OPINION: Why Are They Called Ugly Sweaters?

A few days ago a friend mentioned the vast collection of “ugly sweaters” at Fred Meyer.  She posted a picture on her Facebook page.  Intrigued, I dropped in at the store and looked over the selection.  Which is large.  Just as she said, however.  Why do people call them ugly?  Some may be a little gaudy but you’ve got to appreciate the creativity.

From a design standpoint, there’s some real imagination here.  Not to mention these things will keep you warm during our recent cold snap.

It almost seems it has become a challenge for designers to top the competition.  Which looks to be fierce.

I’ve owned one ugly sweater in my life.  I didn’t think it was ugly but friends insisted it was too much.  It was a gift from my dad and someone he knew had personally made it, which means it wasn’t mass produced and was an original.  It was also very, very long.  To mid-thigh.  On a really cold day even guys like long sweaters.  A fellow I worked with at a TV station 20 years ago wore a down coat that was ankle length.  Sure, it looked goofy.  He was also warm when it was very cold.

We have a history here at the radio station Christmas parties.  Some coworkers wear the gaudiest sweaters they can find and sometimes add some decoration atop their heads.  It always puts a smile on all the other faces.  We could use a few more smiles at Christmas 2020.  Buy a gaudy sweater and wear it with pride!