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The ugly Christmas sweater is always good fun – but sometimes a holiday gathering demands something more stylish and on trend. It might be a good idea to retire the flashing reindeer jumper and aim higher this year. And no, that’s not an invitation to go all neutral and earth toned. You don’t have to be bland – you can choose to be bold! For the gents among us who are looking to stand out for their fashion sense and not their gaudy novelty knits, we’ve got ideas. Here’s our edit of 24 stylish and bold colorful luxury designer sweaters for men perfect for holiday parties this year, including sweater jackets, pullovers, cardigans and more.

are there actually colorful holiday sweaters for men that aren’t ironically ugly – or really dull?

There’s a direct correlation between mercury dipping and the bland-ification of our wardrobes. As we enter the chilliest months, things go more than a little… dark. Grey topcoats, black parkas, thermal layers that say “I function”. We get it: whatever it takes to ward off the profanity-inducing cold. Even the most luxurious knitwear often falls into this category, serving warmth and softness in a neutral package of solid oatmeal, beige or navy. Or, on the other end of the spectrum, intentionally ugly novelty meant for a laugh and a picture.

But there is another way. This season there are more colorful sweaters than ever to literally brighten your days—a whole unexpected ROYGBIV of knits that dare the winter doldrums to just try and dull their brilliance. They also happen to make ideal gifts that stand out from the pack. Now, we can’t guarantee that by filling your closet shelves with aqua and cerise striped mohair, electric green cashmere or tangerine merino, your outlook will be 10x sunnier, but they will punch up your fit and keep you warm. Here, we’ve found 24 of the best and brightest colorful sweaters for winter.

best bold colorful luxury designer sweaters for men perfect for holiday parties this year, including sweater jackets, pullovers, cardigans and more.

The best bold colorful luxury designer sweaters for men perfect for Christmas holiday parties this year, including sweater jackets, pullovers, cardigans and more.

24 bold and colorful sweaters for men perfect for holiday parties this year

1. Blue Knit Chore Jacket by Country of Origin

This staple French workwear jacket gets knit in a chunky Milano stitch lambswool. Classic blue like les laboureurs do.

luxury colorful men's sweaters for Winter including cardigans

 

BUY NOW: $345.00.

2. Tie-Dye Mohair Wool Jumper by Comme Des Garçons Homme Plus

Go for a mohair crewneck with some magic eye vibes.

luxury colorful men's sweaters for Winter including cardigans

BUY NOW: $570.00.

3. Ruggero Rollneck Cashmere Sweater by Giuliva Heritage

This sweater is mewhere between subdued mustard and deep ochre is the place we want to be. 

luxury colorful men's sweaters for Winter including cardigans

BUY NOW: Originally $1,166.00 on sale for $699.00. 

4. Lawrence Space-Dyed Cashmere Sweater by Gabriela Hearst

Gabriela Hearst has quietly been building her menswear collection into a highly desirable line with premium fabrication like this chunky space-dyed cashmere sweater .

luxury colorful men's sweaters for Winter including cardigans

BUY NOW: $2,590.00. 

5. Cowichan Shaw Lapel Cardigan by Visvim

Red alert: Exceptional craft on full display. Big fit ahead on this sweater. 

luxury colorful men's sweaters for Winter including cardigans

 

BUY NOW: $5,285

6. Navy Patterned Vest by Beams Plus

The fairest isle of them all? No need to choose—you can have both.

luxury colorful men's sweaters for Winter including cardigans

BUY NOW: $120.00. 

7. Green Wool Sweater by Bottega Veneta

In recent seasons, a particular shade of Kelly green has become known as “Bottega Green” and it’s in full force in the house’s oversize sweater.

luxury colorful men's sweaters for Winter including cardigans

BUY NOW: $1,150.00.

8. Lambswool Knitted Sweater in Pollen by Begg x Co

In case you need a reminder that spring will come again, dandelions and all.

luxury colorful men's sweaters for Winter

BUY NOW: $285.00.

9. Oversized Hoodie in Lavender by Guest In Residence

Supermodel Gigi Hadid’s mission when she founded her new unisex cashmere label was to create future heirlooms. We’re guessing you’ll be hanging on to this lavender cashmere hoodie for awhile, though.

