Best Online Thrift Stores to Shop Ugly Christmas Sweaters

The tradition of wearing ugly Christmas sweaters has become a beloved and hilariously festive staple of the holiday season. What once may have been considered a fashion faux pas has now transformed into a playful celebration of holiday cheer, nostalgia, and good-humored fun.

With their bold colors, clashing patterns, and over-the-top embellishments—from blinking lights to jingle bells—ugly Christmas sweaters invite people of all ages to embrace the sillier side of the season.

Whether worn at themed parties, office contests, or cozy family gatherings, these outrageous knits bring laughter, warmth, and a shared sense of joy that perfectly captures the spirit of the holidays.

Why Choose Thrifted Ugly Christmas Sweaters?

Eco-friendly & sustainable

Vintage fashion reduces textile waste and combats fast fashion’s massive environmental footprint. Shopping thrift means extending the lifecycle of pre-loved garments and standing out—responsibly.

Quirky, unique designs

From 1980s Fair Isle to oversized holiday graphics, thrifted sweaters offer rare, one-of-a-kind styles that beat the mass‑produced versions.

Budget-friendly fun

With dramatic price drops (sometimes 90 % off retail), thrifted sweaters let you shine at the next ugly-sweater meetup without feeling guilty.

Top Online Thrift & Vintage Platforms

ThredUp

One of the largest online thrift stores, ThredUp offers high-quality secondhand apparel—often from well-known brands—at up to 90% off retail. Great for those searching for name-brand sweaters at a bargain.

Etsy

Countless small sellers offer thrifted and upcycled Christmas sweaters, including mystery bundles and custom picks. Many listings have stellar reviews with fast shipping.

Pro tip: Use broad search terms like “thrifted Christmas sweater” and filter by US-based sellers and free shipping to find hidden gems.

Ragstock

A veteran in the vintage knit space, Ragstock hosts over 7,000 unique styles of vintage ugly Christmas sweaters, including Fair Isle, movie-themed, and humorous graphic pullovers. A curated, dependable choice.

Thrifted Threads

This massive online vintage retailer refreshes weekly with hundreds of new items—sweatshirts, knits, and retro sweaters included. If you’re into frequent drops and new finds, this one’s for you.

Depop / Vinted / Poshmark / eBay

These peer‑to‑peer marketplaces are hosting grounds for vintage and thrifted sweaters. Depop draws a younger, trend-rider crowd; Poshmark offers easy listings and bundling; eBay’s filter system helps track down niche patterns. The UK’s Vinted is gaining ground with no selling fees, which can sometimes mean better deals for buyers.

I personally have been selling secondhand and vintage ugly (and cute too!) Christmas sweaters for years on these apps. The photos in this blog post are real-life items I’ve sold in holiday seasons past.

Beyond Retro / Goldsmith Vintage

If you want hand‑picked, curated vintage labels, check out niche UK vintage shops like Beyond Retro or Goldsmith Vintage. Expect higher prices—but standout styles.

Specialty Picks & Unique Curations

UglyChristmasSweater.com – Classic, brand-new ugly sweaters with lights, sequins, and pop-culture themes. Not thrifted, but great for custom designs.

ModCloth – Vintage-inspired indie clothing (including holiday sweaters), though not strictly thrift—it leans retro though consistent quality.

Ruby Lane – A curated marketplace for vintage collectibles and fashion. Not holiday-exclusive, but occasional Christmas sweaters do pop up.

How to Find the Best Thrifted Ugly Sweater Online

Use broad search queries with filters

Terms like “thrifted Christmas sweater” or “vintage ugly Christmas” work best—then refine by size, location, and condition.

Save searches and set alerts

Platforms like eBay and Etsy let you track new listings. Early alerts = better steals ThriftedThreads.com+3The Guardian+3Wikipedia+3Etsy.

Check seller ratings and photos

Look for clear shots of flaws, dimensions, and fabric tags.

Ask about condition or measurements

If it’s not listed, most sellers will reply quickly. Fit varies vintage‑to‑vintage.

Consider a “mystery bundle”

Etsy vendors often offer surprise selections—fun and affordable, with rave reviews uglychristmassweater.com+6Etsy+6Wikipedia+6.

Time your buy

Off‑season surf-through (e.g., in spring) can lead to bargains and lower competition.

DIY Upcycling: Make Your Own Ugly Sweater

If you can’t find something perfect, thrift a plain sweater and DIY:

1. Choose Goodwill/Salvation Army/mission thrift for base sweaters.
2. Add appliqués, pom-poms, jingle bells, LED lights—complete instructions found on blogs.

