What the Christmas Sweater style looks like
The style is a bright painted portrait with the feel of a holiday card. The sweater is the star: a chunky red and green knit with a band of snowflakes and a row of reindeer, painted with enough texture that you can almost count the stitches. The background stays soft and warm so the sweater and your pet's face do all the talking.
It's a wink at the classic holiday sweater, the one that comes out of the closet once a year and gets worn proudly anyway. Unlike the real thing, this one fits perfectly, never itches, and your pet can't wriggle out of it halfway through the photo.
Who suits a Christmas sweater portrait
Short-coated dogs who really do wear sweaters in winter, like Frenchies, Pugs, Boston Terriers, Dachshunds, Chihuahuas and Italian Greyhounds, look completely natural in this style. Fluffy breeds look even cozier in a knit. And cats, who would never tolerate a real sweater for a second, look hilarious and adorable in a painted one.
- The dog who already owns more sweaters than you do
- The cat who would never, ever wear one in real life
- Families planning matching holiday outfits
- Kids who want their best friend on a Christmas shirt
Photo tips for a sweater portrait
The sweater covers the neck and chest, so choose a photo that shows your pet from the head down to the shoulders, facing the camera or turned slightly. A happy expression, with a relaxed mouth, soft eyes and maybe a little tongue, suits this style perfectly. Natural daylight is best, and it doesn't matter what your pet is wearing in the photo, because the sweater is painted over it.
Avoid photos taken from far away or from high above; your pet's face should fill a good part of the frame. You can crop when you upload, and the preview is free, so try a couple of photos and keep the one you love. More tips in our photo guide.
Matching family sweaters: products and sizes
The Christmas Sweater is one of two Christmas styles offered on clothing, which makes it a natural for matching family outfits: t-shirts from $39.99, kids' shirts at $32.99, and sweatshirts and hoodies for a holiday photo where everyone, dog included, is in a sweater. It's also available on socks, a 20 oz tumbler, mugs and a 3-inch acrylic ornament.
For the wall, order it through the Christmas Pet Portrait as a $29.99 digital file, an art print from $39.99 or a canvas from $89.99, in sizes from 8×10 to 24×36 inches. A white or natural oak frame keeps the cheerful colors bright, and an 8×10 on a kitchen shelf is a fun bit of seasonal decor.
Gifting and ordering
The Christmas Sweater is a great Secret Santa or white elephant pick, a stocking stuffer on socks or a mug, and a sweet surprise for the dog mom who goes all-in on the holidays. See our dog mom gifts and Christmas gifts for cat lovers for pairings.
Order by December 10 for delivery before Christmas in the continental US. Upload your photo, choose Christmas Sweater and get a free preview in seconds. You only order when it makes you smile.
