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Boston's Best Places To Buy Holiday Sweaters

One of the most fun ways to get into the holiday spirit is by sporting a cheesy holiday sweater! Ugly Sweater parties are all the rage and even if you aren't attending one, it is always fun to wear one to work before Christmas break to put a smile on everyone's face. However, some of the fun of ugly sweater wearing is ruined by fast fashion sweaters. Heading to a chain store to pick up a sweater that was made to be worn once for an ugly sweater party is a waste of resources and money. Instead, buy a vintage sweater for a truly authentic look this winter. Here is where you can find some secondhand sweaters that are perfect for any holiday occasion.

Ugly Sweaters
(Photo Credit: The Garment District)

The Garment District
200 Broadway
Cambridge, MA 02139
(617) 876-5230
garmentdistrict.com

The Garment District in Cambridge is the best place to find costumes for really any type of theme party all year 'round. Their busiest time of year is of course Halloween, but the District shouldn't be overlooked when it comes to finding holiday sweaters. The Garment District is one of the largest second-hand stores in the area, so those with a keen eye for potential will be well-suited to dig through all of their boxes of treasures to find the perfectly corny and unique sweater. Make sure to set aside some time to dig around. The Garment District has a lot of stuff, so be ready to explore!

Urban Renewals
122 Brighton Ave.
Allston, MA 02134
(617) 783-8387
www.familythrift.com

Urban Renewals, part of Family Thrift, is like The Garment District in scale — huge. The store gets "new" merchandise each day, which means if the perfect sweater isn't there on your first try, you can always try back in a few days to see if there is something that meets your needs. And unlike some of the other choices on this list, Urban renewals has clothing for men, women and children. Pick up cozy sweaters for the whole family!

Second Time Around
(Photo Credit: Second Time Around)

Second Time Around
82 Charles St.
Boston, MA 02114
(617) 227-0049
www.2ndtimearound.com

Second Time Around is Boston's higher-end thrift store. It carries primarily women's clothing, with everything from old H+M sweaters to top-notch designers like Chanel and Burberry. This is where to find a sweater for Christmas dinner or New Years Eve. They generally don't have goofy holiday sweaters, but you can always pick up something to use as materials for a costume of your own creation.

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Boomerangs
1407 Washington St.
Boston, MA 02118
www.shopboomerangs.org

Boomerangs, one of Boston's most popular thrift stores, gives even more holiday spirit to your purchase because all proceeds go to the AIDS Action Committee. 'Tis the time of year to give back, after all! All of the merchandise for sale is donated, so they may not have the high-end designers of a consignment shop, but there will certainly be sweaters that will make your holiday special. They carry mens, women's and children's clothes and homewares.

Sister Thrift
(Photo Credit: Sister Thrift)

Sister Thrift
370 Pleasant St.
Watertown, MA 02472
617-923-116
sisterthrift.com

Sister Thrift is a popular second-hand boutique with locations in Watertown and Burlington. Sister Thrift sells gently worn, donated clothing. Proceeds from purchases are donated to local animal shelters. Spread holiday cheer to Boston area furry friends in need by purchasing a holiday sweater at this ethically-minded shop. Going to an ugly sweater party? Make a classic sweater from Sister Thrift stand out with a bit of glue and some fun applications.

Related: Boston's Best Print Shops

Cameron Bruns is the founder of BostonGreenBlog.com and co-author of Just Us Gals Boston. She lives in Boston's North End, where her goal is to promote ethical, stylish, and sustainable lifestyle choices to all Boston residents. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.

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