Let’s face it, Christmas jumpers can be a bit naff! There’s a huge range of options available but most people already have at least one in their wardrobe.
I’ve got some tips and alternatives to share with you in this blog because you don’t have to feel your style has to be compromised.
Christmas Jumper Day
The official ‘Christmas Jumper Day’ was introduced in 2012 to help raise funds for children facing serious issues like war, hunger and poverty. It’s an annual event, by Save the Children charity. Here’s more information and how to get involved: https://www.savethechildren.org.uk/christmas-jumper-day
Christmas Jumper history
There’s many articles in circulation about where Christmas jumpers originated from. Norway, Scandinavia and Iceland are all named. Often knitted by hand in heavy, locally sourced wool and designed to keep people warm during the cold winters. Similar nordic style patterns still feature today which are much more traditional and less garish than some we see.
Pounds per wear vs cost
Are you like me and roll out the same ones every year?
Let’s say you buy a new festive-themed jumper from the high street giant: H&M. Currently they have Christmas jumpers online from £15.99 (as at December 2023).
Using my £’s per wear calculation, if you only wear it once, it’s £15.99 per wear.
Wear it another day and it becomes £8 per wear.
Roll it out next year and wear it twice more and you’re down to £4 per wear. Repeat again the following year and it’s £2 per wear.
These principles are the same for any clothes and not just for Christmas festive wear!
Christmas jumper alternatives
The cheap, comedy festive jumper might not be your style, so how about something more stylish which you can wear throughout the year?
I’ve researched and picked out some alternative festive styles which you can view (with links) here. (This guide has been updated on 10 December 2024)
Do check eBay, Vinted and charity shops too.
A Christmas Jumper is not just for Christmas!
Finally, there is a serious side to the production of Christmas jumpers.
Millions are produced every year on top of the millions already in circulation. Arguably, it’s a prime example of fast fashion. Cheaply made by people who aren’t paid a fair living wage where the environmental impacts are questionable.
Get more use out of yours by wearing it every day – a jumper’s not just for Christmas after all!
Garments made from acrylic, will not be sustainable or biodegradable. Acrylic is a plastic which is made by fossil-fuels. When washing, they release microplastics into marine environments, polluting our oceans.
Those made with recycled plastic bottles might not be a better option. Once turned into clothing, the plastic cannot be recycled again so it removes them from the circular recycling loop. Plastic bottles can be collected and recycled multiple times, clothing made from plastic cannot, so it’s destined for landfill.
This year, why not keep wearing what you already have or consider a swap with family and friends. You could even customise your own by adding decorations to it. Or, why not knit your own like Mark Darcey’s mum in Bridget Jones!