Certainly, you have probably seen or worn the iconic ugly sweater during Christmas celebrations, but do you know how it originated and why it is celebrated?
The ugly sweater has become a true tradition around the world, and each year it is more common to see a greater number of people celebrating Ugly Christmas Sweater Day. That's why we're sharing with you how this popular celebration was born and why it is celebrated in various countries.
For many, this festivity is truly fun because it's not about wearing a specific garment. In other words, the ugly sweater can be adapted to each individual's taste, with the only condition being that it has some element representative of Christmas, such as trees, reindeer, snowmen, Santa, gifts, among others. Moreover, they come in various colors.
How Did the Celebration of the Ugly Sweater Arise?
Some say that the first beginnings of the ugly sweater date back to the 1980s when the actor and comedian Bill Cosby began wearing this type of clothing on the show The Cosby Show. Another event that could have contributed to its popularization was in 2002 when the first party with this theme was held.
1️⃣ Some say it was the comedian Bill Cosby who dared with these looks on The Cosby Show.
"Although in this case, we wouldn't be talking about a specifically Christmas theme🎄."
However, the peak of the ugly sweater trend came in December 2011 when a group of students from the University of San Diego decided to create a website dedicated to the most ridiculous Christmas sweaters you can find in the United States to wear during the holiday season.
In this regard, fashion consultant Anabel García López points out that despite the years, the ugly sweater continues to captivate because it is a garment that is becoming increasingly popular, to the extent that people enjoy taking photos and sharing them on their social networks.
"The ugly Christmas sweaters are part of an old tradition that still remains at the forefront of fashion today, although the vast majority are factory-made, produced on a massive scale. Nowadays, everyone wants their ugly sweater."
Why Is Ugly Sweater Day Celebrated?
The celebration of the ugly sweater became so famous for two reasons: the first and perhaps the most important one, due to the nostalgia for childhood Christmas festivities, family unity, and the excitement of receiving gifts.
The second reason is more about fashion and breaking away from the monotony of "traditional or common" clothing. Hence, there is a scheduled day to showcase the best ugly sweater from the wardrobe.
🎥 The #ugly sweater phenomenon reached, of course, the cinema.
Who could forget Colin Firth in Bridget Jones's Diary or the legendary Grinch abandoning his grumpiness to immerse himself in the Christmas spirit?
On this day, celebrated on the third Friday of December, the idea is to leave behind school and work uniforms, and wear exclusively the Christmas ugly sweater.
According to García López, this tradition has become a global trend, celebrated in various countries in America, Europe, and Asia, regardless of age or culture, representing significant economic gains for the textile industry.
In a few years, the ugly sweater evolved from being a product within the "hipster" culture of young Americans and Canadians to something sought after and loved by entire families; a tradition that can be shared with friends, partners, and even pets.
