What To Wear To A Football Game
Renée Bu
Table of Contents
The Super Bowl may have come and gone but we can still look ahead to the upcoming football season.
Whether you’re a fan of the ol’ pigskin tossing spectacle, or know you’ll be seeing a game or two this coming fall, it’s never too early to start thinking about what you’re going to wear.
Sporting events seem like a no-brainer to dress for, but if you still find yourself wondering what to wear to a football game you’re not alone.
By no means do football game outfits require the planning and thought that goes into an outfit for a wedding or graduation. But, understandably, it’s still confusing territory if you’re dressing for your first game or even an important game like the Rose or Super Bowl.
To build the best game day outfit for yourself, you’ll need to understand a few key style tips first.
Lucky for you, this guide has all the advice you need. We’ve put together a list of several football game outfit ideas and, after reading the guide, you’ll know the following info and so much more:
- What to wear to football games
- What to wear to a football game in hot weather
- What to wear to a cold football game
- Football outfits for ladies
- College football game outfits
What Is Football?
Football, also known as American football, is a sport that evolved from two other sports: rugby and soccer. In a football game, there are two competing teams aiming to gain control of the ball.
That seems easy enough until you factor in the fact that players kick the ball through the goal post or speed across the field to throw the ball down in the opponent’s goal area.
Also, opponents keep the ball from touchdown status by tackling each other to the ground in an attempt to secure the ball for themselves. In short, football is a sport that requires a lot of physical activity.
History Of Football
The invention of America’s great game dates back to the college years of Walter Camp—although the first official football game was played a decade before Camp’s contributions to the game.
The first recorded football game took place in 1869 between New Jersey’s Rutgers University and Princeton University.
In essence, the game was rugby with a few football-like attributes, such as each team having 25 players. Yet, football didn’t gain popularity until the 1880s.
Walter Camp was one of Yale University’s best rugby players during his enrollment. Camp had an idea to modernize the game of rugby so he began editing the rules.
With help from the IFA (Intercollegiate Football Association), Camp’s changes to the rules of rugby led to the invention of a whole new game (American football).
Although football has experienced many changes throughout the years and has grown even more popular, Camp’s influence is still felt. For instance, he is the originator of such positions as the ‘quarterback.’
Towards the end of the 1800s, football started gaining popularity with the mainstream public.
The first professional game was held in 1892 between the Allegheny Athletic Association and the Pittsburgh Athletic Club. The game was rigorously intense but ended in a tie of 6-6.
This game also produced the first professional football player—William Heffelfinger—who was paid $500 to play the game.
The first professional football league came later, but before the NFL (National Football League) we know today, there was The Ohio League (the first founded league) and the APFA (American Professional Football Association).
The APFA was founded after four teams from The Ohio League left to form a league with better standards. The APFA is regarded as the first professional league since it was the first to use schedules and accurate payment systems for its players.
By the 1900s college football was still going strong. But in the 1950s, the NFL began to push the college games to the backseat while the professionals took center stage. And this trend has continued to this day.
What To Wear To A Football Game
Figuring out what to wear to a football game doesn’t have to be hard. In fact, dressing for sporting events in general—as long as you’re not playing—isn’t too difficult.
Remember that the point of the outing is to have fun and get as riled up with team spirit as you can.
For this, the most obvious choice is sporting team colors, jerseys, or getting wild by wearing supportive makeup. However, there are a variety of cool and laid-back ‘fits you can rock in the football stands. Here are a few ideas for you:
- For the all-out sports fan
So you’re a superfan and you aren’t afraid to show it. You get loud at games, you know all the cheers, and your favorite colors just so happen to be the colors of your favorite team.
For the people that want their love for their team to shine through, the jersey of your favorite player is an easy choice.
Pair the jersey with jeans or joggers for chillier season games then swap out the leg warming styles for shorts or cropped trousers during the warmer games. Fashion-forward sports fanatics can still rock a jersey with style.
You can also grab a jersey in a size or two up from your regular size and sport the jersey as a dress or layer it over a sleek turtleneck.
- For the minimalist
So dressing up for the game isn’t your thing but you’re still wondering what to wear to a football game?
Thankfully, football games don’t require spectators to come fully decked out in their team’s threads. If you love the game but appreciate your own sense of style more, don’t be discouraged.
There are lots of looks appropriate for a football game. The key to dressing for any sporting event is to keep it casual.
Jeans and a T-shirt are a common and flawless choice while tracksuits and fleece co-ords also make a great look.
If you’re feeling an ounce of team spirit, throw on a team hat for a supportive look that doesn’t compromise your ‘less is more’ aesthetic. Also, you could consider incorporating team colors into your outfit to show your team spirit.
- For the fashionista/o
Fashion has a place at all functions or events, even an old-fashioned pigskin game.
So if you’re a fashion-forward individual and wondering what to wear to a football game, or even what to wear to a college football game, know that you don’t have to sacrifice your killer sense of style.