DIY gives you total freedom—classic ugly vibes for pennies and bragging rights for creativity.

Final Tips Before You Click “Buy”

• Know your measurements – vintage sizing often runs small.
• Check return policies – not all thrift shops offer returns.
• Factor shipping time & cost – overseas sellers may take weeks.
• Coordinate bundles – combine sweaters to save on shipping.
• Snap, store, reuse – thrifted sweaters can be holiday traditions (and reduce fast-fashion influence).

In-Store Thrift Shopping for Ugly Christmas Sweaters

While online thrift stores offer convenience and variety, in-store thrift shopping is still one of the most exciting (and budget-friendly) ways to score an ugly Christmas sweater. There’s something nostalgic about digging through racks and discovering that hilariously perfect sweater that no one else will have.

Top Places to Check

1. Goodwill
   Goodwill stores are known for putting out themed seasonal racks as early as late October. Their holiday sweater section can include everything from vintage knits to novelty prints and even hand-decorated DIY versions.
2. The Salvation Army
   Another nationwide favorite, The Salvation Army usually stocks holiday sweaters donated by people post-Christmas. Pro tip: visit multiple locations in your area for a better chance at finding gold.
3. Local Church or Community Thrift Stores
   Small-town or nonprofit thrift shops often receive donations from older generations—think 1980s embroidery, shoulder pads, and tinsel appliqués. Perfect for a truly “ugly” vintage look.
4. Buffalo Exchange
   In cities where it’s available, Buffalo Exchange is a great place for trendier secondhand finds. You might snag a cheeky holiday sweater from brands like Urban Outfitters or Tipsy Elves.
5. Value Village / Savers
   These sister chains curate holiday-themed items into special displays. Some even sell new-but-tacky holiday sweaters in addition to used ones, which gives you more options for layering or DIY projects.

Tips for Thrift Store Hunting Success

• Go early in the season. Late October through early December is the best window before the selection is picked over.
• Try multiple sizes. Many vintage sweaters run either small or large and boxy—depending on the era and style of the time period.
• Shop midweek. Weekday mornings are ideal for finding fresh stock before weekend shoppers scoop up the best picks.
• Bring a friend. Hunting together makes it more fun—and they might spot something you miss!

More Festive Ways to Dress Up During the Holiday Season

Wearing an ugly Christmas sweater is just the beginning when it comes to spreading cheer through your holiday wardrobe. There are so many fun and festive ways to dress up beyond the classic knit. Whether you’re heading to a holiday party, working through the season, or just want to feel a little more spirited during your daily routine, consider adding these merry options to your closet:

• Fair Isle Sweaters
  Cozy and timeless, Fair Isle sweaters offer a classic winter look with traditional patterns in festive colors. These knits are perfect for a polished holiday outfit that’s still full of seasonal charm—ideal for everything from office parties to tree lightings.
• Novelty Christmas Print Scrubs for Healthcare Workers
  For nurses, doctors, and medical staff who want to keep the holiday spirit alive during their shifts, scrubs featuring Santa, snowflakes, reindeer, or candy canes are a cheerful way to celebrate. They’re practical, comfortable, and sure to bring a smile to patients’ faces.
• Sweater Dresses
  Sweater dresses strike a balance between comfort and style. Choose a red or green knit, or one with subtle festive detailing, and pair it with boots and tights for a warm, fashionable holiday outfit that transitions from day to night with ease.
• Ugly Christmas Vests
  Channel vintage vibes with a kitschy Christmas vest layered over a turtleneck or long-sleeve top. Bonus points for sequins, pom-poms, or jingle bells. They’re a great alternative to the traditional sweater and can be styled for parties or casual festive fun.
• Colorful or Print Tights and Stockings
  Add a pop of holiday color or whimsy to your outfit with bright red tights, metallic shimmer stockings, or printed versions featuring candy canes, gingerbread men, or snowflakes. They’re a playful way to bring holiday flair to dresses, skirts, or even shorts.

With so many ways to incorporate seasonal style, you can show off your holiday spirit all December long—whether you’re dressing up for a themed event or simply adding a bit of festive flair to your everyday look.

Final Take

Thrifting ugly Christmas sweaters online merges vintage charm, eco-conscious choices, and winter whimsy. With options ranging from large-scale resellers like ThredUp and Ragstock to bespoke Etsy bundles and creative DIY kits, you have all the tools to find—or craft—the perfect festive sweater.

Whether it’s a one-of-a-kind 80s slapstick pullover, a cozy Fair Isle classic, or your own handcrafted masterpiece, celebrate sustainably and stylishly this holiday season.