BUY NOW: $345.00. 

10. Acid Argyle Vest by Très Bien Everywear

Reassuring you: your eyewear prescription is solid. It’s the knit vest that’s taking argyle to a supremely wavy place.

BUY NOW: $180.00. 

11. Shaggy Dog University Cardigan by J. Press

This version of the iconic sweater graduated from Dartmouth.

BUY NOW: $295.00. 

12. Jacquard Wool Blend Jumper by Lanvin

An art deco-ish print simultaneously adds interest and sophistication to Lanvin’s knit.

BUY NOW: Originally $1,120.00 on sale for $576.00. 

13. Mohair Cardigan in Zig Zag Taupe by Needles

Charlie Brown was on to something. This sweater is the way to go this Winter. 

BUY NOW: $390.00. 

14. Blot Tie-Dyed Cashmere Sweater by The Elder Statesman

This sweater is a cheery entry into the tie-dye universe without getting too trippy.

BUY  NOW: $1,355.00. 

15. Luxe Crewneck Sweater in Hyacinth by Sid Mashburn

Sid has a whole garden full of 8-ply cashmere. 

BUY NOW: $595.00.

16. Burble Striped Polo Sweater by Andersson Bell

This sweater is what we’d imagine a team from a small Scandinavian town might wear.

cardigan sweaters for men

BUY NOW: Originally $285.00 on sale for $171.00. 

17. Stripe-Print Cardigan by Marni

Marni has been THE spot for the ne plus ultra of bright striped knitwear the past couple years. If you’re looking for a cool holiday cardigan sweater for one of the men in your life, we say go bold. 

cardigan sweaters for men

BUY NOW: $1,350.00. 

18. Striped Merino Wool Sweater by Chamula

A hefty hand-knitted sweater with bold stripes that veers ever so slightly into crunchy territory.

cardigan sweaters for men

BUY NOW: $418.00. 

19. Vaniel Striped Wool Blend Sweater by Nick Fouquet

Maybe the most laid-back turtleneck in existence from a guy who’s perfected the bohemian lifestyle.

cardigan sweaters for men

BUY NOW: Originally $455.00 on sale for $273.00.

20. Turmeric Striped Merino Sweater by Bode

The spice is right in this sweater. 

cardigan sweaters for men

BUY NOW: $480.00.Visit Store

21. Snow Wander Mock Neck by Loro Piana

Loro Piana calls this color “Fancy Velvet Ribbon” so you know you’ve found the perfect gift.

cardigan sweaters for men

BUY NOW: $2,075.00.

22. Wool Cashmere Half-Zip Sweater by Inis Meain

Steeped in tradition, Inis Meian produces knitwear on its namesake island in Galway Bay, Ireland. Not so traditional: this eye-catching blue hue.

cardigan sweaters for men

BUY NOW: $595.00.

23. Shetland Sweater Cardigan by Noah

This jade cardigan has all kinds of dimension, brushed for a fuzzy texture and made in Scotland.

cardigan sweaters for men

BUY NOW: $388.00. 

24. Mohair and Silk Blend Cardigan by Massimo Alba

Massimo Alba takes his luxe fabrics seriously yet his clothes have that innate Italian ease. He’s nailed the perfect claret color on this cardigan.

cardigan sweaters for men

BUY NOW: $895.00.

best bold and colorful sweaters for men this Christmas holiday season

Those are 24 picks for the best bold and colorful luxury designer sweaters for men this Christmas holiday, including pullover, cardigan and other party looks. One for each day of December up to Christmas Eve – and then you’ll just have to hope that the 25th one is waiting for you under the tree, dear reader. Happy holidays!

Isaiah Freeman-Schub

Isaiah Freeman-Schub is a writer and editor living in Brooklyn, NY with his rescue dog, Lina. He’s had previous stints covering menswear at WSJ. magazine and Modern Luxury with his continuing work appearing in Mr Porter, T and more. He has a deep affection for purposeful, inviting design and the British TV cook Nigella Lawson.