Dressing it up for a football game can be approached in a variety of ways. If you’d like some more detailed advice on what to wear to the game, check out the outfit ideas below for some fashion inspiration.
5 Outfit Ideas for a Football Game (Women)
While us mere mortals can only hope to be as iconically stylish as Rihanna, we can look to the singer/renaissance woman for inspiration.
Ditch the heels and the opera gloves (although you don’t necessarily have to) for more casual accessories like sneakers and your favorite jewelry for a gameday look that is ‘street style fabulous.’
Don’t forget your sexy side when thinking about what to wear to a football game. Infuse your sultry aesthetic with a casual vibe by pairing a cropped corset with relaxed cargos and fresh kicks.
Kick it comfortably from the stadium seats in a cozy fleece set.
For the games that fall during the transition of seasons, pair a crewneck sweater with matching shorts for a warm and trendy look. Top your outfit off with sneakers and pull up your socks to increase the trendiness of your look.
Sport your sleek minimalist look by wearing relaxed trousers, a cropped knit top, and trendy white sneakers.
Up the fun factor and swap the kicks out for a funky platform sneaker, and take this look into the warmer game season by trading the knit for a cropped tank or jersey.
For the dolls that like to bring a little slay to gameday, consider layering a relaxed blazer over a tracksuit.
Perfect for the fall/winter games, this look is as cozy as it is chic. You can further stylize the ‘fit with retro sunglasses and dainty gold jewelry.
5 Outfit Ideas for a Football Game (Men)
For the style-forward minimalist wondering what to wear to a football game, look no further than Noah Beck’s simple yet effective layering.
Piece your favorite knit with cargo shorts and a utilitarian jacket for a look that’s cool and casual. Keep the outfit monochromatic if you’re going for a trendy look.
Jeans and a white T-shirt is a classic casualwear go-to. It’s a default look for running errands, hitting up the post office, and attending football games.
Add some flair to your look by tucking in your shirt and wearing a thick belt. Bring along your favorite bomber jacket for style or warmth.
No matter your gender or age, a sweatsuit makes a perfect ensemble for a football game. Enjoying the game in a cozy set is not only in line with current trends, it’s effortless and comfortable.
Keep the look cool and simple by rocking it alone or further stylize the look with trendy fall/winter accessories or simplistic jewelry.
Wondering what to wear to a football game? Why not overalls? The iconic one-piece ensemble has long branched out from the workwear scene and into the fashion landscape.
Overalls are another easy breezy option for football games as they require minimal thought.
Simply pair your favorite T-shirt or sweater with a pair of overalls and finish the look off with a trendy pair of kicks.
Simplicity is key when considering what to wear to a football game or even what to wear to a high school football game.
Slouchy trousers in the color of your favorite team paired with a plain white tee will showcase your team spirit without fully immersing yourself in sportsman-like style.
Finish the look off with sunglasses and a gold chain to show you’ve still got style even on game day.
What Type Of Football Game Outfits Can You Get?
If you’ve come this far and you’re still unsure about what to wear to a football game, don’t worry because you’ve got options. And we’re going to tell you all about them.
The superfans know they have a wide range of choices and retailers that cater to their football fashion needs.
As previously mentioned, these outfits typically include a jersey of the team you’re supporting paired with bottoms of their choosing—or à la Rihanna no bottoms at all.
Another way to show support for your team and still look stylish is to wear a team headband paired with an all-black look so the accessory really stands out.
Other fans get really creative when considering what to wear to a football game. For instance, the LA Rams have long been called ‘melonheads.’ Because of this, some fans hollow out large watermelons and wear them as hats to hometown games.
Like any other sports game, the outfits you can wear are really dependent on your own sense of style.
If you’re willing to be really showy and flashy with your team spirit, there are some pretty whacky football ‘fits you can wear.
However, the common spectator can rest easy knowing they can wear an outfit similar to the ones they’ve worn before on days off or hanging out with their friends/family. It’s really that simple.
How To Choose The Best Football Game Outfits
Choosing the best gameday outfit can be an effortless process. Some often find the issue comes when they begin to wonder what to wear to a football game girls styles or if they’re considering gameday outfits college looks.
Whatever the football function, picking an outfit is not difficult.
Jerseys and other sports team merch can be found at a list of retailers at multiple price points. Football jerseys are sold in four models:
- Elite
Elite jerseys are considered the highest-ranking jersey model. Elite is the model worn by all NFL players, which makes Elite jerseys the highest in quality and the fit slimmer than the average jersey (since they’re made for athletes).
The best finishes are reserved for these jerseys which feature premium stitching, stitched graphics, and authentic paneling. In short, Elite jerseys are the best of the best, hence the price point of $325–$370.
- Limited
The next best jersey model is the Limited jersey. Priced between $150-$170, Limited jerseys are not true authentic jerseys like the Elite model but they do share features with the Elite jerseys.
Like the Elite model, Limited jerseys also include stitched graphics. In fact, Limited jerseys are the most affordable stitched jersey you can buy.
