Kurt Cobain is most closely associated with one specific red sweater that became a visual shorthand for grunge itself: the red and black striped mohair jumper worn during the early 1990s at Nirvana’s peak. This article explains exactly which red sweater people mean, where it came from, why it mattered, and how it differs from later red cardigans inspired by Cobain’s look.
The Red and Black Striped Sweater That Defined Kurt Cobain
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The most famous red sweater worn by Kurt Cobain is the oversized red and black horizontal striped mohair jumper often nicknamed the “Freddy Krueger sweater.”
This is the sweater most fans are referring to when they search for “Kurt Cobain red sweater.” It became iconic through repeated public appearances, its distressed condition, and its alignment with Cobain’s anti-fashion philosophy.
Cobain wore this sweater prominently in Nirvana’s “Sliver” music video and during live performances in 1992 and 1993, including the Aragon Ballroom show in Chicago. By that time, the sweater already looked worn-out, loose, and damaged, which only reinforced its authenticity.
The Belfast Origin Story Behind the “Sliver” Sweater
The red and black striped sweater has one of the most detailed provenance stories of any garment in rock history.
The jumper was hand-knitted in Belfast, Northern Ireland, by Patsy Earley as a birthday gift for her daughter Danielle. On June 22, 1992, Danielle’s friend Chris Black wore the sweater to a Nirvana concert at King’s Hall in Belfast.
Backstage, Courtney Love noticed the sweater immediately. She admired its worn, imperfect look and bought it directly from Chris Black for £35. Cobain soon began wearing it regularly, embracing both its look and its accidental symbolism.
Why Fans Call It the “Freddy Krueger Sweater”
The sweater is often compared to Freddy Krueger’s red and green striped top from A Nightmare on Elm Street, a comparison that Cobain reportedly found amusing.
The association worked in his favor. Like Krueger, Cobain projected something unsettling and raw, and the sweater visually reinforced that tension. The stripes were bold but grimy, loud but damaged, mirroring the emotional tone of Nirvana’s music during that era.
Distressed Details That Made the Sweater Iconic
By the time it appeared in the “Sliver” video, the sweater was already heavily distressed.
The most recognizable feature is the massive hole in the left elbow, which is clearly visible on camera. There were also cigarette burns and thinning fabric throughout the mohair. Cobain frequently pulled the sleeves over his hands, stretching the cuffs and creating what fans now describe as signature thumb holes.
These details were not styled or manufactured. They happened naturally through constant wear, reinforcing Cobain’s rejection of polish and excess.
Where the Original Red Sweater Is Today
Unlike the famous MTV Unplugged cardigan, the red and black striped sweater has never been sold at a major public auction.
It is widely believed to remain in the possession of Courtney Love or the Cobain estate. Its absence from the auction market has only increased its mythic status, especially compared to other Cobain garments that have fetched record-breaking prices.
The Red Cardigan Confusion and MTV Unplugged
Some confusion around “Kurt Cobain red sweater” comes from modern red cardigans inspired by his look at MTV Unplugged in New York.
The original Unplugged cardigan was not red. It was an olive-green Manhattan brand mohair blend that sold at auction in 2019 for $334,000. However, its popularity led to countless reproductions and reinterpretations in red, which has blurred the visual memory for newer fans.
These red cardigans are inspired by Cobain’s silhouette, not by an actual red Unplugged garment.
Buying a Kurt Cobain Red Sweater Replica Today
Authentic-style replicas of the red and black striped sweater are widely available in 2026.
Handmade versions using mohair or mohair blends are sold by independent knitters on Etsy, often priced around $150 and designed to replicate the oversized fit and texture. More affordable machine-knitted alternatives can be found on Amazon and eBay, typically ranging from $35 to $100.
The most accurate replicas prioritize loose construction, imperfect striping, and slightly exaggerated sleeves to reflect how Cobain actually wore the garment.
