14 Best DIY Ugly Christmas Sweaters of 2025

Go all out with these fun sweaters.

You’ve decorated your tree, house, and front door for this weekend’s Christmas party—now it’s time to decorate yourself! So why not start with a fun Christmas sweater?

Christmas sweaters have a long and tumultuous history. They became popular in the post-World War II era, when hand-knit sweaters were decorated with snowflakes and candy canes. The “ugly” factor didn’t really catch on until the 1980s, when “more is more” and glitz and glamour took over. Snowflakes went from being elegant to being glittered with glitter and gems. After falling out of fashion (if you can call it that) in the 90s, ugly sweaters made a comeback at the turn of the century when they were ironically worn in popular movies like Bridget Jones’s Diary.

Today we’re seeing friends throw themed Christmas parties (you still need a theme for your party, okay!), including prizes for best and ugliest sweaters! Want to get on trend but don’t want to spend too much money on something you only wear once a year? Then head to your craft closet, get your glue gun and scissors out, and get ready to make the ugliest Christmas sweater your office has ever seen!

From a wreath sweater made from scraps of felt to a sweater wrapped in a pre-bought bow (super cheap and takes less than 5 minutes!), there are lots of fun ideas for all skill levels. Get crafting and let the fun begin!

Felt wreath sweater

This wreath sweater isn't quite ugly but it's sure to get a lot of positive comments at this year's holiday party.

To make: Cut leaves from several different shades of green felt. Attach leaves across the top, shoulders, and arms of a white sweater with hot-glue. Attach an oversize red bow at the neck with hot-glued.

Bow Sweater

This is the simple sweater to make—simply peel and stick store-bought bows to a sweater. Five minutes and done!!

Crochet Ugly Christmas Sweater

Calling all crochet enthusiasts! We think you'll love this sweater that features tiny knit Christmas lights.

Construction Paper Tree Christmas Sweater

If you put off making your sweater until the last minute, we have the perfect solution. Just cut a tree from construction paper to create this option (it cost this blogger just one dollar!).

Ugly Christmas Sweater for Kids

Of course, your kids will want to get in on the fun and make their own ugly sweater. Even better? They can help you make it!

Couple Ugly Christmas Sweater

If you really want to make a statement at your Christmas party, wear matching ugly sweaters with your partner.

Christmas Tree Ugly Sweater

You really can't go wrong with a classic Christmas tree sweater. This one was made using tinsel and colorful paper.

DIY Ugly Cat Christmas Sweater

Whether or not you're the crazy cat lady or you're making this as a gift for one, this Christmas sweater is everything but purrty...

Ugly Sweater Ornaments

Okay, so your tree will be wearing these sweaters rather than you—these DIY ornaments are so cute we couldn't resist including them.

DIY "Ugly" Tropical Christmas Sweater

More hilarious than ugly—especially if you've got the whole palm tree and flamingo set up—this tropical Christmas sweater takes just an hour to make. No word on if that includes the time it takes to blow up the tree.

Advent Calendar Christmas Sweater

Count down the days until Christmas with this tacky sweater. (Yes, that is a challenge to wear it all month.)

Kids' Ugly Christmas Sweater

Is it just us, or is it impossible to actually make a kid's Christmas sweater anything but adorable?

Ugly Snow Globe Christmas Sweater

You don't even need a needle and thread to concoct this clever ugly sweater, which uses pom poms to make the globe look like snow is escaping from it.

Ugly Tie Christmas Tree Sweater

Put those tacky Christmas ties to good use in this brilliant ugly sweater.