Should you be wearing that jersey, anyway?

One San Francisco Chronicle author has an amusing take on whether or not you should be wearing that jersey or not. It all depends on your age, really. Take this quick quiz at the bottom of this article and find out if you should donate that jersey.

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My 2009 Sports Wish List

February - Pitchers and catchers report for MLB Spring Training.  I have mixed expectations for this season.  My Minnesota Twins were fairly conservative this offseason and haven't really inspired me to think that they've solved their obvious holes - a third baseman anyone?  That said, they have a whole lot of pieces to the puzzle and can make an exciting run this year.  They were only one game away from winning the division last year.  

The Cubs are another story.  I was really high on this team last year and was let down when they flopped in the playoffs.  Yeah, I know, its the flippin' Cubs - I should have expected that outcome.  If the Cubs manage to move around enough pieces to entice the Padres into trading them Jake Peavy, it will be tough for me not to get on board the bandwagon here again.  

I'd also like for the start of the year to bring me a competitive Super Bowl.  

March - Both California and Minnesota earn NCAA tournament births.  At the start of the NCAA basketball season, this would have been an outrageous wish, but both of these teams have gotten off to fairly hot starts and have made appearances in the top-25.  Maybe I can even throw in a bonus wish that one of them wins a game in the Big Dance.  

April - The baseball season officially arrives.  My goal every year is to see both the Twins and Cubs in person.  Last year I was able to catch the Twins a whole bunch of times, this year it looks like it will be just the opposite.  

May - August - I would like to catch a smattering of college and minor league games this year as well as add to my list of 10 MLB ballparks visited.  

September - September 19th features the California Golden Bears versus the Minnesota Golden Gophers in Minneapolis.  I'd lie, cheat and steal to be at that game.  September is like heaven for a sports fan.  Football has arrived and baseball races are coming down to the wire.  

October - The Cubs or the Twins win the World Series.  I watch it on TV because I'm poor.  A guy can dream, right?

October is guaranteed to feature USC at Memorial Stadium taking on Cal.   

November - November 21st will be the date California takes on Stanford for the Axe in Palo Alto.  I hope to make the short trip to the game.  

December - As far as the NFL goes, I'm a Minnesota Vikings fan.  I was pleased to have watch them win the NFC North Division this year, but I'd like to see them make a deeper run in the playoffs this upcoming season.  Heck, the they have many of the pieces they need, including the best running back in the game, Adrian Peterson - why not hope for them to make it to the Super Bowl?  They just need a quality player at quarterback.  

Lids Sale

Lids is having a sale on some of their cheaper hats.  Check it out here! In particular, they have some knit winter beanies on sale.

A Sports Fans Christmas Wish List

The holidays are quickly approaching.  Are you struggling to find the perfect gift for your favorite sports fan?  Well, we're here to help you out. In the following post you'll find our suggestions for how to shop for that sports fan on your list and will give you some specific ideas.    

The most important thing to know is what team or teams they are a fan of - purchasing a White Sox hat for a Cubs fan can be a huge mistake. Once you figure out what team they are a fan of and their size - if possible - try to match your purchase with their style.  

For guys - I'd take a moment to think about what type of place they typically shop.  Someone who likes the JCrew broken in look would probably enjoy one of these throwback shirts from Distant Replays.  For those unfamiliar with the terrain of shopping for sports merchandise - the term "throwback" is often used by sports fan to refer to shirts, jerseys, or color or logo schemes since retired by the team.  Its the sports version of "retro".  Throwbacks give off the image that you've been a fan of the team for a long time - more often than not they also look cool and relaxed.  The sort of gear you can wear with a pair of jeans on a weekend afternoon around the house or at a casual sports bar.  

If the guy your shopping for tends to shop at a place more like REI, a hooded sweatshirt might be the way to go.  Outerwear tends to be a little more expensive - but if the guy you know attends the games in an outdoor arena - the gear will probably be much appreciated as they try to battle the elements over the course of the season.  MLB baseball, in particular, makes a cool line of Therma Base jackets that are perfect for those early spring and late fall games.  

Speaking of baseball fans - the World Baseball Classic will return next spring.  This line of gear is pretty cool for sports fans you know that also have an attachment to places around the world like Canada, Japan or Puerto Rico.  

If you know the size of the person your shopping for - it is hard to go wrong with a t-shirt and hat combo, like this one from the Colorado Avalanche.  A number of colleges and universities - as well as professional sports teams make this kind of hat and shirt combo. 

Finally, the college bowl schedule is being announced as I write this.  If you know a fan of one of the teams that made it into a bowl game - why not buy your favorite sports fan a t-shirt of their upcoming bowl game?  Since the list is long here, Google will prove to be your friend.  

If you have a young man on your list who plays video games - we're obligated to remind you about Madden '09 - the latest in the long series of NFL games from EA Sports.   If they already have Madden - we like the NCAA franchise.  

