The Knitty-Gritty of America’s Ugly Christmas Clothing Obsession

Data Reveals What Drives America's Most Jolly Fashion Trend

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Clothing remains the most popular gift category, with 54% of people planning to give it this season, according to the National Retail Federation. While some stick to timeless staples like scarves, jackets, and ties, others lean into a unique trend that has captured national attention since the 1950s: the “ugly Christmas” fashion. And outdoor enthusiasts are no exception. During the winter holidays, even the most rugged and relentless of us trade their adventure-ready gear for something more festive. 

To better understand this cultural phenomenon, we analyzed over 65,000 search trend queries related to Christmas-themed clothing. Among these, 5.8% featured the word “ugly.” By sorting and analyzing the data, we ranked the states most (and least) captivated by ugly Christmas fashion and explored how creativity has shaped and expanded the trend. The findings reveal a growing interest in ugly Christmas items beyond just the classic sweater, including dresses, socks, and even outfits for pets. 

Here’s a quick summary of our findings:

• Over 16 million searches for “ugly Christmas” clothing were conducted in the U.S. last December.
• Sweaters remain the top choice, but other items like jumpers and dresses are gaining traction.
• California ranks as the state most interested in ugly Christmas fashion, while Hawaii shows the least interest.
• Creativity within the trend has led to some highly specific—and humorous—variations, such as pet outfits and… novelty designs.

Let’s explore the specifics behind America’s fascination with ugly Christmas clothing, starting with the most-searched items.

America’s Favorite Ugly Christmas Clothing Items

It comes to no surprise that the “ugly Christmas” search trend is clearly dominated by a single item—the sweater. But when we looked at the data, we found that people are expanding their ugly holiday wardrobes beyond jolly knitwear, showing interest in a variety of festive and straight up outlandish clothing items. No judgment. 

Here’s a breakdown of the most-searched “ugly Christmas” clothing items:

1. Sweaters (16,069,340 searches)

The ugly Christmas sweater is Santa’s most knitted clothing item, accounting for 97% of all related searches. With its blend of nostalgic charm and humorous appeal, the sweater continues to be the centerpiece of this trend. Designs range from simple holiday motifs to over-the-top creations featuring lights, sound effects, and 3D decorations protruding from the sweater like in the movie “Alien”.

2. Jumpers (338,970 searches)

“Jumper” may sound unfamiliar to some Americans, but the term is synonymous with “sweater” in the UK and other English-speaking countries. While it’s a smaller segment of U.S. searches, the term’s growing popularity reflects the influence of international holiday traditions.

3. Dresses (24,930 searches)

For those who want a bolder, head-to-toe look, ugly Christmas dresses are an emerging choice. These range from sweater-dress hybrids to more elaborate designs featuring patterns and decorations reminiscent of a Christmas tree, reindeer, Santa’s elves, and even gingerbread cookies.

4. Socks (16,310 searches)

Ugly Christmas socks offer a subtler way to participate in the trend, making them perfect for work environments or casual gatherings. Popular designs include mismatched patterns, miniature pom-poms, and the usual suspect list of holiday characters.

5. Hats (3,940 searches)

Although hats are a less common choice, they’re often seen as a fun accessory to complement other ugly Christmas attire. Popular designs include Santa hats with added flair, such as lights, snow globes, and reindeer antlers. .

6. Pajamas (1,640 searches)

Matching holiday pajamas have become a staple for family photos, and ugly Christmas pajama sets bring a twist to the tradition. These items are especially popular among families looking to add humor to their holiday cards.

7. Scarves (660 searches)

Ugly Christmas scarves add a layer of warmth while contributing to the festive aesthetic. Though they’re less searched for, they complete the look for the lowkey fans of the trend.

While sweaters may be the star of the show, where you live could influence how much holiday spirit you’re willing to wear on your sleeve—quite literally. In the next section, we’ll explore which states are leading the charge in ugly Christmas fashion and which ones are sticking to simpler styles.

The U.S. States Most and Least Obsessed with Ugly Christmas Clothing

Looking at the data, it’s clear that some states have fully embraced the festive trend, while others take a more subdued approach to holiday fashion. Based on search trends, here’s a look at the most—and least—obsessed states.

The Most Jolly States

1. California

With a culture that thrives on trends and self-expression, it’s no surprise that Californians are enthusiastic about taking holiday fashion to the next level—even if it means wearing ugly Christmas sweaters in a warm December.

2. Illinois

Illinois ranks second, with a particular fondness for ugly sweaters. The state’s strong tradition of community events and holiday gatherings likely contributes to its enthusiasm for festive attire.

3. New Jersey

Known for its big personalities, New Jersey embraces ugly Christmas fashion as a way to stand out during the holidays. From office parties to family dinners, the Garden State proves it knows how to make an impression.

4. New York

In New York, the city that sets trends, ugly Christmas fashion has become a playful way to participate in holiday festivities. The state’s high ranking reflects its mix of holiday parties, themed events, and a love of the dramatic.

