My friend Beth believes that ‘clothes maketh the woman at a tailgate party’ and to a point this is true.  (I think the booze at tailgate parties may have given her a permanent lisp).

But she may be right – the addition of a few ‘team accessories’ to your outfit really brightens up the party and when all the female guests are decked out in their gear, it will be like baubles on a holiday tree.  It’s not that you’re putting on a uniform, but more, wearing your team loyalty (ie. your heart) on your sleeve.

There’s a real protocol here – be sure to wear gear that has the logos of one of the playing teams.  Home team always rocks but if you are in the fan-base of the away team then that works too. Leave the gear from the other codes and conferences at home and even if you ARE besotted with, say, Metta World Peace, you don’t wear that hoody to a Clippers game. Naah, as if that would ever happen.

We are mostly talking about sports tailgate parties here but if you are tailgating for a concert, the protocol there is very different.  Don’t wear the fan shirts for the concert performer of the night.  Choose something in the hipster line with an ironic slogan or something generically cool, such as a Grateful Dead t-shirt even if you are thirteen and at a One Direction concert.  That’s how it works.

Sports are a whole lot more relaxed.

1. National Emblem New York Rangers Collectible Emblem

Sew or iron this (or your team’s equivalent) onto your sleeve  and it gently proclaims ‘team’.  But why be gentle? There are many great hoodies, t-shirts, skirts and dresses out there.  Even shoes.

MSRP                         = $12.99
Amazon price = $7.91

Oh, and it doesn’t have to be a ‘team’ as such.  Sport maybe the national obsession but if there’s nothing on, don’t stop the tailgating.  You can tailgate to celebrate your favorite beer, BBQ, reverence for bacon, hot sauce or anything.  It’s impressive just how many tributes there are to fans’ preferences in these modern times where customizing and personalizing can happen in minutes.  Just dress the part and I promise you more fun.

2. Praying Hands for Beer Embroidered iron on Patch

‘Nuff said!

 

MSRP             =$3.99

You can be sure that no matter what kind of event is the focus of your tailgate party, there’ll be people who will ‘theme dress’.  If it’s NFL, NBA, MLB, NCAA or NHL they will be licensed from head to toe. If it’s a concert, say, a Lady Gaga or Bieber concert, probably not so much.  Some Little Monsters and Beliebers, but they won’t be socking back the beers and eating BBQ.  A different protocol there for sure but here’s one for them anyway, not that I am commenting on their maturity.

3. Lady Gaga Little Monster Baby Onesie

MSRP             = $16.99

But let’s concentrate first on the world I know best, the sports oriented tailgate event involving beer, BBQ, bacon and bawdiness.

4. Exercise Eggs Are Sides For Bacon T-Shirt

Oh what a tribute to bacon!  Dress for humor.  These are available for men and women.  Many colors and you are paying for the wit.  Cost depends on the size so I am thinking that after a lifetime of bacon, most tailgaters will be paying for the XL at minimum.  The t-shirt is Gildan brand and therefore, follows their sizes which do seem to run small for the ladies in the upper regions.

MSRP             $12.00 – $24.95 (size dependent)

5. Women’s This Girl Loves Bacon T-Shirt Funny Food Shirt For Women

Made from 100% pre-shrunk cotton, high quality fabric and its design is copyright – perfect for the baconator in your gang, male or female.  The fit and sizing are described as ‘Vintage’ which usually means a kind of squared off t-shirt.  The manufacturers have taken on board feedback which stated that the women’s sizes run small so you should order a size up if you are over a B-cup.

Because of the way the slogan has been applied, they recommend cold washing inside out and hanging to dry rather than tumble-dry.

MSRP             = $24.99
Amazon price = $16.99 – $18.99 (size dependent)

Licensed or unlicensed?

Apart from teams with the name ‘Pirate’ in them I am very anti-piracy.  Sure, the licensing does cost a bit more, but they also have very strict standards on production and believe me, if you find something that is not up to par, contact them and they will take action.  For instance, I looked at a heap of stuff in Hong Kong’s Stanley Beach market area.  They had every team’s shirts, sweaters and other gear. Sometimes the logos were misspelt.

Oh, I forgot.  Sometimes the real stuff hasn’t been proofed either:

Anyhoo, I did notice that colors were off, logos were smudged and ugly, the fabrics were, well, crap and mostly in old styles.  And the stitching was like an elementary school sewing project gone wrong. So I didn’t buy. So please note, everything tailgatey here is licensed and the logos will be up to date.  I have included some patches that can be added to your own clothing to team-theme it.  Just follow the links to your own team’s gear but I am generally only including one logo in each preferred style for now, earnestly trying to be evenhanded across the codes but hey, I’m only human.