Onto the ladies.  We tend to dislike pink gear, but if you know a woman that wears a lot of pink - nearly every team makes pink versions of their replica jerseys.  Instead, teams also make the same types of replica jerseys in a women's cut.  We're fans of this style.  These zip up hoodies are also really cute.  

Buying fitted hats can be a bit dangerous if you don't know their exact size, but this sort of "stretch" fit hat is becoming more common.  

Finally, the NFL has a useful page for tailgaters here.  If you're still stumped - all of the pro leagues offer gift cards.  If you live near the college or university that he or she is a fan of, you can swing by the school's bookstore for a gift card.  Check the links surrounding this page for other gift ideas. 

Happy shopping!  Have further tips for us?  Send us an e-mail at welldressedsportsfan@gmail.com

Ashley Judd Delivers, And is Super Hot

I'm sure that on the top of Ashley Judd's New Year's Resolutions is to acquire the lavish praise of some start up sports bloggers, so I thought we could give her an early start by posting this today. Several weeks ago, before the election, Ashley Judd - a die hard Kentucky basketball fan, promised that if North Carolina went blue for Obama, she would sit in the midst of the North Carolina student section.  Well, North Carolina went for Obama and she watched her favorite team get trounced in the middle Chapel Hill.

Sitting in the opposing team's student section isn't an easy thing to do, so I wanted to give Ashley Judd props.  Plus, she looks  fantastic in a simple white shirt and jeans.  A grey Kentucky shirt would work here too - contrasting from the students in Tarheel Blue.  I'm also digging the athletic hair buns - a nice contrast to those terrible pigtails we've recently explored.  

So once again, big ups to Ashley Judd.  She deserves some 'cred. 

Well Dressed Girlfriend's take: It's great.  You doubters out there are no doubt confused about what might seem like an apparent 180 on the pigtail issue.  But face it, the Princess Leia look works for AJ--it neatly wraps stylish, practical, sexy, way fun, and even a little sophisticated into, well, two buns I guess.  She pairs the 'do with a simple jeans and t-shirt duo, but the look is practiced.  Her shirt fits impeccably, and even with the cropped photo I have no doubt the jeans do as well.  This is not some thrown on $12.99 special she picked up at the student store on her way out of Lexington.  This shirt is well loved and hugs in all the right places without trying too hard.  Plus, kudos on the sleeve length.  If AJ is anything like me, she snapped up this find after becoming immediately smitten with the perfect shortness of this short-sleeved gem.   Too much analysis of the plain white t-shirt?  Sorry, but it's simply perfect, and should be celebrated even if her team isn't.

In short, go for this look.  There's no obvious make-up in sight (it's a ball game, folks...), she looks relaxed, yet is wearing a jump-out-of-your-seat-friendly outfit.  The snap reaction looking at her?  Definitely a dyed in the wool fan.  She even resists the impulse to dress it up just a little with some jewelry.  AJ, you sparkle enough as it is.  Thanks for being a model fan.

Dealing with the Rain as a Sports Fan

I'm heading out the door soon to watch a college football game.  It is raining like cats and dogs and the venue is an outdoor stadium. Something about football in the elements makes the game all the more epic.  This can add to the excitement of being a fan, but it can make for a pretty miserable prospect for being a fan.

Quick Tip: The most important thing about watching a sporting event in the rain is that everyone in your party has a positive attitude about it.  

If the sporting event you are going to may or may not get cancelled by the rain, make sure to have an alternative event planned.  If you going with your family, take them out to lunch or dinner in the town or city that you travelled to instead.  This will brighten the mood.  In the case of my girlfriend, Well Dressed Sports Gal likes going to sporting events when the weather is nice, but her fandom doesn't extend to rain, sleet or snow. Fair enough.  Take a buddy to the game instead and have a nice evening at home with the ladyfriend afterword.  

If your traveling partner is game for traveling to the event, be prepared.  A simple store bought can of waterproofing spray will go a long way.  Bring a waterproofed rain jacket.  Hopefully for you, you've already waterproofed your favorite cap just in case.  If not, shame on you, a can of this stuff is only six bucks.  

Quick Tip #2: If you plan on bringing an umbrella, check on the venue's website to make sure they are allowed in the stadium.  

What I've got my eye on: I just purchased a custom made college football jersey.  Here is hoping these become a trend. I'd go with the commemorative World Series Champions Phillies t-shirt or sweatshirt rather than a cap.  Why?  You can pass it on to your kids and it might be a while until your squad wins another world championship (or your city for that matter Philly).  

A line of vintage t-shirts at Ebbets Field Flannels is really making me salivate.  Check out this San Francisco Seals longsleeve shirt.  Also available are the Rosewell Rockets, Denver Bears, and Jersey Giants. You can wear these under an open zip up hoodie for maximum effect. 

Choose the Right Sunglasses for the Game

It is a beautiful sunny day outside, not a cloud in the sky, and you're heading off to the ballpark.  You grab your favorite hat and extra sunscreen, but something is missing.  The perfect pair of shades can top off your sun protection at the ballpark. If worn properly, they can also make you look cool.

