Skip to Content

10 Stylish Alternatives to the Ugly Christmas Sweater

Because it's time to stop the madness.

Headshot of Esquire EditorsBy Esquire Editors
Clothing, Stole, Street fashion, Outerwear, Yellow, Scarf, Fashion, Textile, Neck, Woolen, pinterest
Shutterstock

Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. We may earn a commission from these links.

From sweater parties to bar crawls and contests, ugly sweaters have (unfortunately) made a big comeback over the last few years. And while you might feel pressured to wear a giant Rudolph across your chest lest you be labeled a humbug, just know that you have options. Stylish options. Stylish options that you'll actually wear throughout the rest of the winter, and not just for one party. From Nordic knitwear to Fair Isle classics, here are 10 great alternatives to the ugly Christmas sweater.

Uniqlo

Clothing, Blue, Sleeve, Sweater, Neck, Turquoise, Cobalt blue, Electric blue, Wool, Outerwear,
Courtesy

Fair Isle Mock Neck Sweater

Not quite a turtleneck, but warmer than a crew.

$40, uniqlo.com

SHOP

J.Crew

Clothing, Sweater, Wool, Woolen, Sleeve, Outerwear, Brown, Orange, Jersey, Neck,
Courtesy

Lambswool Fair Isle Sweater

Cheerful? Yes. Ugly? Nah.

$98, jcrew.com

SHOP

Pendleton

Clothing, Wool, Sweater, Outerwear, Sleeve, Brown, Beige, Neck, Woolen, Reindeer,
Courtesy

Bear Sweater

Earth tones anchor the bolder bear graphic.

$199, urbanoutfitters.com

SHOP

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Bonobos

Clothing, Long-sleeved t-shirt, Sleeve, Black, T-shirt, Giraffe, Sweater, Neck, Giraffidae, Outerwear,
Courtesy

Brushed Wool Crew Sweater

Because giraffes can be appreciated year round.

$228, bonobos.com

SHOP

Kapital

Clothing, Sleeve, Outerwear, Sweater, Long-sleeved t-shirt, Top, Neck, Design, T-shirt, Pattern,
Courtesy

Kacinga Textured Sweater

If you want a little extra abstract art with your knitwear.

$610, mrporter.com

SHOP

Jamieson's of Shetland

Clothing, Sweater, Wool, Sleeve, Outerwear, Woolen, Pink, Top, Jersey, Pattern,
Courtesy

Fair Isle Crew Sweater

Fair Isle is festive without being obnoxious.

$155, endclothing.com

SHOP

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Junya Watanabe

Clothing, Long-sleeved t-shirt, Sweater, Sleeve, Outerwear, Wool, Jersey, Top, T-shirt, Neck,
Courtesy

Jacquard Knit Wool Blend Sweater

Nothing says holiday festivities like red jacquard.

$710, mrporter.com

SHOP

Dries Van Noten

Clothing, Sweater, Woolen, Wool, Sleeve, Outerwear, Long-sleeved t-shirt, Top, Jersey, Neck,
Courtesy

Fair Isle Wool Blend Sweater

Leave it up to Dries to make the chicest "ugly" sweater of all time.

$905, mrporter.com

SHOP

DSquared2

Clothing, Long-sleeved t-shirt, White, Sleeve, Sweater, Jersey, T-shirt, Outerwear, Sportswear, Sweatshirt,
Courtesy

Ski Skier Intarsia Knit Jumper

This works as well in a ski lodge as it does fireside in your house.

$930, farfetch.com

SHOP

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Burberry

Clothing, Woolen, Wool, Sweater, Outerwear, Maroon, Sleeve, Neck, Top, Magenta,
Courtesy

Patchwork Cashmere and Wool Blend Sweater

Honestly? This one's just really damn cool.

$1,450, mrporter.com

SHOP

Watch Next
 
preview for HDM All sections playlist - Esquire
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Style

a person wearing a jacket

The North Face's Sale Feels Too Good to Be True

a pair of ice skates

The 10 Best Nike Running Shoes Of 2024

stone island selected works

Why Is Stone Island Cool After All These Years?

a pair of brown shoes

The 10 Best Shoes to Wear to a Wedding

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Logo
tiktok
youtube
facebook
instagram
pinterest
Hearst Men's and Enthusiast Media Group - A Part of Hearst Digital Media

A Part of Hearst Digital Media

We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back.

©2024 Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Privacy NoticeCA Notice at CollectionYour CA Privacy Rights/Shine the LightDAA Industry Opt OutTerms of UseSite Map