The festivities are a time of joy and celebration, so what could be better than making a big effort and wearing Christmas clothing on the big day?
From elegant dresses to quirky jumpers, festive fashion plays a significant role in how Brits mark the occasion.
Here, the Christmas.co.uk team explores the different facets of Christmas clothing, including their history and what will be popular this year.
Whether you’re shopping for family, friends or yourself, this guide will ensure you’re well-informed and ready to embrace the season in style.
What is Christmas clothing?
Christmas clothing are the garments specifically designed or chosen to celebrate the festive period.
These are items that often feature seasonal motifs, such as snowflakes, reindeer or tartan patterns, or are simply elegant pieces suited for Christmas events like dinners, parties or family gatherings.
Unlike everyday wear, Christmas clothing tends to have a festive flair.
Common examples include jumpers, dresses, skirts, shirts and accessories like scarves or hats, all tailored to enhance the festive spirit.
The clothes tend to be both functional and celebratory, ensuring they can be worn during Christmas events while feeling festive.
What are the different types of Christmas clothing?
Christmas clothing comes in a variety of styles, catering to different tastes and occasions. Here are some of the most common types:
- Festive jumpers: Perhaps the most iconic Christmas garment, festive jumpers feature playful designs like Santa Claus, snowmen or twinkling lights. They’re casual yet festive, perfect for office parties or cosy family gatherings
- Elegant dresses and skirts: For more formal occasions, such as Christmas Day dinners or work parties, dresses and skirts in rich fabrics like velvet or sequins are popular. These often come in traditional Christmas colours like red, green and gold
- Tops and shirts: Festive tops, blouses and shirts are versatile gifts. They might feature subtle Christmas patterns or bold statements, suitable for both casual and semi-formal settings.
- Outerwear: Coats, scarves and hats with Christmas themes or luxurious winter materials are ideal for braving the cold while looking stylish.
- Accessories: Gloves, hats and jewellery with festive designs add a touch of sparkle. These smaller gifts are perfect for stocking fillers or secret Santa gifts
- Novelty items: For those who enjoy a bit of humour, novelty clothing like Santa suits, elf costumes or quirky socks with Christmas characters are fun and light-hearted options.
Don’t forget too the ever-popular Christmas socks which are a popular stocking filler, often featuring fun designs and cosy materials.
There’s also Christmas-themed loungewear – check out our separate guide to Christmas pyjamas – which offer comfortable clothing for relaxing at home during the festive period, such as festive hoodies or tracksuits.
Essentially, each type of Christmas clothing serves a purpose, whether it’s to impress at a party or to keep warm during carol singing.
Why give Christmas clothing as presents?
The tradition of giving Christmas clothing as gifts in the UK has deep roots in both practicality and sentimentality.
Clothing is a personal and thoughtful gift, allowing the giver to show they understand the recipient’s style and needs.
During Christmas, when social gatherings and celebrations are common, new outfits help people feel confident and festive.
Clothing also fosters a sense of togetherness. Matching family outfits or coordinated party wear create shared memories and traditions.
Also, the festive period often inspires people to refresh their wardrobes, making Christmas clothing gifts both timely and useful.
What is the history of Christmas clothing?
The history of Christmas clothing in the UK dates back centuries, intertwining with the evolution of Christmas itself.
In medieval times, clothing was a valuable commodity, and gifts of fabric or garments were common among the wealthy.
By the 19th century, the Victorian revival of Christmas traditions popularised the exchange of festive attire.
Charles Dickens’ descriptions of festive gatherings often included characters in their ‘finest’ or most seasonal clothing, setting a cultural precedent.
During the 20th century, mass production made clothing more accessible, and Christmas became a prime time for retailers to promote festive fashion.
The rise of the Christmas jumper in the 1980s and 1990s, often linked to charity campaigns like Save the Children’s ‘Christmas Jumper Day’, further cemented clothing as a staple gift.
Today, this tradition is boosted by online shopping and social media, with influencers and celebrities showcasing their festive outfits, driving demand.
What do people buy?
Christmas clothing preferences vary significantly by age and gender, reflecting different lifestyles and fashion tastes. Here’s a breakdown based on current UK shopping trends and Google search data:
By age
Children (0-12 years): For younger recipients, parents often buy festive outfits like smocked dresses, or character-themed tops featuring Santa or reindeer. Searches for ‘Christmas clothes for kids UK’ show a preference for durable, comfortable items suitable for play and parties. Baby clothing, such as soft jumpers and festive socks, is also popular for newborns
Teenagers (13-19 years): Teens lean towards trendy, less traditional options. That means graphic T-shirts, hoodies with subtle festive designs and statement jackets. They often want items that can be worn beyond Christmas, blending style with seasonality
- Adults (20-64 years): Adults seek a mix of practicality and elegance. Women might search for Christmas party dresses, while men look for smart shirts or jumpers. Some will buy items with festive motifs, but a lot depends on the event or gathering.