While I've heard some criticism of ballplayers wearing their sunglasses on top of the bill of their caps, this trick is super convenient for holding your sunglasses when you step inside, a cloud passes over, or for when you've become locked in deep concentration with someone over the infield fly rule.  

Pro-golfers have been doing this for years and making it look pretty darn good along the way.

The sunglasses company Oakley, long a favorite with athletes and sports fans, has decided to try to cash in on this trend by issuing a new line of shades featuring the colors of your favorite team.  While I love the idea of team colored sunglasses, in practice, they sometimes look a bit over the top.  So far, Oakley has produced 11 versions of MLB shades.  Blue and white Dodger shades, great.  Orange and blue Mets shades, notsomuch.

If you're a hardcore baseball fan and like a team with more subtle colors, the new line of Oakley MLB Flak Jacket sunglasses might be right for you.  Otherwise, stick to something you can wear every day without looking like a total geek.

If you're opting for the on the field official caps that the MLB players wear go for more athletic looking sunglasses to match.  If you've gone for a crushed or broken in hat (see our entry on these hats here) go for a more casual looking set of shades to match.  

Enjoying the sunshine!  

Rule Number 1: "Crushed" Hats and the Well Dressed Sports Fan

A few days ago, the Well Dressed Girlfriend and I were sitting at an evening baseball game.  We sat watching the local squad under the lights, sipping on a couple of brews and chatting.  We noticed that a large number of the fans in our section looked like total geeks.  Oversized t-shirts, jerseys for teams that weren't even playing or for players long since traded to other squads, and various shades of hideous pink logos.

On the other hand, we also saw a fair number of sports fans who looked pretty good.  A nice looking jersey, cool hat, and matching jeans made single guys look attractive.  If a cute girl wears the right hat, she can look extremely sexy.  Certain ballparks have become the "hot" place in town to meet people.  Some parks even feature "Singles Nights".

Don't get me wrong, we aren't fashion or design professionals.  I'm just a huge sports fan that often  says, "Hey, how does this look?" before walking out the door for the day.   The Well Dressed Girlfriend seems to appreciate this and since it encourages her to keep dating me, which is always a plus.

Plan on meeting a girl or guy at the stadium?  Only go to ballgames once a year and always wonder what the heck you should wear?  Are you a hardcore spots fan that wants to show off your loyalty to your team?  This is a good blog to bookmark. 

Let's get started by talking about hats, aka "caps".

One of the first things I notice about sports fans are their hats.  I collect hats like crazy, so I can be a little particular about how they look on people.  A poorly fitting hat can make you look like a 70 year old skipper.  This works when you have Hall of Fame credentials, but not when you're trying to pick up chicks at the stadium.   A poorly fitting hat on a hot girl just looks like a missed opportunity. 

Let's say you are a casual sports fan.  You go to a couple of games a year and want to avoid looking like a total geek when you're at the ballpark.  Invest in a Twins Enterprises "The Franchise" hat.  A few years ago, people would have called these hats, "crushed" or "broken in". These hats are good for new sports fans for a couple of reasons.  First, they come in only a few sizes.  Small, medium, large, xl, etc.  The caps that baseball players wear on the field come on sizes based on the exact size of your head and are harder to break in (which is the subject for another post).  A "fitted" Twins enterprise hat ("fitted" meaning they don't have an adjustable strap on the back) already looks broken in and fits closer to the dome of your head than the official caps.  In this shot, the guy on the left gets the fit right and the guy on the right rocks the hat with a nice casual sweater.

Rock this cap with a solid color polo shirt and some jeans or khakis and you will look like a well dressed, but casual fan.  If you're going for the more hardcore look, match the hat with a jersey (we will get into matching hats to jerseys later on).  

If you're buying this as a gift for someone, go ahead and grab an adjustable version of the cap.  You can't tell the difference from the front and both look just fine.  Girls tend to like to versatility of adjustable hats, since they can wear ponytails through the opening in the back.

Well Dressed Girlfriend's take: All crushed hats remind me of that Boston Red Sox fan who is comfortable with spending a little time on Saturday night picking out the right Oxford, but likes to watch ESPN and drink a beer on Sundays.  Wearing the crushed hat, of course.  Note: this hat is versatile and not overbearing, but you lose all style points if it's not impeccably clean.  You're not 12 anymore, even if you still love that hat as much as you did then.

Keep in mind these hats fade in the sun.  This can look really great if you keep it clean and clear of sweat stains.  Hand washing the hat with warm water now and again should keep it smelling clean and free of stains.  Avoid throwing hats in either the dish or clothes washer.   

Think about picking up a crushed hat before heading to the ballpark, but be sure to try on their sizes in a store to make sure it fits properly on your dome.  Match it with a solid t-shirt, polo, or oxford, to achieve the preppy look, but don't over do it.  A long sleeve tee, crew sweatshirt or oxford will look more like Nich Lachey than a 70 year old manager.  While we encourage you keep it simple (and to keep your hat clean!) the crushed hat can help you ease in the world of the sports fan.

Click here for a few more tips regarding crushed hats.