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By wearing “ironic” ugly sweaters, you’re just encouraging an entire industry.
The Wall Street Journal reports that Christmas sweaters are the hottest new fashion item on the market. Google searches for “ugly Christmas sweaters” are up 30% this month, thrift stores are selling out and major retailers like Abercrombie & Fitch are selling the outdated winterwear. One reindeer-emblazoned sweater even went for $282.59 on eBay.
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Jingle-bell sweaters were first popular in the mid-1980s, but have seen a revival among young people throwing ironic “ugly Christmas sweater parties,” where they make fun of their parents who unironically love the festive looks. Companies like AOL, Dunkin’ Donuts and Crunch gyms are even throwing their own themed parties. The phenomenon has gone from a chuckle-inducing excuse to party into a full-fledged corporate juggernaut.
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We at NewsFeed are waiting for this trend to jump the shark. Sure, these parties are all in good fun. But do we really want to see even more gaudy knitwear clog the shelves every holiday season? So please, fashionable people of America — if you’re going to wear an ugly sweater, don’t buy it from Bloomingdale’s. It defeats the purpose. (via Wall Street Journal)