5. North Dakota

Despite its smaller population, North Dakota rounds out the top five. The state’s long, cold winters make it an ideal place to cozy-up quirky holiday clothing.

The Least Jolly States

1. Hawaii

Hawaii ranks last in interest for ugly Christmas fashion. With tropical weather and a laid-back culture, it’s understandable that bulky sweaters and knitwear take a backseat to breezy holiday shirts and sandals. Until someone comes up with ugly Christmas tank tops. 

2. Alaska

Alaska may embrace functional winter gear, but its interest in “ugly” Christmas clothing is surprisingly low. Residents seem more focused on staying warm than making a holiday fashion statement. And for the right reasons. 

3. Arkansas

Arkansas lands among the least interested states, perhaps favoring more traditional holiday styles over the deliberately over-the-top trend.

4. Vermont

Known for its rustic charm, Vermont appears to favor timeless holiday aesthetics over garish designs. Flannel shirts and cozy sweaters likely suffice for holiday gatherings.

5. Oregon

Oregon’s understated style extends to its holiday wardrobe, with minimal interest in the ugly Christmas trend. Residents opt for a more subtle take on festive dressing.

Rank	State	Searches Per 1000 People	Total Searches
1	California	62	2,416,650
2	Illinois	59	734,450
3	New Jersey	56	515,670
4	New York	55	1,073,460
5	North Dakota	55	42,980
6	Maryland	55	338,020
7	Delaware	53	54,820
8	Texas	53	1,601,260
9	Connecticut	52	189,680
10	Georgia	52	571,710
11	Nevada	50	160,630
12	Michigan	49	495,610
13	Pennsylvania	49	637,730
14	US Sum	49	16,479,120
15	Rhode Island	49	53,940
16	Colorado	49	288,410
17	South Carolina	49	260,980
18	New Hampshire	48	67,570
19	Massachusetts	48	333,890
20	Wisconsin	47	280,230
21	Virginia	47	412,340
22	Indiana	47	323,580
23	South Dakota	47	43,290
24	Louisiana	47	214,370
25	Nebraska	47	92,470
26	North Carolina	47	503,870
27	Tennessee	46	330,210
28	Arizona	46	340,260
29	Utah	45	154,150
30	New Mexico	45	94,860
31	Missouri	45	277,030
32	Ohio	45	526,200
33	Wyoming	44	25,730
34	Kansas	44	128,060
35	Alabama	43	220,530
36	Washington	43	334,960
37	West Virginia	43	75,490
38	Iowa	42	132,960
39	Mississippi	41	121,270
40	Minnesota	41	236,500
41	Kentucky	41	184,100
42	Florida	40	904,580
43	Idaho	40	77,650
44	Montana	39	44,650
45	Maine	38	53,420
46	Oklahoma	38	152,620
47	Oregon	37	158,080
48	Vermont	36	23,160
49	Arkansas	35	108,370
50	Alaska	31	22,560
51	Hawaii	31	44,110

Top-performing states like California and Illinois demonstrate that population size, cultural trends, and event-driven celebrations play a significant role in the popularity of ugly Christmas fashion. On the other hand, the lower-ranking states such as Hawaii and Alaska show how climate and practicality can influence clothing choices, even during the holidays.

How Creativity is Shaping Ugly Christmas Trends

People across the country are finding unique ways to make their holiday attire stand out, often pushing the boundaries of how “ugly” Christmas clothing can get.

The Funniest and Most Unusual Searches

The creativity of the trend is perhaps best captured in some of the more niche and humorous search queries. Here are a few standouts:

• “Boob ugly Christmas sweater”: A novelty design featuring strategically placed reindeer nose decorations for comedic effect.
• “Macho man ugly Christmas sweater”: Bro, this cream of the crop design blends holiday cheer with wrestling nostalgia. Boo-yeah!
• “Ugly chicken Christmas sweater”: A curious choice, perhaps for poultry enthusiasts or those wanting to crank up their Christmas sweater with a decorated rooster. Top competitor for the ugliest ugly sweater. 

These quirky designs show that the ugly Christmas trend is as much about self-expression as it is about holiday spirit, and that’s what makes it so appealing–the versatility:

• For social gatherings: Whether it’s an office party or a family get-together, ugly sweaters break the ice and encourage a festive atmosphere. 
• For self-expression: Designs range from traditional to niche, allowing wearers to reflect their personality.
• For nostalgia: Many people associate these sweaters with the charm of holiday traditions, creating a sense of comfort and joy.
• For memes: The ironic humor of wearing something intentionally tacky makes these sweaters ideal for photos, videos, and online jokes.

To Outugly the Ugly

One of the most popular search terms, “ugliest ugly Christmas sweater,” received 1,989,600  searches in December alone, showing that people don’t just want to participate in the trend, but to outdo others in wearing the most absurd (yet memorable) clothing. 

DIY enthusiasts have embraced this competitive spirit, creating sweaters with:

• Interactive elements like blinking lights, music, or even moving parts.
• Bold 3D designs featuring stuffed animals, holiday characters, or faux food items.
• Over-the-top patterns that blend traditional holiday motifs with pop culture references.