Ladies, you may think you have nothing appropriate to wear to the biggest sports events of the year.  But it’s really easy to pick up a ‘top to toe’ look without even leaving your house.  And while you’re surfing the net, pick up a garment or two for those men in your life.  Everything has excellent gift potential and remember, most tailgaters love getting unexpected pressies.

Ladies Tailgate Party T-Shirts

6. MLB Boston Red Sox Womens Crew-Neck Soft Camisole / Tank Top

This is a soft and sexy tank top, sleeveless and great for those sunny days.   Plenty of room around the scoop neckline for a bit of themed bling (there’s a fair bit of that below) and is a long, slender t-shit style over-hip length which is a flattering look for most gals. As licensed MLB merchandise, this is made from high quality fabric, is machine washable 100% cotton. Look like the ultimate fan with the team logo on the front. The manufacturers call this hot and sexy but I am thinking that will have quite a bit to do with what goes in it.

Sizes are Small or Medium.

MSRP                         = $32.99
Amazon price             = $16.99

7. Pink Victoria’s Secret Women’s NFL Chicago Bears Pajama Pants

You CAN wear these to a tailgate party, truly, you can.  These are 100% authentic Pink Victoria’s Secret merchandise, guaranteed and made from 100% machine washable cotton.  The logo is printed on the right leg and there’s an elastic waistband with a drawstring for added comfort.  Even though they are called P.J.s you can pop a t-shirt or hoodie on with them and make that your style.  Comfy and warm and you can even fit a pair of Long Johns underneath due to their loose and generous fit.  Great idea for NFL tailgating.  Search for your team by following the links at checkout.

Sizes are X-small or Small.

MSRP                         = $72.99
Amazon price             = $31.99

8. Womens NFL Chicago Bears Athletic Pullover Hoodie by Pink Victoria’s Secret

This is double the fun as it is NFL licensed as well as being from Pink Victoria’s Secret.  100% cotton, Machine washable, the logo is Pro Quality embroidered rather than screen printed.  Washes easily.

They tell me all hoodies are not created equal.  Women wear a snugger fit so be sure to run a tape measure around any parts you want to make room for.  There is a full measurement chart on the site to avoid errors.

Sizes are Small, Medium, Large.

Amazon Price                         = $39.99

9. Oakland Raiders Kids Cheerleader Outfit

Don’t be put off by the fact that it is a kid’s cheerleader dress.  I’ve seen what those young ladies in the Playboy Mansion wear and it’s not much bigger than this fab little outfit from Reebok, made from easy-care cotton polyester.  It’s available in all team colors, has a contrasting bodice and flouncy pleats that do their magic while you do cartwheels.  The team name is on the turtleneck and the logo is embroidered on the jumper.   Honestly, I could have filed this under ‘kids’ but I think it is for skinny grownups. Head down to the car park wearing this, pick up a few pom-poms on the way and you can be the main event at the tailgate party accompanied by the beer, bacon and BBQ.

Note that the one in the picture is size 6X which is for a 6 year old.  Yes, I can see this would fit Miley Cyrus perfectly.

MSRP                         = $35.00
Amazon price             = $24.99

10. NCAA Washington State Cougars Scoop Neck Dress Women’s

I’m guessing that a lot of women will find it appropriate to wear gear with Cougars’ logos emblazoned on it.  So here’s a really cute dress. Yes, you can get it for other codes and conferences but hey, tell it like it is and wear the Cougars frock no matter who you root for.

It’s 100% super-soft cotton which makes it easy to wash and dry in the machine on cool with like colors.  No need to iron and do not iron the logo. Vintage inspired (which coincidentally, describes most Cougars).

Comes in sizes from x-small to x-large.

In Checkout, you can follow the options to select your team if you don’t see yourself as a Cougar.

MSRP                         = $42.50
Amazon price             = $27.63

11. NCAA Washington State Cougars Women’s Knit Skirt

Moving right along and ohhh, there are those Cougars again.  This is a very classy looking skirt, easy to care for in 65% Super soft Cotton/35%Polyester mix and Machine Washable.  It is available in many team colors.  It’s a versatile and feminine team item with a neat waistband held together by an eyeleted belt in the same color as your team and will dress up the tailgate party no matter what venue.

Select your team and size in checkout.

Comes in sizes from x-small to large.

