Matching Couple Christmas Sweaters: Funny Pairs for Holiday Parties
One ugly Christmas sweater gets a laugh. Two sweaters that tell one joke together get a standing ovation, and usually the "best couple" prize. Matching couple sweaters are also the easiest way to look like you planned your holiday outfit together, even if one of you only agreed at the last minute.
Here's how to choose a pair, what styles work best, and how to get the sizes and the photo right.
Matching vs. "two halves of one joke"
There are two kinds of couple sweaters:
- Identical matching sweaters. You both wear the same design. Sweet, simple and easy to coordinate, especially for families.
- Complementary pairs. Each sweater is different, but they only make sense together: Santa and Mrs. Claus, a cowboy and a cowgirl, a snow bunny and the ski patrol. These get the biggest reactions at parties, because people look from one to the other to get the joke.
If there's a contest, go complementary. If you want a sweet photo for the Christmas card, identical sweaters are hard to beat.
Funny couple sweater ideas
1. Peppermint pair. One sweater with six-pack "peppermint abs," the other with a peppermint candy bikini. Silly, bright and very photogenic.
2. Cowboy Santa and Christmas Cowgirl. A fur-trimmed vest and a bolo tie on one side, a fringe top and a lasso of Christmas lights on the other. Perfect for country Christmas parties.
3. Ski Patrol Santa and Snow Bunny. A ski-season pair that works for après-ski themes and winter trips.
4. "We're each other's gift." Both sweaters are printed as if wrapped in a big red ribbon: one with a bow on a six-pack, one with a bow and a gift tag. Funny without being too much, which makes it a good pick for the office.
5. Santa and Mrs. Claus. The classic. Easy to pull off with any red sweaters, a beard and a pair of glasses.
6. The Grinch and Cindy Lou. A favorite theme: one grumpy, one cheerful. Add a green beanie and a tiny bow.
7. Reindeer and the sleigh driver. One partner wears antlers, the other holds the "reins" (a strand of tinsel).
8. Hot cocoa and marshmallow. Brown and white sweaters, with matching mugs for the photo.
Two halves of one candy-striped joke. Shown: the Peppermint Abs and Peppermint Bikini couple sweaters.
Which pair suits which party?
| Party | Best pairs |
|---|---|
| Office party | "We're each other's gift," Santa and Mrs. Claus, cowboy and cowgirl |
| Friends' party | Peppermint pair, snow bunny and ski patrol, anything goes |
| Family gathering | Santa and Mrs. Claus, Grinch and Cindy Lou, cocoa and marshmallow |
| Country or western party | Cowboy Santa and Christmas Cowgirl |
| Ski trip or winter cabin | Ski Patrol Santa and Snow Bunny |
If you're not sure what the crowd is like, the gift-wrapped pair is the safest funny option.
A ski-season pair for winter parties and cabin trips. Shown: the Ski Patrol Santa and Snow Bunny couple sweaters.
How to order couple sweaters (without the size mix-up)
Couple sweaters are often sold one sweater at a time, so each person can pick their own size. That's convenient, but it's also where most mistakes happen. A quick checklist:
- Choose both styles. Make sure you add one of each half to the cart, not two of the same.
- Pick each size separately. Don't assume you both wear the same size. Check the size chart on the product page.
- Size up for layering. If you'll wear a shirt underneath, or just like a relaxed fit, go one size up.
- Order at the same time. Both sweaters arrive together, and you won't end up with half a joke on party night.
- Order early. Many funny sweaters are made to order. Ordering in November gives you time for production and shipping before December parties.
Funny but office-friendly. Shown: the "We're each other's gift" couple sweaters, sold separately so each of you picks a size.
Photo tips for couples in matching sweaters
A matching sweater deserves a good photo. A few tips:
- Stand side by side, facing the camera, so both designs are fully visible. Complementary pairs only work if people can see both halves.
- Pose in character. The cowboy tips his hat; the snow bunny strikes a ski pose; the gift-wrapped pair holds a real gift box between them.
- Use soft light. A window in daytime or warm string lights at night is more flattering than a harsh overhead light.
- Add one prop each. A mug of cocoa, a candy cane, a Santa hat.
- Take one serious photo. Straight faces in ridiculous sweaters are often the funniest shot of the night.
Turn it into a tradition
Plenty of couples pick a new pair of matching sweaters every year, then line up the photos years later. If you like that idea, pair it with a small keepsake: an ornament with both your names and the year is an easy way to remember which Christmas was which.
A small keepsake for each year's sweater photo. Shown: the personalized couple Christmas tree farm ornament with both names and the year.
FAQ
Are matching couple Christmas sweaters sold as a set? Often each half is sold separately, so each person can choose their own size. Add one of each style to your cart for the full pair.
What's the best couple sweater for an office party? A gift-wrapped pair, Santa and Mrs. Claus, or a cowboy and cowgirl set. They're funny without being too revealing.
Should we order the same size? Only if you actually wear the same size. Check the size chart for each person, and go one size up if you want a relaxed fit.
What are good couple ugly sweater ideas? Peppermint abs and bikini, cowboy and cowgirl, snow bunny and ski patrol, Santa and Mrs. Claus, the Grinch and Cindy Lou, or hot cocoa and marshmallow.
When should we order couple sweaters for Christmas parties? In November. Many funny sweaters are made to order, so ordering early leaves time for production, shipping and any size swaps.
Planning the whole party? See our ugly Christmas sweater party guide and our list of funny body illusion Christmas sweaters. Browse every pair in funny body illusion sweaters, or find a keepsake in personalized couple ornaments.