Expanding to Pets

The ugly Christmas trend’s gone to the dogs (and cats)! Searches for pet-specific ugly Christmas outfits have risen significantly, and some of the popular designs include:

• Sweaters featuring paw prints or bone motifs.
• Holiday costumes like Santa suits, elf outfits, or reindeer antlers.
• Matching sets for pets and their owners.

This growing subcategory reflects a broader trend of incorporating pets into family traditions and holiday fun.

The Rise of Ugly Christmas Sweater

The history of the ugly Christmas fashion starts with the ugly Christmas sweater and dates back to the 1950s, but they hit mainstream in the 1980s when holiday knitwear began appearing in Christmas TV specials and sitcoms. The original sweaters, adorned with cheerful patterns and holiday motifs, weren’t intended to be “ugly”—but their exaggerated designs made them stand out and memorable. 

The term "ugly Christmas sweater" didn’t gain traction until the early 2000s, when people began repurposing these vintage finds for themed parties. These events celebrated the over-the-top designs in a humorous and lighthearted way, transforming what was once seen as tacky into a symbol of fun. 

Notable milestones in ugly Christmas sweater history are:

• 2001: The first documented ugly sweater party was held in Vancouver, Canada, kickstarting a new holiday tradition.
• 2010s: Retailers began creating purposefully ugly sweaters, complete with lights, tinsel, and elaborate decorations.
• 2012: The craze reached new heights with the launch of “Christmas Jumper Day” by UK charity “Save the Children”. This annual fundraising event encouraged participants to wear their most outlandish sweaters for a good cause. 
• 2013: Celebrities such as Taylor Swift, Kanye West, and talk show host Jimmy Fallon embraced the trend, with Fallon debuting his recurring "12 Days of Christmas Sweaters" segment, which remains popular today.
• 2014: Interest in ugly Christmas sweaters peaked, according to Google Trends data, cementing their place in holiday culture.

The rise of social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest provided spaces for people to share their creative takes, inspiring others to join the trend. 

The Evolution of the Ugly Christmas Sweater

As we mentioned above, the searches for “ugly Christmas sweater” peaked in 2014, and data suggests a steady decline in volume since then. However, this doesn’t mean the hype around ugly Christmas fashion is gone. On the contrary, it points to the trend’s natural evolution, and the search volumes reveal a growing interest in other categories:

• Dresses: Offering full-body festive flair, ugly Christmas dresses reflect a shift toward alternative holiday statements for women.
• Socks, hats and scarves: For lowkey people who want to participate in the trend without committing to a full sweater.
• Pet Clothing: The rise of ugly Christmas outfits for pets has added an entirely new dimension to the trend, with owners eager to include their furry friends in the holiday fun.
• Pajamas: Ugly Christmas pajama sets have grown in popularity as part of coordinated family holiday photoshoots.

Hence, the data shows a diversification in search terms, suggesting that while the sweater remains iconic, people are looking for new ways to embrace holiday humor and creativity. The “ugly” theme is no longer confined to knitwear—it has become something much, much more. 

After Christmas: Ditch the Sweater, Keep the Adventure Going

For those celebrating the holidays in the backcountry or in the mountains, the ugly Christmas sweater gets swapped out—and fast—for something far more practical: warm, comfortable, and functional, designed for outdoor adventures. 

Something that is warm without bulk, built different, cut from a different cloth, cool-looking when paired with skis, snowshoes or snowmobiles. Something like KÜHL’s Flight™ Suit—made for adventurous men and trailblazing women who dare to redefine the holiday experience. Free Shipping on Orders $100+ :)

Conclusion

So there you have it: the ugly Christmas sweater, explained, celebrated, and analyzed. 

The data shows that Americans are evolving the ugly Christmas clothing with creativity and enthusiasm that spans beyond just the sweaters: to dresses, socks, pajamas, pet outfits, and more—and finding ways to outugly the last holiday season. 

Now is not yet the time to pack away the festive wear, but when the moment comes, make sure you're geared up for the next adventure. Who knows? Maybe next year, the trend will get even uglier. 

Happy holidays and happy trails!

Methodology

We used Google Keyword Planner data from December 2023 to find the most popular “ugly Christmas” items during the holiday season, the states most interested in them, and the creative trends around this fashion phenomenon.

We started by creating a list of over 65,000 Christmas-themed clothing search terms by combining item names with popular holiday-related keywords like winter, Santa, reindeer, elf, snowman, etc and expanded it using Semrush Keyword Tool. From this list, we noticed a large number of searches included the term “ugly Christmas,” so we focused on those and analyzed the search volume for each.

We identified the most searched ‘ugly’ clothing items in the U.S. and the creative trends around them by adding up the search numbers for each item type. To find the states most and least interested in the “ugly Christmas” trend, we calculated the total number of related searches in each state. Then, we adjusted these totals based on each state’s population to make sure our findings reflected the true level of interest and finally ranked the states.

Research done by Andreea Racu.
Written by Ivan Slovic.
Featured image by Charlie Harris.