Over the last twenty years, the Christmas jumper has gradually been gaining popularity. Be it in the workplace, on a pub crawl or at the annual Christmas party, year after year these flashy knitted garments have become part and parcel of Christmas. And the gaudier the better. It’s no longer embarrassing Dads with the flashing red noses who are causing the cringe factor. Today both young and old, males and females, are willing to spend at least one day a year looking seasonally kitsch.
When did it all start? The origin of the cosy knits began in Scandinavia in the 19th century when bright-coloured warm woollies brought warmth in the heart of winter. In the 70s and 80s, TV presenters made us smile during the holidays as they beamed their flashy fashion on our screens. Like Gay Byrne prancing around on the Late Late Toy Show or Val Doonican crooning on Christmas Eve as we anticipated the arrival of Santa Claus, we were comforted from afar. But back then, this was the farthest thing from cool.
Roll on twenty years or so... Some say the financial crash of 2008 caused the slow rise of the Christmas Jumper as people clinged on to some sense of cheer during hard times. Others blame the Hipster movement of 2012 when it became cool not to be cool. Whatever the reason, there is a silver lining. This trend has become a great drive to raise money for charities as many companies hold Christmas Jumper days for staff to raise money,
One thing is for sure, it’s no longer difficult to seek out a bright and fluffy festive jumper at your nearest High Street shop or online. And if you are willing to pay a bit more for your once-a-year wearable, designers like Ralph Lauren and Christian Dior have joined the craze. Read more here (The Times - November 2025)
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