Top Spots To Buy Holiday Sweaters In Philadelphia

Holiday fashion has taken a tacky turn. Ugly Christmas sweaters are all the rage, and they have become the focal point of many holiday costumes and parties. Now that these tacky garments are no longer just for Grandma, there's a plethora of places in the Philadelphia area that sell sweaters adorned with holiday designs, sequins, pompoms and other questionable embellishments. Read on for five of the top spots in the Philadelphia area to scoop up holiday sweaters – the uglier, the better.

Sazz Vintage Clothing
60 N. 3rd St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215)923-7299
www.sazzvintage.com

This Philadelphia vintage clothing store is a proud supplier of an arsenal of ugly, unisex sweaters, and the designs, which include snowmen, teddy bears, Christmas kitties and the dreaded flying angel, don't stop there. Sazz sells holiday sweater vests and sweatshirts too. The store's website list hundreds of items which can be ordered ahead and checked out in-store, and many pieces cost under $30.

The Second Mile Center
214 S 45th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 662-1663
www.thesecondmilecenter.com

This 5,600 sq. ft. thrift store complex boasts two stores loaded with second hand clothing items. The Second Mile Center also includes a great slection of all types of sweaters. You'll have to scour (and sometimes check back) to find tacky holiday sweaters, because you never know what you'll find on any given day. Located on 45th St. between Locust & Walnut in University City, this nonprofit shop is a great place to begin your tacky sweater search, and with any luck you'll end there, finding a great holiday sweater to love all season long.

Bargain Thrift Center
261 Germantown Ave.
Philadelphia PA 19144
(215) 849-3225
www.bargainthriftcenter.com

You definitely need an old school thrift store on your list, and with bargain prices as low as $1 for select clothing items, there is always a deal at Bargain Thrift Center and its sister store Bargain Thrift Warehouse. BTC has been Philadelphia's leading thrift store since 1985, and they feature items that range from thrift-worthy fare to designer brands. Inventory changes daily, so this shop is a must-stop for holiday sweater hunting.

Circle Thrift
2233 Frankford Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19125
(215) 423-1222
www.circleofhope.net

There is nothing like a thrift store when you need to find a tacky, pre-owned piece of clothing. Circle Thrift has an ever-changing stock of wares, so you'll need to check back if you don't find the perfect tacky sweater on your first visit. Of course, it is never a wasted visit, because you may be able to do some holiday shopping while you are there, especially if you are looking for retro gifts for nostalgic family and friends.

Related: Top Holiday Attractions In And Around Philadelphia

Philly AIDS Thrift
10 S 5th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 922-3186
www.phillyaidsthrift.com

Philadelphia AIDS Thrift is a local non-profit business that sells vintage, donated items, so it is also a great place to scour for unique and funky holiday sweaters. Once again, thrift stores have a rotating roster of items, so it may require more than one trip before you can find the perfect holiday sweater. By the way, there is another reason to feel good about shopping at the Philly AIDS Thrift store, especially during the holiday season: Proceeds go to local organizations involved with fighting HIV and AIDS.

Victoria Miller is a freelance entertainment writer who also covers recreation and leisure activities in the Philadelphia area. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.