Years ago, an Australian Ugly Christmas Sweater was completely unheard of.

Maybe because at Christmas time in Australia anyone who wore a sweater would melt under the hot Aussie December sun.  Or your friends would think you were crackers.  Or maybe it’s just because we didn’t buy into all the festivities associated with occasions … like Trick or Treat for Halloween or Ugly Christmas Sweaters.

That all seems to have changed and suddenly the Australian Ugly Christmas Sweater is A THING!

Sure we’re not wearing them in December, but Christmas in July sees many of us celebrating now which gives us the perfect excuse for the Australian Ugly Christmas Sweater.

They’re completely cringe-worthy but a load of fun. Australian Ugly Christmas Sweaters are giving Aussies a fun way to enjoy the American and English tradition of donning an ‘ugly sweater’ for those fun family snaps.

Who can forget the sight of Colin Firth in Bridget Jones’ Diary, turning up in his Ugly Christmas Sweater?  Or the Griswalds and their parade of Christmas Sweaters?

This year you can jump on board the Australian Ugly Christmas Sweater craze … with the help of our favourite Aussie spread, Vegemite!

The makers of Vegemite (Bega) have seized on an unlikely opportunity to encourage some of the ‘ugly-sweater’ culture this July, with the launch of a limited-edition Vegemite Australian Ugly Christmas Sweater. This all Australian Ugly Christmas Sweater takes this tradition to next level – no cute reindeers or holly – it’s all out LOUD and proudly Aussie.  Hey, they’ve even got someone to sport an absolutely superb ‘mullet’ for the promo shot!

 

Do you think you or any other Aussies will actually get on board with the Vegemite Australian Ugly Christmas Sweater?  They’re pretty ugly!

However, Jacqui Roth, Vegemite’s marketing manager, doesn’t necessarily agree they’re ugly. “We think they’re quite the opposite. What better way to pay homage to our beloved Vegemite, than to wear it proudly?”.

Fans of Vegemite can splurge $79.95 on a Vegemite ugly sweater online at the brand’s dedicated Mitey Merchandise store. Matching Mitey socks and a corduroy cap might help complete the look for the most dedicated of fans.

If you’re after an Australian Ugly Christmas Sweater but Vegemite isn’t your go, dial up the cringe and go for a VB version!

Aussie brewery Victoria Bitter (VB) has created an Australian Ugly Christmas Sweater (oh and a VEST) if you want to go a little more dressy (haha) to celebrate Christmas in July. The “bad sweaters” have been made in Australia (which we love). But don’t waste any time … the VB Christmas elves have only knitted up 500 of these treasures.  They thought it would be fun to bring some mid-winter festive cheer to what’s been a really difficult year for everyone.

“It’s been a bloody tough year, and we need to take any opportunity we can get to celebrate with friends and family – whether over Zoom or in the lounge room,” VB senior lead Hugh Jellie said.

“Christmas in July is as good an excuse as any. I’m pretty sure these bad sweaters won’t win any design awards. But at least you can bring a little cheer to the barbie or fodder for your mates’ banter. Plus you’ll be very warm and Nan will love it.”

The Christmas knits are sold through VB’s Big Cold Gear Shop for A$80.

So what do you think?  Do you think you could dial up the cringe, invest in an Australian Ugly Christmas Sweater and go all Ho Ho Ho this July?

Tell us which one you’d choose in the comments below …