Here's why you shouldn't throwaway your Christmas jumper this year

Christmas Jumper Day is nearly upon us. Friday 15 December, if you’re not sure of the date.

Whether you opt for something bold, emblazoned with baubles and flashing lights or a more traditional fair isle knit, Christmas jumpers are so popular that we’re likely to spend a whopping £220 million on them in the run-up to Christmas this year.

But while they’re undoubtedly fun, a charity is urging consumers to think about the impact throwaway festive fashion could be having on the environment.

Recent research by Hubbub has revealed that a shocking one in four Christmas jumpers bought last year was thrown away or is unlikely to be worn again.

What’s more, for many crimbo jumper consumers, last year’s festive look just won’t cut it, with one in three under-35s admitting to buying a new Christmas jumper every year.

The survey of more than 3,000 UK consumers found that almost a quarter (24%) don’t want to be seen in the same Christmas jumper again, while 29% say they are so cheap that they might as well get a new one every year.

More than a third (35%) of people admit they only wear their jumper once in the festive period, so many are as good as new.

But throwing away your Christmas jumper every year could have a knock on effect on the environment.

“The Christmas jumper phenomenon is now a firm part of our Christmas celebrations in the UK and it has raised a lot of money for charity,” Sarah Divall from Hubbub told The Guardian.

“However, it’s also the perfect opportunity to reflect on our addiction to fast fashion which is having a devastating impact on the environment. I’d urge people to think twice about whether they really need to buy a new jumper this year. Instead let’s dig out all those Christmas jumpers hiding away in wardrobes and swap with a friend or donate them to charity shops or even refashion something you already own.”

Now with their #GiveAKnit campaign, the environmental charity is urging the public to “jazz up” their existing Christmas jumpers or pass them on to friends and family.

And there are plenty of ways to give last year’s Christmas jumper a reboot…

Add a collar

Wear a shirt with a cute collar underneath your Christmas jumper for an instant style-refresh.

Switch up what you team it with

Swap last year’s jeans for this year’s must-have sequined skirt a la Holly Willoughby.

Embellish

Add some sparkle or other festive embellishment to last year’s knit for a whole new look. We feel a trip to Hobbycraft coming on.

Belt it

Simples.

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