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Sartorially speaking, the holiday season can be a real shit show. From the poorly knitted effigies on your co-worker’s supposedly ironic sweaters, to socks so garish they don’t even deserve attention, present-day holiday garments are tainted with the stain of years of sub-par releases. During our quest to leave this all behind, we have summoned a solid list of alternatives.

Last week, we ran the rule over the tired slipper, searching far and wide for a batch of suitable replacements. Today, we turn our attention towards the humble holiday knit. With many using this time of year as a reason to outfit themselves in some of the most unsightly woolen disasters, we wanted to break this tradition, and usher in a new precedent for acceptable winter warmers.

Ready to bid farewell to that kitschy knit for good? Shop a list of the best holiday sweaters for men below.

Wood Wood Falcon Sweater

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WOOD WOODFalcon Sweater
$134
Buy at Slam Jam IT

Elegant, low-key, and zero frills. Wood Wood’s Falcon Sweater is a sterling alternative to the usual, Christmas tree-colored number you are likely to begrudgingly receive.

Random Identities Ribbed Off Shoulder Dress

Random IdentitiesRibbed Off Shoulder Dress
$57
Buy at ssense

I know we set out to find you some of the best alternatives to the dreaded holiday knit, but this Ribbed Off Shoulder Dress from Random Identities is good enough to replace your sweater, dressing gown, and blanket. A seriously underrated piece from the brand’s most recent release.

Polo Ralph Lauren Cable-Knit Wool-Blend Jumperr

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Polo Ralph LaurenCable-Knit Wool-Blend Jumper
$202
Buy at Harvey Nichols

The likelihood of you receiving a piece like this is high during the holiday season. Releases that bear the hallmarks of a go-to gift sweater are often avoided, but this little Polo Ralph Lauren number has us thinking otherwise.

Martine Rose x Napapijri Striped Knit Sweatshirt

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Martine Rose x NapapijriStriped Knit Sweatshirt
$226
Buy at LN-CC

This collaborative knit sweater from Martine Rose x Napapijri is a trip back to 1970s couch design... which is by no means a bad thing. With a similar pattern to that reinstated by the likes of Dries Van Noten with its Verner Panton-inspired collection, this cop is a history lesson as much as it is the future star of your alternative holiday wardrobe.

Eckhaus Latta Referee Knit Sweater

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Eckhaus LattaReferee Knit Sweater
$212
Buy at LN-CC

The works of Eckhaus Latta need little introduction. Regarded for its forward-thinking approach to design, the brand’s seasonal output is wholly unique. The Referee Knit Sweater shown above features an elegantly ribbed build, and a bright orange color platte.

Acne Studios Kai Jumper

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Acne StudiosKai Jumper
$380
Buy at 24S.com

Now this is a holiday jumper! Acne Studios has released the holiday jumper your current holiday jumper told you not to worry about. It has everything you could possibly want from such an item; thick knit, bright colors, stripes, a raised color... literally everything.

Jil Sander Oversized Boxy Logo Sweater

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Jil SanderOversized Boxy Logo Sweater
$388
Buy at ssense

Roll-neck-style silhouettes are the stalwart of most gift packages, meaning getting a piece that separates you from the rest has never been more vital. To stand out from the crowd look no further than Jil Sander’s Oversized Boxy Logo Sweater.

Calvin Klein Striped Logo Intarsia Sweater

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Calvin KleinStriped Logo Intarsia Sweater
$243
Buy at Luisaviaroma

The Striped Logo Intarsia Sweater from Calvin Klein is a medley of punk-inspired influences and an eye-catching color palette. The design’s intarsia finish serves as a fitting contrast to the harsh juxtaposition of its yellow and black stripes.

Lanvin Cable Knit Sweater Scarf

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LanvinCable Knit Sweater Scarf
$976
Buy at Luisaviaroma

This one is for the people who really despise the stereotypical holiday knit and are willing to go to any financial length to quash this. Constructed from a pure virgin wool, Lanvin’s somewhat daring, asymmetric Sweater Scarf is off-set by a rich navy hue.

Our designated Selects section features products that we love and want to share with you. Highsnobiety has affiliate marketing partnerships, which means we may receive a commission from your purchase.

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