option.

Tipsy Elves Gaudy Garland Sweater
Tipsy Elves
Gaudy Garland Sweater
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Tacky Tinsel
Bottom Line

While loud, the sweater is fairly neutral with a green/white design and can be paired well with any bottoms.

Pros

Earns high marks and lots of laughs for its gaudy 3D tinsel and ornament details. Has a charming handmade appearance. It's much softer and more comfortable than it looks.

Cons

Because of the 3D details, the sweater has to be hand washed or dry cleaned.

HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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Models
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Consumers
Consulted
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Hours
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Going to a holiday party but not sure of what to wear? Why not try out something festive and fun and pop on an ugly Christmas sweater? These seasonal delights are both fun and easy to wear, and they also come in a wide range of designs to suit any style. Whether you want to look like an exorbitantly-wrapped gift or are looking to sport a sweater adorned with somewhat obnoxious pom-poms, there are many designs to choose from across men’s and women’s styles. Picking the perfect ugly Christmas sweater is only half the fun – wearing it makes up the rest of the enjoyment.

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