MSRP                         = $36.50
Amazon Price             = $23.73

12. NCAA North Carolina State Wolfpack Burnout Sweatshirt Women’s

Very cool looking sweatshirt with the thumb-holes in exactly the right place for keeping the cuffs over the hands to ensure maximum warmth for the wearer.  It’s 55% polyester and 45% cotton, a definite vintage inspired item.  Supersoft, the washing will make it more so.  Wash with care and no need to iron it.  Don’t put an iron near the logo.

MSRP                         = $ 48.50
Amazon price             = $31.53

13. NHL Boston Bruins Women’s Medallion Pant

Made from 100% Cotton Sateen Charmeuse, these medallion print pants also have your team logo embroidered on the left leg.  They ae great for the tailgate party as you can dress them up or down depending on the venue.

Look equally smart with bling and accessories or just a hoodie.

These pants have been designed to give a relaxed fit (not straight leg) and will guarantee a comfy and casual appearance at the tailgate party with plenty of room for party games and all that goes with the best day of your life.

Supplier sometimes can’t deliver so marks them as ‘unavailable’ so my advice is to sign up for an alert when they are back on the list.

MSRP                                     = $27.00
Amazon price                         = $26.07

14. NHL Boston Bruins Women’s Medallion Short

This is the short version of the pants above.  These shorts have a tie waist and are very comfy, being made of cotton charmeuse, machine washable and dryable.

Comes in a variety of sizes. Follow the links at checkout to find yours and also you can choose patterns for other teams.

MSRP                                     = $ 20.00
Amazon Price                         = $ 17.10

15. NHL Touch by Alyssa Milano Pittsburgh Penguins Ladies Fire Drill Premium T-Shirt

Super-soft burnout fabric in cotton/polyester, this T-shirt is one of actress/designer Alyssa Milano’s range of tailgate party clothing.  Definitely worth a look as it brings a sexy shape to a t-shirt which is usually square.  Easy care and comfy to wear, being burnout fabric means it has an element of translucency so it may be too see-through for some.  I think it looks awesome.  Available in many sizes and for many teams.  Check your preference at checkout.

MSRP                         = $30.00
Amazon price             = $24.99

16. MLB Colorado Rockies Ladies Sequin Wedge Flip Flops

There are quite a few versions of this on the market but the Colorado Rockies version is top of the pile, being pink for starters and then there are those sequins.  A great accessory for summer-time tailgating or just for wearing around the house to show your team love.

These have a bit of height in the heel which is around 1.25” high and is made of comfy foam with good traction made possible by its rugged outersole.

The team logo is subtley embroidered on the soft straps with quality workmanship making it a very cute item suited to giving as a hostess gift for the little lady who REALLY cooked that awesome BBQ sauce at the tailgate party.

Officially licensed to MLB, other codes are available, so choose your team and size at checkout.

MSRP                         = $20.00
Amazon price                         = $19.95

17. NHL Chicago Blackhawks Jonathan Toews Women’s Premier Player Road Jersey

I don’t root for the Blackhawks but wow, this Jersey is fabulous and I’m out looking for a gal who does so that I can dress her in it.

For that #19 Jonathan Toews fan in your life.

It’s 100% polyester, easy care and moisture wicking with Twill and Embroidered front crest, printed twill shoulder patches (as applicable) and the Reebok wordmark on back and neck sleeve cuff. Reebok is the Authentic Outfitter of the NHL and presents a quality item here. Washing instructions are simple – cold wash with like colors, no chlorine, tumble dry at low heat and take out and hang. No need to iron.

Jerseys for other players are available in this style so trawl the links at checkout for your size and fave.

MSRP                         = $130.00
Amazon price            = $129.99

18. Los Angeles Lakers NBA Womens Players Zip Up Jacket

The classic style and superior comfort of this super warm LA Lakers jacket will make it a game day favorite all season long. The full zip jacket has an official Lakers logo embroidered on the upper left chest and back. Adult women’s sizing. Officially licensed by the NBA.   100% polyester so that it is easy to care for (washes like a dream) and will stand up to a season of tailgating really well.  Lots of generous sized pockets.

MSRP                         = $65.00
Amazon price            = $39.99

Tailgate Party Hats

19. NBA Trooper Knit Hat – Ke84Z, Boston Celtics, One Size, Green/white , Boston Celtics

Made by Adidas, the official outfitter for the NBA, this cute and practical hat is unisex but looks oh so glam on a woman.  Very sexy.

