The Rising Craze of Tactical Santa Christmas Sweaters

The Rise in Popularity of Tactical Santa Sweaters

In recent years, a new holiday fashion trend has emerged - the tactical Santa sweater. These sweaters put a tactical twist on the traditional Santa Claus image, incorporating elements like combat boots, camouflage patterns, and military-style accessories.

What is a Tactical Santa Sweater?

A tactical Santa sweater depicts Santa Claus dressed in military-style gear. This may include:

• Combat boots instead of black boots
• Camouflage pants and hats
• Body armor such as a bulletproof vest
• Tactical pouches and belts for gear
• Dark sunglasses
• Military-style weapons like rifles and pistols

Some tactical Santa sweaters also show Santa with full sleeve tattoos. Despite the rugged appearance, most tactical Santa sweaters still say "Merry Christmas" or feature familiar Santa iconography like his sack of toys.

The Origin of the Tactical Santa Sweater Trend

The tactical Santa clothing trend is believed to have originated from "Soldiers' Santa" care packages. These are holiday gift boxes that are sent to deployed soldiers during Christmas. The contents often include tactical Santa hats and sweaters to lighten the mood.

The concept became popularized around 2013 when companies like SKDTac and MilSpec Monkey began selling tactical Santa morale patches. The unique Santa image resonated with the veteran community and gun enthusiasts, and tactical Santa sweaters soon followed.

Popularity of Tactical Santa Sweaters

Tactical Santa sweaters have exploded in popularity over the last decade. They are now sold by major clothing retailers and have expanded beyond just the military community.

In the United States, the tactical style fits well with the abundant gun culture. Santa is transformed into a protector figure who can defend himself. For some, adding weapons to Santa's classic image elicited humor and novelty.

The sweaters have also grown popular outside the US, particularly in countries like Canada and Australia. Their prevalence throughout NATO countries suggests that the tactical concept resonates with veterans globally.

Reasons for Tactical Santa Popularity

There are several theories as to why tactical Santa has skyrocketed in popularity:

• Novelty: The concept itself is outside the norm and elicits humor and interest.
• Veteran connection: The tactical style resonates strongly with military veterans.
• Gun culture interest: The armed tactical Santa appeals to firearms enthusiasts.
• Ugly sweater culture: Tactical Santa sweaters fit with the ugly Christmas sweater trend.
• Symbolic meaning: Santa transformed into a protector-type symbol.

How to Wear a Tactical Santa Sweater

Tactical Santa sweaters have become a festive staple for both casual holiday wear and ugly Christmas sweater parties. They can be worn just like any other Christmas-themed sweater.

Casual Wear

For casual wear, tactical Santa sweaters can be worn with jeans or other casual pants. They pair well with military style boots but also look great with sneakers.

Some ideas include:

• Dark wash jeans and combat boots
• Cargo pants and black boots
• Camouflage pants and Santa hat
• Jeans and Christmas-themed sneakers

Ugly Christmas Sweater Party

The over-the-top theme of tactical Santa sweaters make them perfectly suited for ugly Christmas sweater parties and contests.

To take the look up a notch, add some tactical-style accessories:

• Santa tactical belt or hip holster (no actual weapons!)
• Bullet sash accross chest
• Military style hat with Santa beard attached
• Face camo paint

Get creative dreaming up funny costume ideas to compete for the ugliest sweater award!

Where to Buy a Tactical Santa Sweater

Tactical Santa sweaters are now widely available due to popular demand. Here are some top places to buy them:

Amazon and Online Retailers

As tactical Santa sweaters have exploded in demand, Amazon and many online clothing retailers now sell various styles.

Online shopping allows finding budget-friendly options convenient for holiday seasonal wear. Look for top rated sellers with good product reviews.

Specialty Tactical and Military Stores

The original source for tactical Santa gear is US specialty tactical, military, and "milspec" stores. These retailers cater specifically to soldiers, veterans, and tactical enthusiasts.

Since they created the first tactical Santa products, their sweater designs tend to be highest quality and authenticity.

DIY Customized Sweaters

Crafty Christmas lovers may choose to buy a plain red sweater and customize it with their own tactical Santa iron-on patches and accessories. Army surplus stores are a great source for accessories.

DIY-ing the sweater makes for a more unique tactical Santa style. This is great for ugly Christmas sweater contests since the sweater will be unlike anyone else's.

FAQs

Why does Santa have a gun on these sweaters?

The concept of an armed Santa originated from the "Soldiers' Santa" care packages sent to deployed troops at Christmas. The tactical style resonated as humor with soldiers and gun enthusiasts, leading to sweaters depicting Santa with military weapons.

Is this pro-gun or anti-gun?

Tactical Santa sweaters are viewed primarily as festive novelty wear, not intended as a political statement. Some see it as symbolic of Santa being able to defend or protect himself.

Can women wear these too?

Absolutely! Tactical Santa sweaters have exploded into mainstream ugly Christmas sweater culture, popular among both men and women.

What is the best accessory for my tactical Santa sweater?

Get creative and fun with it! Ammo sashes, hip holsters with toy guns, camo face paint, and military style hats make great costume accessories to complement tactical Santa sweaters, especially for ugly Christmas sweater contest themes and parties.