What your Christmas jumper really says about you – and why dressing like Santa makes you look unhappy
WHETHER you’re full of good cheer or just a bit of a scrooge, there is a Christmas jumper to suit every festive personality. And according to fashion psychologists, your choice of seasonal sweater can say a lot about you. Men’s Santa Christmas Jumoer, now £15, Peacocks – buy here Dr Rosie Gilderthorp and behavioural consultant […]
WHETHER you’re full of good cheer or just a bit of a scrooge, there is a Christmas jumper to suit every festive personality.
And according to fashion psychologists, your choice of seasonal sweater can say a lot about you.
- Men’s Santa Christmas Jumoer, now £15, Peacocks – buy here
Dr Rosie Gilderthorp and behavioural consultant Professor Carolyn Mair revealed to the MailOnline the seven types of novelty knits – and the meanings behind them.
Here we reveal whether you’re an extrovert, socially anxious or are just looking for a shoulder to cry on this December.
COSTUME JUMPERS – Unhappy
You know the sort, those that are made to resemble the torso of an elf, a reindeer or the big man himself.
But those who opt for this seemingly jolly jumper are unhappy deep down according to the experts.
Gilderthorp says that those that opt for this style are likely to be living in “fantasy” and are using the costume as a “disguise” from how they are really feeling.
JOKE JUMPERS – Shy
- Men’s 3d Printed Pullover, £12.99, Amazon – buy now
They may seem in your face but those who choose to wear a jumper featuring a rude slogan or a joke may be feeling far from confident.
According to Gilderthorp, the wearer worries about impressing and might be using their jumper as a conversation starter in place of small talk.
LIT KNIT – Extrovert
- Flashing light-up Christmas jumper, £21, Boohoo – buy here
Unsurprisingly, those of us willing to wear flashing lights on our torso don’t exactly fall into the introvert category.
The wearer of this jumper is well aware that they will attract attention and they are more than happy to welcome it.
POLITICAL PULLOVER – Narcissist
- All I want for Christmas is EU sweatshirt, £12.99, IWOOT – buy here
No matter what your political steering, choose a sweater emblazoned with an MP or your Brexit views suggests you want people to know just how clever you are.
Gilderthorp describes them as a “friendly narcissist” though Mair points out that they make good conversation pieces.
POP-CULTURE REFERENCE – Wants to get to know you
- Space Invaders jumper, £34.99, Geek Store – buy here
Any jumper that features a video game, movie, TV or music reference is usually worn by someone who wants more than just a casual chat.
They are hoping for you to ask about their jumper and get a conversation going to make a “genuine connection” according to the experts.
THE SUBTLE SWEATER – Avoiding small talk
- Midnight Stars Twinkle Twinkle sweatshirt, £55, Cath Kidston – buy here
A Christmas jumper that doesn’t scream Christmas is likely to be worn by those who want to dial it down when it comes to small talk.
While they don’t want to be left alone, they’re not looking to talk about themselves so opt for something that will deter questions.
3D JUMPER – Tactile
- Xmas Spirit Christmas Jumper with Detachable Baubles, £19.99, Truff;e Shuffle – buy here
Whether it’s covered in pom-poms, ribbons, or faux fur this sort of jumper demands to be touched, and normally the wearer wants to encourage this behaviour.
However, Gilderthorp points out that this isn’t always the case so proceed with caution.
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In other festive news, this mum revealed that she’s spent £2,200 on a hundred presents for her daughter – and they’re even flying to Lapland for the day.
And Tesco has a big sale on their Christmas jumpers, with prices starting from £4.50.
Plus Primark is selling a fluffy Grinch onesie for £16… and it looks ideal for Christmas.