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Reading up on Domino’s shopping guides is like having your own personal product concierge. We do the tedious part—deep-dive research, hands-on testing, and tapping experts for advice—so all you have to do is hit “add to cart.” That’s why we call them Simply the Best.

The best Christmas stockings are the ones you’re excited to pull out of storage every year—an instant reminder of all the treats it’s been filled with from holidays past. If you’re on the lookout for new stockings this season, whether for the whole family or just a new member of your household, you’ll quickly find that there are a dizzying amount of options available. 

That’s why we rustled up 40 of our favorites, ranging from old-school patterns like plaid to modern and nontraditional takes to playful palettes and scalloped details. Plus there’s a whole slew of fabrics (even luxe linens and cashmere). But no matter which design or color scheme you prefer, you can count on our picks all having one thing in common—they’ll look just as good as whatever you put inside them come Christmas morning. 

Our Favorites

The Best Minimalist Stockings 

Pared-back hues and patterns, typically in just one fabric, are how we define a minimalist stocking’s characteristics. Whether it’s linen, silk (CB2’s hand-spun exclusive is as luxe as it sounds), or sherpa, our favorites are decidedly monochromatic. Highlights include hand-crocheted, chunky yarn numbers that can be hung from a leather loop; a monogrammable faux fur stocking with eight different thread colors; and Studio McGee’s affordable (and adorable!) scallop-hemmed cuff in a soft green.  

The Best Rustic Stockings

When it comes to the best rustic stockings, we look for one of two things: rich reds, soft creams, and warm browns in fabrics such as knit wool and distressed velvet. That or old-school patterns that remind us of a grandparent’s handmade quilt (like our $17 pick from Joss & Main that would fit right into a wood cabin). Our finds deliver a folk art feel, such as Schoolhouse’s Swiss scalloped pattern and a hand-knit wool creation from Nepal. If you’re hoping to find something to replace the family heirloom you’ve been hanging up for decades, this is definitely the section to shop. 

The Best Classic Stockings 

It wouldn’t be Christmas without an appearance of the season’s signature pattern: plaid. Classic stockings, in our opinion, often feature the crisscrossing lines, whether in traditional tartan or with a modern twist, namely in the form of gingham. We also pulled a few with sumptuous details, like the velvet Pottery Barn number with twinkly embroidered stars, for a bit of vintage flair. And, of course, it’s where we lean into the red and green combo. 

The Best Nontraditional Stockings 

Tasseled edges, block-print patterns, punchy palettes—these are a few of the ways we’d describe the best nontraditional stockings. We’re longtime fans of the color-blocked geometric creations of Brooklyn-based Krista Marie Young. You’ll spot red and green, too, but in brighter, bolder hues that feel more playful. Blush pinks and dark blues make an appearance, and even the modern pairing of black and white courtesy of Jiu Jie’s stripes. Other conversation-starting statements include Tartan Blanket Co.’s lime green micro gingham design, Liberty London’s metallic florals, and Schumacher’s unconventional cotton-linen style complete with a silk fringe. 

The Best Kids’ Stockings 

If you’re seeking a stocking just for the little one in your home, why not take some liberties by leaning into the holiday’s whimsy? Go for a cutesy polar bear, dinosaur, or Rudolph-adorned stocking. You’ll also spy pom-poms, fringe, and rainbow hues, even Baggu’s staple tote bag motifs fashioned from the same ripstop nylon material.  

How We Chose These Products

Every year, our editors assess the fresh crop of Christmas stockings and decide which are worth investing in. We look for quality materials and construction, durability, and how well they wear. We also look for subtle (and not-so-subtle) twists on traditional styles, plus classic stockings you’ll feel good about using for many Christmases to come.

Our Shopping Checklist

Design

Kate Towill of South Carolina–based design studio Basic Projects likes “an old-school, personalized stocking” that kids (and grown-ups) will look forward to hanging by the fire—or wherever you like. Boston-area designer David Ekezian, who uses stockings handmade by a family friend in his own celebrations, also likes something with a personal touch, whether it’s a monogram, a favorite holiday symbol, or even a graphic and modern motif. Your stocking should feel, above all else, like you.

For patterned stockings, options like gingham and stripes are always fun and cheerful; for solid-color pieces, we agree with Ekezian that adding an embroidered name, monogram, or symbol makes it unique.

Materials 

The best Christmas stockings come in a range of fabrics, but here are few that are more popular than others:

  • Shearling, faux fur, and sherpa all call to mind magic sleighs and keeping warm in a wintry cabin. Like the lining of Santa’s boots, it’s soft to the touch, and the cream color ensures it will go with Christmas decor no matter how much your style shifts over the years. 
  • Wool calls to mind hand-knit chunky stockings, like your favorite cable-knit sweater or a tartan scarf that feels like an instant classic.  
  • Cotton is often the base for more nontraditional stockings with funky details and accents or fun printed patterns. It’s also often more affordable. 
  • Velvet feels nostalgic to us, especially if the lush look is paired with reds and greens or sparkly accents. 

Sizes

Most stockings are between 19 and 25 inches long and about 7 inches wide. The bigger the stocking, the more it holds, though you’ll want to look for something with heft if you plan on filling it with weightier gifts (no coal, please).

Ask Domino

Q: What is the best way to put names on Christmas stockings?

Embroidered stockings are always in style (and a handful of our picks, above, can opt into personalization for an added cost), but it can be fun to have kids help by using glitter glue or iron-on letters.

Q: Which is the best way to embroider Christmas stockings?

If you’re embroidering your stockings yourself, sketch out the lettering in pencil first. That said, the charm is in the details when it comes to handmade decorations, so don’t worry about it looking too perfect.

Q: What is the best glitter glue to write on Christmas stockings?

Most craft stores sell glitter-glue pens, which allows you to write without extra fuss.

The Last Word

Pulling treats out of a stocking is one of the most memorable parts of a fun Christmas morning, and it’s even better when you love the stocking itself. From handmade to glamorously chic, our list has picks that will spark joy on December 25—and all through the wintry season.