- Game
Game models are the most popular jersey style amongst sports fans—typically due to the lower price range ($120–$140).
These jerseys are considered replicas of the above models and are designed without stitching. Game jerseys also come in a breezier, slightly oversized fit.
- Legend
Lastly, the Legend jersey is the most affordable jersey model. It’s absent of stitching and other premium features seen on an Elite jersey and it doesn’t have an oversize fit like the Game model.
Also, Legend jerseys are the easiest models to wear since they fit like a T-shirt and can be effortlessly styled with your everyday pieces.
You can find all of these jersey models at sportswear retailers like Nike.
How To Style Football Game Outfits
Don’t hesitate to add some fashion flair to your football ‘fit. Take a cue from courtside sitting celebrities and dress it up!
If you’re steady on your feet then don’t discount your high heels. Tons of style stars have hit the stadiums in style with stiletto boots in their home team’s colors.
Look to the cast of Euphoria for makeup inspo and get creative with team colors for a look that’s just as stylish as it is supportive.
Think outside the box when styling your game day ensemble. If LA Rams fans can hit every home game with hollowed-out watermelons on their heads, the options for styling your football game ‘fit are nearly endless.
Fashion Tips To Avoid With Football Game Outfits
Despite all of the easy-to-wear outfits previously discussed, there is still a list of looks to avoid when considering what to wear to a football game.
Although the spectators’ sport is all in good fun, some ensembles/clothing pieces are better worn outside of the roaring stadiums.
When thinking about what to wear to a football game, do not consider these styles:
- A Suit
Leave the professional dressing for the board room. There’s no denying the sleek appeal of a well-tailored suit but stadium seats aren’t that big and the games aren’t too short.
So you’ll want to enjoy the game in something you can comfortably sit in for over an hour while also sitting beside rowdy fans drinking and cheering.
- A Jersey From the Wrong Sport
This one is a no-brainer but just to make sure, let’s go over this gameday faux pas. Wearing a jersey to a sports game is common practice for most fans cheering from the seats.
However, it’s important you ensure the jersey not only belongs to one of the teams playing but that it’s also a jersey that belongs to the game you’re viewing.
In short, don’t show up to a football game in a jersey that isn’t a football jersey. While other sports are also entertaining, don’t set yourself up to be a showy Blue Jays fan at a Giants game.
- Misspelled Jerseys
Jerseys can be expensive and sometimes getting a dupe is more cost-efficient than investing in an authentic piece.
There are plenty of suppliers that retail inauthentic jerseys that look like the real thing (without the authenticity patch).
But be mindful of the details when purchasing a non-authentic jersey—especially details like the name on the back. Also, double-check the spelling on your inauthentic purchases to eliminate any possible embarrassment.
How To Take Care Of Football Game Outfits
If this guide has inspired you to snag a jersey of your very own, be mindful of the care instructions before purchasing it.
Each jersey has a detailed list of washing instructions printed on the tag inside of the piece.
It’s extremely important to pay attention to the care instructions of any garment but considering that an authentic jersey can cost you a few hundred bucks, it’s best to take the utmost care of your garment.
After the highs or lows of gameday be sure to pre-soak your jersey before washing it inside out in cold water.
Jerseys wash best in detergent designed for cleaning jerseys and air drying them on a hanger as opposed to the inside of the dryer is a good idea.
In fact, here’s the best advice: avoid putting your jersey in the dryer altogether.
These instructions are specifically for Elite jerseys but it’s always wise to read the washing instructions included within the piece you’ve purchased.
Best Places To Buy Football Game Outfits
Whether you’re wondering what to wear to a football game girl style or considering your options for what to wear to a football game woman’s style, you’re going to need a place to shop for the perfect ‘fit.
Thankfully, you most likely already have a plethora of pieces suitable for gameday outfits in your closet, whether they be big NFL showstoppers or a college game.
However, when it comes to the superfan ‘fits, there are a few trusted retailers that specialize in sports team merch—from hats of all kinds to other apparel (i.e socks, sweats, jerseys, etc). If you’re looking for sport-related fashion, look no further than these stores:
Final Thoughts
Getting all dolled up for any event can be daunting but deciding what to wear to a football game doesn’t have to be. Remember, the key to putting together the best gameday outfit is to keep it casual and comfy.
Of course, casualwear is the most common attire at such events, but you can add a fashion-forward spin to your look because casual outfits are often easy to build upon.
Also, don’t hesitate to get creative and think outside of the box to complete your look. Wild makeup and whacky accessories are often spotted at sporting events and warmly welcomed.
Although, if face paint and food-based hats (remember the LA Rams fans?) aren’t your cup of tea, don’t sweat it! You can still comfortably cheer from the seats in a casual look that is all you.
Yet, remember the number one fashion faux pas: steer clear of anything semi-formal and forget the black-tie attire altogether.
In the end, gamedays are meant to be good fun so as long as you’re comfortable, you’re winning even if your team isn’t.
Looking to broaden your fashion horizons? We’ve got you covered:
