High school is a time when many of us “find ourselves.” It may sound cliche, but one cannot deny that the quintessential high school experience profoundly affects who we become as adults.
Besides academic upheavals and first brushes with relationships, sports are deeply embedded into this fabric. Students should be able to subscribe to sports in individualized, customized ways that are uniquely theirs. What better and more assertive way to do that than donning custom apparel for your favorite teams?
More high schoolers are participating in sports than before. The National Federation of State High School Association found that 8 million students now participate in school-sponsored sports. This reaffirming trend is led by the popularity of football and wrestling among both boys and girls.
Sports apparel makes sense for you whether you are a player or a supporter. Not all of us have the athletic prowess or inclination, but we can all have the spirit! Here are some guidelines to help you in this quest to find your unique manifestation of sportsmanship.
Choose Visible Branding for Your High School Team
Quiet luxury may be a trend in many consumer markets, but we daresay it makes little sense in sports. Wearing a team T-shirt that proudly and loudly states the name helps you declare your loyalty. It is a sure-shot way to ensure your cheers and support reach the players on the court.
Besides the optics, visible team logos can contribute to higher chances of victory. A recent “Moral Support and Performance” research study found that visiting teams are 20% more likely to lose a match if their supporters are absent. Moral support becomes even more powerful when the two sporting teams are otherwise well-matched.
So, chances are that the players will be encouraged to play harder when they look at the audience and see visible (and audible!) support. It is confidence-boosting to see a whole school cheering for you.
Use Custom Apparel to Raise Funds for Team Support
A brilliant way to use customized hoodies and T-shirts to support your team is by channeling funds toward support. The money raised from the sales of these items can help your team with travel expenses or essential equipment.
Moreover, fundraising has now become much more accessible for high schoolers. Prep Sportswear suggests that aficionados create their own Team Store for custom clothing for players, fans, and other parties. Beyond hoodies and tees, you can create branded bottoms, caps, and jerseys.
Here’s a bonus: it will be quite a valuable lesson in funding and expense management! Plus, it is a solid way to support your team. You won’t allow financial constraints to hinder triumph.
Prioritize Quality and Color Selection
When selecting suitable team clothing, prioritize good fabric quality. It will ensure that the apparel lasts the brunt of sweaty tournaments with endless glasses of soda. Pre-shrunk cotton is a good choice as it lowers the risk of wear and tear upon frequent washing. Plus, cotton will keep you feeling airy, letting your skin breathe on humid days.
Picking bright colors is another beloved consideration among sports enthusiasts. Part of it pertains to better visibility and a depiction of enthusiasm and energy.
Some palettes work better than others, like those that balance bold and neutral colors. The standard combination of yellow, orange, and red is a staple for its passionate interpretations. Combinations of greens and yellows can bring warmth and sustainability.
However, be wary of polyester fabrics that may use disperse dyes for coloring. The Guardian notes that chemical colorants can cause skin irritation and trigger eczema. Stick to eco-friendly and dermatologist-approved materials to keep looking radiant in the stadium.
Modern vs. Vintage: Which Aesthetic Works Better?
The vintage aesthetic has a classic charm for sports fans. Thinking about the Seattle Supersonics unfailingly gets basketball fans nostalgic. Siding with a vintage style for your high school sporting gear can be tempting. You can explore favorite, legendary teams across sports.
That said, modern styles can be equally charming. They say you want to redefine the game your way, role models and favorites aside. The decision can be a collaborative one. Why not conduct an opinion poll to see what the rest of the school thinks? Community initiatives are always a good idea to garner support for the team.
Creativity is essential in every field, from the classroom to the boardroom. It is also pivotal in sports, where individual strengths and meanings come together to form a strong team spirit. Custom apparel can strengthen this spirit. It also lets you announce your loyalties and learn healthy but fierce competition.
You can think about getting customized apparel whether you are an athlete, a fan, a coach, or a parent. It might be just the thing to make the next match one for the ages.
