In the last few years, ugly holiday sweaters have become a common sight at office and family wintertime parties worldwide.
Curious about the trend, we recently sat down with Brian Miller, one of the co-founders of UglyChristmasSweaterParty.com, to discuss how these once embarrassing items of clothing have transformed into cultural phenomena.
On the origin of the ugly holiday sweater and its rise to popularity:
“[Ugly holiday sweaters] definitely came from the back of your Aunt Cloris’ closet. They were something that was created in the 80’s and thrown away to be forgotten. In 2000 or 2001, a couple of friends in Vancouver threw some invitations out to their friends for what they called an “ugly sweater party” and it has grown popularity to the point where they now send out invites months in advance and rent a huge theater, which sells out. That’s how we think the first ugly sweater party happened, but since then, it’s spread throughout the country and the world. It’s been fun to see it catch on and grow into a tradition!”
On how liking things that are “so bad they’re good” has helped push ugly holiday sweaters along:
“Everyone always tries to look or be their best, and [ugly holiday sweaters] provide people with a way to laugh at themselves. It’s all about how you can be your ugliest.”
On the ugliest holiday sweater that he’s ever seen:
“One of my favorites is one we call “Gingerbread Nightmare.” The sweater had gingerbread men attached to it all over with the recipe for them printed on the sweater. It was fantastic! You saw people were going up to it and eating the gingerbread men off of the sweater while looking and reading the recipe! That was one of my favorites!”
On whether ugly holiday sweater parties can turn into a holiday mainstay moving forward:
“I absolutely think this has gone beyond being a fad and moved into the tradition category because you see people plan for it and even big mainstream retailers are getting involved. It’s something that people look forward to now!”
Be sure to visit the site that started this fashion faux pas trend, UglyChristmasSweaterParty.com has thousands of vintage and new ugly sweaters available to be shipped anywhere in the world!
The post The Origin of the Ugly Holiday Sweater and Its Rise to Popularity appeared first on Official Fiverr Blog.