To choose a Christmas sweater, start with where you will wear it, then pick a style to match: tasteful patterns for family events and work, loud ugly-sweater designs for parties and contests. Order your usual size for a regular fit or one size up for a relaxed fit, check the size chart, and wash it inside out on cold so it lasts for years.
Step 1: Match the sweater to the occasion
| Occasion | Good choice | Maybe skip |
|---|---|---|
| Office party | Puns, pets, classic patterns | Crude jokes |
| Ugly sweater contest | The loudest design you can find | Anything subtle |
| Family dinner | Fair Isle, Santa, snowflakes | Drinking jokes around the grandparents |
| Holiday card photo | Coordinated colors or matching themes | Busy designs that clash |
| Everyday winter wear | Simple festive patterns | Very seasonal one-liners |
Step 2: Pick a style
- Ugly on purpose. Big graphics, clashing colors, every holiday symbol at once. Perfect for Ugly Christmas Sweater Day.
- Funny. Puns and jokes. See funny Christmas sweaters for men.
- Pets and animals. Cats, dogs, reindeer and penguins. See cat and dog Christmas sweaters.
- Classic. Snowflakes, trees and Fair Isle bands in red, green and white. You can wear it all season.
- Santa. The most popular single motif, from cute to completely ridiculous.
Torn between knit and fleece? Read Christmas sweatshirt vs Christmas sweater to see which suits your plans.
Step 3: Get the size right
- Use the size chart. Measure a sweater or sweatshirt you already like, lay it flat, and compare chest width and length with the chart on the product page.
- Regular fit: your usual size.
- Relaxed fit or layering: one size up.
- Buying a gift: when in doubt, size up. Slightly loose still works, too tight does not.
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Step 4: Plan for matching
Couples, families and office teams often coordinate. You do not need identical sweaters. Pick one shared element, like the same colors or the same theme, and let everyone choose their own design. It looks better in photos and everyone gets a sweater they like.
How to wash a Christmas sweater
- Turn it inside out to protect the print or knit design.
- Wash on cold with similar colors, on a gentle cycle.
- Skip bleach and fabric softener on printed designs.
- Air dry or tumble dry low. High heat can fade prints and shrink fabric.
- Store it folded, not on a hanger, so it keeps its shape until next year.
Always follow the care label on your garment if it says something different.
Ready to pick yours? Browse more than 2,500 Christmas ugly sweaters.
When to order
Every BarkPure order ships to the US for a flat $6.39. Orders are processed in 1 to 3 business days and spend about 7 to 12 business days in transit, so plan on roughly 8 to 15 business days from checkout to doorstep. Holidays can add a little time. Full details are on our shipping policy page.
| Event | Order by (about) |
|---|---|
| Ugly Christmas Sweater Day, Dec 18 | November 25 |
| Christmas Day, Dec 25 | December 4 |
If something does not fit, see our return policy.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a Christmas sweater and an ugly Christmas sweater?
A Christmas sweater is any holiday-themed sweater. An ugly Christmas sweater is made to be over the top on purpose, with loud graphics, clashing colors or jokes, usually for parties and contests.
Should a Christmas sweater be tight or loose?
Most people prefer a regular or relaxed fit. Order your usual size for regular, or one size up to layer it over a shirt.
How do I keep a printed Christmas sweater from fading?
Wash it inside out on cold, use a gentle cycle, skip bleach and dry it on low heat or air dry.
When should I buy a Christmas sweater?
November is ideal. With 8 to 15 business days for delivery from BarkPure, order by about November 25 for December 18 and about December 4 for Christmas.