It’s 50% acrylic-50% polyester, will take a fair bit of punishment at the tailgate party as it is very easily washed and air-dried though the instructions say ‘hand wipe’ – if you are worried, take it to the dry cleaner, but really, washing in cold water should be fine.  Drying in the tumble dry for no more than 5 minutes to fluff up the lining should be enough. It is fleecy inside and the ear-flaps will keep anyone snug and warm.

MSRP                         = $22.99
Amazon price                         = $14.94

Here’s another version, also for the Celtics:

20. Boston Celtics – Cuffed Pom Pom Beanie By Mitch and Ness

This is a traditional beanie, in team colors, with a pom pom and striped in team colors.  Very pretty even though 100% acrylic yarn, looks snug and comfy and the logo gives it real panache.

MSRP                         = $24.00
Amazon price            = $20.83

Tailgate Party Aprons

Let it be stated that aprons are not just for women. I am just listing them here because the frilly one will look out of place in the men’s clothing section.

These are equally heavy duty for BBQ chefs or for using in the home-gating kitchen and can be for men or women.  Heck, I’ve even included a kids’ one.

21. NFL Pittsburgh Steelers Chef Hat and Apron Set

Nicely designed and licensed by the NFL, this range of Chef Hats and Aprons is sure to please and should be an essential item in any tailgate party kit.  Quite a classy look with the small logo on the color-blocked background.  Look the part in more ways than one.  Protect your clothes from rib sauce spatter.  Hey, don’t just leave it on while you are cooking, but when you are tearing apart those juicy ribs, you can drip smoky sauce and nobody will notice. The hat keeps your hair from picking up the smoke flavor.

Cotton and easycare.  Perfect gift for ladies and men alike.  Follow the prompts in checkout for your teams as most are covered.

MSRP                         = $19.99
Amazon price            = $14.50

22. New Orleans Saints NFL Hostess Apron

I’m going out on a limb here and saying I don’t see Biff being seen dead wearing this one, so it belongs fairly and squarely amongst women’s clothes.

It’s frilly and pretty but also does the same rugged job of other aprons, protects the DKNY designer gear from the BBQ sauce.  I’ve looked at a lot of these and they are all beautifully made and classy.  An ideal gift for an überfan of tailgate parties or just a cook who loves her game.

Made of a cotton twill blend and has a handy pocket for cooking essentials.

MSRP                         = $19.99
Amazon price            = $14.50

23. Dallas Cowboys Grilling Apron Set

This is a cute cotton set with a hot pad/pot-holder, kitchen glove and apron and again, it’s essential in the tailgate party kit.  Protect your other fan gear with this easily washed apron.

Unisex, so don’t diss it as being ‘just for girls’ as nobody likes to be spattered with bacon fat, BBQ sauce or rib juices while grilling or eating at the tailgate party.  I’d buy one of these for all the guests and be done with it, as otherwise, you’ll be sitting next to something disgusting throughout the game.

MSRP                         = $29.99
Amazon price            = $22.99

24. NBA Los Angeles Lakers Tailgate Set

Nicely gift boxed this is essentially the same trio as above. Decorated locally, it is perfect for the #1 fan, no matter the game or sex.  And useful too.  If you’re a tailgater or just a messy eater, this will be practical.  The colors are bright and true to the logos and it is washable even in hot water.  Cotton.

Amazon price                         = $19.99

25. NCAA Jersey Apron NCAA Team: LSU Tigers

Here’s an apron with a difference as it is based on the Jersey design of the team.  It has a pocket in the front for kitchen utensils or your koozie pre-loaded with beer.  One size fits most, from a small woman to a burly guy.  Designed to wrap around the smaller figure for maximum coverage.

Dimensions: -40”H x 30” W x 20” D

Amazon price             = $39.80

And a bonus!

Child’s Black Chef Apron & Hat Small

Don’t leave the tailgate party children out of it.  Train them in the art of BBQ from the time they can manage a rack of ribs and you will prove that old saying ‘The family that tailgate together, stays together’.

The kit includes one chef hat and one chef apron for a child between the ages of 3 and 7.  At that age, there’s no need to go overboard and share your beers.

The apron and hat are poly/cotton fabric and the hat has an adjustable, soft-closure in the back so that it will fit snugly.

You can add your own team patch and initiate your child early into the wonderment that is the tailgate party.

Fabulous gift for all those nieces and nephews, and really, who doesn’t like to dress like a chef these days?

Amazon price             = $14.99

Keep checking back for more great clothes to wear to tailgate parties!