LONDON -- A lot of people blame Mark Darcy. The Christmas jumper had fallen somewhat out of fashion since its 80s heyday in the UK, but Colin Firth's reindeer knit in Bridget Jones's Diary brought it back with a bang.
What started as an ironic fashion statement has transitioned to the mainstream and now, thanks to Christmas Jumper Day, it's becoming a national institution.
Organised by UK charity Save The Children, people wearing a Christmas sweater are asked to give a small donation of £2 by texting WOOLY to 70050.
The day sees a variety of sweaters paraded around the country, from the traditional to the minimal, via retro designs and some downright cheesy efforts. Here are some of the best and worst creations we've seen so far today.
Love a handmade jumper!!! #nationalchristmasjumperday pic.twitter.com/oH3PyEYr1r— The Student Guide (@TheStudentGuide) December 12, 2014
Happy #nationalchristmasjumperday pic.twitter.com/yS5W56USba— Sam Callahan (@samcallahan94) December 12, 2014
#nationalchristmasjumperday pic.twitter.com/ExXyyr6Cx4— Epi Restaurant (@RestaurantEpi) December 12, 2014
As it is #nationalchristmasjumperday everyone at Rounders HQ has come in wearing their finest festive gear! pic.twitter.com/KwknVHtW16— Rounders England (@RoundersEngland) December 12, 2014
It's #nationalchristmasjumperday and @e92plus are getting involved - here's an early contender! #austerityfail pic.twitter.com/H4QLotftnG— e92plus (@e92plus) December 12, 2014
All set for #nationalchristmasjumperday works using the opportunity to raise funds for @DevonAirAmb pic.twitter.com/B9Rq3karDi— Seagull Whisperer (@maxinepolperro) December 11, 2014
I'm not usually one for selfies but as its Christmas Jumper Day... pic.twitter.com/OLh7AJYIP4— Tom (@Tom_TheSequel) December 12, 2014
Remember it's National Christmas Jumper Day today! If you're taking part send us a picture. pic.twitter.com/pX35Sc50FB— Free Radio (@wearefreeradio) December 12, 2014
It's #nationalchristmasjumperday ... BAH HUMBUG! pic.twitter.com/2lsVUPCIHC— SeanySean (@tweetseamus) December 12, 2014
People keep touching my carrot! All in good spirit though! #nationalchristmasjumperday pic.twitter.com/MqqWNJkKLW— Kaelathon (@Kaelathon) December 12, 2014
It's #ChristmasJumperDay and we're getting into the spirit. Tweet us the pictures of yours or Instagram @Londonlive pic.twitter.com/BLlzbQkYcN— London Live (@LondonLive) December 12, 2014
A sweater makes everything better! It's #ChristmasJumperDay Share your photos with us and we will RT! pic.twitter.com/kk6BnuVG0s— GiveBloodNHS (@GiveBloodNHS) December 12, 2014
We are proud to be supporting the @savechildrenuk #ChristmasJumperDay! pic.twitter.com/NJfcZOz9y8— AoC (@AoC_info) December 12, 2014
What you wearing for #ChristmasJumperDay? @maxineknight is already well into it as you can see! Let's see yours then! pic.twitter.com/mqmkRZ8lC7— Fire Radio (@FireHitRadio) December 12, 2014
Many sweaters fall into distinct categories this year.
The rude ones
a bit pissed that I didn't order this in time for christmas jumper day pic.twitter.com/T6cZ57rO09— Jack Ball (@jackballs_) December 12, 2014
The metal ones
With @therichwalters representing @FFDP do you think @frankturner will represent @Slayer today? #ChristmasJumperDay pic.twitter.com/AQHduvFQS1— XFM (@Xfm) December 12, 2014
The dog ones
Christmas stroll with the pup #puggle pic.twitter.com/QMfnWVelou— Adam Clatworthy (@adamclat) December 7, 2014
The sheep ones
Are you doing #ChristmasJumperDay? Tweet us your festive selfies pic.twitter.com/p9uOfeZTsH— Metro (@MetroUK) December 12, 2014
The pony ones
It's #NationalChristmasJumperDay. We wonder whether you can beat these beauties today! (P>@VisitScotland) pic.twitter.com/sRInIOwtBR— Lovetheraces (@lovethe_races) December 12, 2014
The double
Metro's @MissSisiG & @ellenRstewart (looking a bit peaky) in a slightly odd joint Xmas knit #ChristmasJumperDay pic.twitter.com/2yrv9HF9X5— Metro (@MetroUK) December 12, 2014
The ones paired with beard baubles
A glimpse at our office #ChristmasJumperDay or for these guys #beardbaubles Day! We are donating to @savechildrenuk pic.twitter.com/k4v1IQ4HCz— iomart (@iomart) December 12, 2014
It's Christmas Jumper Day!...but if I could grow a big beard well, that's what I would do to it :) @TravisLMitchell pic.twitter.com/qkuUENFVZ7— Wire FM (@WireFM) December 12, 2014