While there isn’t an exact definition of what is considered an ugly sweater, the consensus is the more embellishments, the uglier the sweater.<br />However, these types of sweaters weren’t always considered ugly. <br />In the 80s, the Christmas element was added with “jingle bell sweaters” becoming a mass-produced, hot commodity.<br />As fashion trends changed, so did the concept of ugly versus stylish, and the sweaters were quickly considered tacky and in bad taste.<br />Vancouver, Canada, claims to be the "Ugly Sweater" concept's birthplace.<br />Since 2002, the city has held an Original Ugly Christmas Sweater party at the Commodore Ballroom.<br />Every guest is required to wear an ugly sweater.<br />The co-founders of the event, Chris Boyd and Jordan Birch, even own the trademark for the phrase, “ugly Christmas sweater.”
