Cheap sustainable Christmas jumper ideas

In 2019, approximately 12 million Christmas jumpers were purchased new, with 1 in 3 under 35's buying a new Christmas jumper each year, and only 2 in 5 being worn once over the festive period This year, a survey of 2,000 adults has shown that 54% will be actively looking to make positive environmental changes over the festive period.

And what better place to start? Save money this year and get your hands on a Christmas jumper for a fraction of the price, so you can join in the joy without costing your bank account or the planet.

These tips are part of something bigger. At Hubbub, we want to see a world where everyone makes choices that are good for the environment. Check out what we do and how your actions add up.

1) Buy second-hand 

With so many Christmas jumpers worn only once or twice, a second-hand jumper can be almost brand new. Hubbub’s top three places to find great festive knits are: 

• Depop – the app has plenty of seasonal knitwear available here.  
• Beyond retro – the vintage chain has over 1,500 Christmas jumpers online and more in stores. 
• Charity shops – your local high street is a jumper goldmine, whether you’re looking for a ready-made Christmas jumper or a classic sweater waiting to be customised. 

2) Check what you already own 

Two thirds of us own at least one Christmas jumper and one third of us own more than one. Bring last year’s jumper out for another wear, or pass it on sustainably if you’re not planning on wearing it again. Children will most likely have outgrown last year’s Christmas jumper. You could hold a Christmas jumper stall at your school’s Christmas fair or pass it on to other parents through local Facebook groups. 

3) Swap with family or friends 

There are 65 million Christmas jumpers stashed away in wardrobes in the UK from previous years. Have a Christmas jumper swap at work ahead of Christmas jumper day, or swap with housemates to get a new look with minimal effort and no cost. 

4) Do It Yo'Elf 

Save money by temporarily transforming a jumper you already have, from paper snowflakes to flashing fairy lights, get creative with these DIY Christmas Jumper ideas.