- Seniors (65+ years): Older adults prefer classic, comfortable clothing, such as cashmere jumpers or elegant blouses. Again, there are clothes available with a Christmas motif or colour scheme – think tartan – that will attract many.
By gender
- Women: Women’s Christmas clothing often includes dresses, tops and accessories. Choices might include sequin dresses for Christmas and festive skirts, with a preference for glamorous yet comfortable options for parties and dinners
- Men: Men’s gifts typically include jumpers, shirts and scarves. Christmas jumpers for men and festive shirts means buying casual yet stylish pieces, often in traditional colours like navy, red or green.
- Non-binary and gender-fluid: There’s a growing trend, reflected in searches for ‘unisex Christmas clothing UK’, for gender-neutral options like oversized jumpers, scarves and versatile tops, catering to a more inclusive market.
Which Christmas clothing will be popular this year?
This year, we expect several trends to dominate Christmas clothing in the UK, based on early Google search spikes and social media buzz. Here are the likely favourites:
Sustainable fashion: With environmental concerns on the rise, searches for sustainable Christmas clothing suggests a shift towards eco-friendly materials like organic cotton and recycled polyester. Brands offering biodegradable packaging and ethical production are also gaining traction
Bold patterns and colours: We predict vibrant reds, deep greens and metallics, alongside playful patterns like tartan, polka dots and abstract snowflakes will dominate. The Christmas clothing trends searches indicate a move away from minimalism towards more expressive designs
- Luxury layers: Layering pieces, such as velvet blazers, cashmere scarves and sequinned cardigans, are predicted to be popular, especially for formal events. These items combine warmth with elegance, perfect for the UK’s chilly December
- Nostalgic themes: Retro-inspired clothing, like 1950s-style dresses and vintage jumpers, are trending, as these evoke a sense of nostalgia while remaining stylish
- Interactive elements: Clothing with LED lights, 3D embellishments or sound effects – like jingle bells – is gaining attention, particularly for novelty lovers. These quirky items are ideal for parties and add an element of fun.
There’s also a growing trend for personalised Christmas clothing – adding a personal touch makes a gift extra special. Personalised Christmas jumpers with names or initials, or socks with a funny family nickname, are popular choices.
These festive clothing trends reflect a blend of tradition and innovation, ensuring Christmas this year will be both familiar and fresh.
Suppliers of quality or unusual Christmas clothing
If you’re looking for high-quality or unique Christmas clothing in the UK, here are some top suppliers, categorised for ease:
High street retailers
- Next: Known for its wide range of festive clothing, Next offers everything from elegant dresses to novelty jumpers. Its next-day delivery and free returns make them a reliable choice for last-minute gifts
- Matalan: Matalan provides affordable yet stylish Christmas clothing, including tops, skirts, and outerwear. Their in-store and online options cater to all ages and genders.
Online clothing specialists
- Etsy: For unique, handmade or customised clothing, Etsy is unmatched. Sellers offer bespoke jumpers, dresses and accessories with festive designs, perfect for personal touches.
- Boohoo: Boohoo’s Christmas shop features trendy outfits and gifts, with a focus on bold styles for women. Their fast fashion approach ensures you’ll find the latest trends.
Luxury and designer options
- Lindex: This European brand offers high-quality festive wear for women and children, focusing on sustainable and stylish pieces. Their stores and online presence make shopping easy
- Yours Clothing: Specialising in plus-size festive fashion, Yours Clothing provides jumpers, dresses and accessories in UK sizes 14-40, ensuring inclusivity and quality.
Niche and unusual suppliers
- Fun.com: For truly unique items, Fun.com offers ugly Christmas sweaters, character costumes and novelty outfits. Their range is perfect for those seeking a humorous or standout gift
- Trotters London: Specialising in children’s Christmas clothing, Trotters provides smart dresses, trousers and coats with a classic British aesthetic, ideal for special occasions.
These suppliers of festive clothing combine quality, variety and uniqueness, ensuring you can find the perfect Christmas clothes for anyone on your gifting list.
Buying Christmas clothing
Christmas clothing gifts in the UK are more than just garments; they’re a way to celebrate, connect and create memories.
From their historical roots to modern trends, these gifts cater to all ages and genders, offering something for every taste and occasion.
This year, we expect a mix of sustainable, bold and nostalgic styles to dominate, driven by consumer demand and cultural shifts.
Whether you’re searching for a festive jumper for a teen, an elegant dress for a dinner or a quirky accessory for a secret Santa, this guide has you covered.
After all, nothing says Christmas quite like a wardrobe refresh that sparkles with festive cheer.
