Buying a gaudy sweater can be more tricky than untangling holiday lights in the dark. It’s a fine line between festive fabulous and fashion faux pas, and finding that perfect garb can leave you feeling all knit up in the wrong way. You want to sleigh your look, but sometimes stores just don’t have the right balance of bold and bright. Luckily, Iowa City is full of hidden gems and trendy stops where you can snag sweaters that scream (or rather shout) holiday cheer without looking like you lost a bet with the holiday decor. Ready to loop yourself into some style? Here are 10 places in Iowa City where gaudy sweaters are the thread that ties the season together.
- **The Ugly Duckling Co.**
- **Lit Up Threads**
- **Festive Finds at Prairie Chic**
- **Tacky Threads Emporium**
- **Sweater Weather Wearhouse**
- **Iowa City Yarn Barn**
- **Holiday Havoc**
- **The Reindeer’s Closet**
- **Jingle Bell Junction**
- **Kitsch & Knit**
If you’re after sweaters that quack the gaudy code, this quirky boutique will have you flocking for more. Prices here average around $45, perfect for a feathered friend on a budget. Check out their bright and bold collection at [uglyducklingic.com](http://uglyducklingic.com).
This store really lights up the ugly sweater game with sweaters that literally glow—talk about dazzling your neighbors! Their gaudy sweaters run about $50 on average. Feast your eyes at [litupthreads.com](http://litupthreads.com).
Prairie Chic is the perfect place to milk the cow of holiday cheer: they have sweaters that are delightfully over the top and truly one-of-a-kind. Prices hover near $60. Saddle up for some style at [prairiechiclove.com](http://prairiechiclove.com).
Don’t get tangled in the lights, get tangled in Tacky Threads, the ultimate spot for sweaters that scream holiday spirit with every stitch. Prices average $40, making it easy to stitch up your wardrobe. Check them out at [tackythreads.com](http://tackythreads.com).
When you want to warm up your wardrobe with sweaters that are loud enough to make the snow melt, this store’s got you covered. Sweaters run an average of $55. Cozy up to their collection at [sweaterwearhouse.com](http://sweaterwearhouse.com).
This shop takes “comfort and joy” literally by offering gaudy sweaters that feel as good as they look, with a knit so tight you’ll want to hug yourself. Average price is about $48. Spin your wheels over at [icyarnbarn.com](http://icyarnbarn.com).
This place really knows how to wreak holiday havoc with sweaters that are festive in all the right wrong ways. Expect to shell out around $50 for their rip-roaring designs. Visit [holidayhavoc.com](http://holidayhavoc.com) for more.
Step into this marvelously merry trove and you’ll find sweaters that hoof it all the way to gaudy greatness. Their average price is $52. Find your holiday hooves at [reindeerscloset.com](http://reindeerscloset.com).
If you want your sweater to jing-jang-jumble with true festive flair, this store has bells and whistles (and sweaters) that choreograph a tinsel tango. Sweaters here go for about $47. Take a sleigh ride to [jinglebelljunction.com](http://jinglebelljunction.com).
Kitsch & Knit isn’t just about sweaters; it’s a full-on knitted knockout. Their gaudy sweaters come in at an average of $53 and are guaranteed to stitch up your style. Wind your way over to [kitschnknit.com](http://kitschnknit.com).
Whether you’re decking the halls or just decking yourself out, these Iowa City haunts will have you knot your average sweater-wearer. Go ahead, pull on that gaudy sweater and wrap yourself in all the festivity your heart desires!