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While Christmas sweaters are supposed to be a little bit of lighthearted fun, unfortunately, they have a bit of a dark side.
Christmas sweaters first hit the market in the 1950s (back then, they were called jingle bell sweaters), and over the following decades, they went in and out of fashion. But right now, they’re largely seen as a wholesome, nostalgic, joyful addition to the holiday season. The uglier, the better. There’s just one problem: After the festive season, they often end up in the trash.
According to research by U.K. environmental charity Hubbub, one in three adults under 35 buy a new Christmas sweater every year — which means the old one is likely thrown away. And because they’re often made with synthetic materials, like plastic-derived polyester, they won’t biodegrade.
The trend for ugly Christmas jumpers doesn’t seem to be slowing down — even fast fashion is getting in on the act. At the time of writing, a quick search for “Christmas sweater” on the Shein website brings up 40 pages of results — up from 15 pages last year.
Still, there’s something to be said for the holiday spirit, right? And if you love treating yourself to a new Christmas sweater every year, consider holding on to yours this year instead of throwing it away. Next year, organize a fun festive sweater swap with friends. You can break out the holiday tunes, cookies, and mulled wine, too, to make it feel extra Christmassy.
You can also choose to buy from thrift stores or vintage markets, and another option is to rent, too. Last year, U.K., rental platform By Rotation teamed up with budget supermarket Lidl to offer a Christmas sweater rental service for just £2 per day. By Rotation launched what it called the “world’s largest” rental pop-up in London last month, with plans to host several before the holidays, according to Forbes.
“With Christmas being one of the top occasions of the year when the demand for purchasing single-wear outfits skyrockets, renting a festive jumper for your holiday season plans is a great way to leave a positive impact on the planet and also save money,” Eshita Kabra, By Rotation CEO, told the Daily Mail.
Sustainable Christmas Sweaters
While values are important, don’t let them make you a scrooge. Find a sweater you really love, from a brand you respect, and commit to wearing it every single year.
Below, we’ve gathered some of our favorite sustainable holiday sweater options. They’re nowhere near as ugly as your stereotypical Christmas sweater, in fact, they’re not ugly at all. They’re stylish, cozy, and festive, and offer a subtle nod to the holiday season without being garish, making them the perfect timeless investment.
Stella McCartney’s Pearl Embroidery Oversized Jumper
You can usually count on Stella McCartney for some sustainable elegance, and with this oversized sweater, embroidered with faux pearls, the label doesn’t disappoint. It’s the perfect timeless and classic choice for Christmas time, plus it’s versatile, too. Dress it down with leggings for a cozy festive morning, or dress it up with a skirt and heels for your next festive party.
Baukjen’s Flossie Ecotec Jumper
If you prefer something snug and neat-fitting, check out Flossie from London-based eco-friendly brand Baukjen. Crafted from ECOTEC cotton, the sweater features an adorable scalloped neckline, plus it’s comfortable and vibrant, too, thanks to the lively, festive green color.
Beam’s Plus Fair Isle Vest
This cozy cardigan vest, featuring an ultra-festive Fair Isle pattern, is made with flax and cotton for a lightweight, festive holiday look.
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