ALPHA MALE: Dressing Right for the Ballgame

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Marc Streisand, GoLocal Men's Style Expert

Wearing your team's jersey can be okay, if you're with the guys.

This is one of the best times of the year for sports fans. Anyone who saw Bubba’s shot around the trees on the 10th or any of this past weekend’s NHL playoff games has been treated to some incredible action. Just because we own a clothing store, it doesn’t mean we spend our weekends watching Project Runway. Likewise, just because you’re a sports fan, it doesn’t mean you need to forget your sense of style when heading to the ice rink or stadium.

Weather/venue

The first thing to consider when selecting clothing for the game is the weather and venue. We’ve all seen the shirtless fat-man at Gillette during the playoffs; we’re not going to even attempt to change this one. For the normal fan, make sure you’re dressed weather appropriate. Use common sense—if you’re going to a Sox game in July, leave your starter jacket at home…and if you’re going to a Bruins game, make sure you have a layer or two to keep warm at the rink. If you don’t dress with some attention to the weather, not only may you stand out, but you may be uncomfortable throughout the game.

Jersey/no jersey

Next, make sure you know when it’s appropriate to wear a jersey…and when to leave your vintage Bobby Orr sweater at home. When going to the game with your buddies, the jersey is fair game. Make sure it fits (or at least looks reasonable), and don’t be the guy with the cheesy #69 on your back. It’s totally fine to show your team pride, nobody likes the fan that can't get into the game. When with your friends, wear your jersey!

Now, if you’re going to the game with co-workers or your boss, leave the jersey at home. To many, there is no better place to take clients than Fenway or the Garden, and business attire certainly doesn’t miss at the game. This doesn’t mean you can't show support for your team. Wear a sweater or tie that matches your team’s colors. Accents such as gloves or scarves in cold weather are stylish ways to accent your outfit in a way that supports the team.

Marc Streisand is president and owner of Marc Allen Fine Clothiers, and takes the custom clothing business very personally. Having enjoyed a successful career in the clothing industry since 1985, Marc brings his clients extensive specialized experience in menswear. Prior to taking over the Marc Allen store in March 2005, he cultivated his knowledge of luxury male attire in New York and his home state of New Jersey, where he began his vocation at Wallach's Specialty Stores. Nothing gives him greater pleasure, he says, than seeing raw cloth transformed into a custom outfit that can directly impact his customer's lifestyle.