College apparel has changed a lot over the years. You used to be stuck with the same few styles that were available in stores, but these days, you can find store-bought clothes that match your school’s colors, or you can get an even more customized look.
However, most people find it stressful to shop for college apparel. But there are ways to shop for apparel that are affordable and fashionable.
The tips in this article will help you get the clothing you want without breaking the bank.
Things to Take into Account When Shopping for College Apparel
Consider your school colors
When you’re shopping for college gear, think about your school colors. Your clothes should show pride in your college and reflect your school’s spirit. College apparel can also help you express your personal style, whether it’s sporty or fancy, bold or understated.
Consider your personal taste and preferences
While it may be tempting to stick to the classics and keep things simple, there’s nothing wrong with letting loose and being more daring. You’re going to college, after all. It’s a new chapter in your life, and you can definitely infuse some personality into it. Don’t be afraid to have fun when shopping for college apparel.
The quality of the material
The quality of the material is another integral factor to consider. It’s a good idea to look for apparel made of high-quality fabrics, such as cotton or polyester blends, that will last through repeated washings without losing their shape. Additionally, paying attention to how the clothing fits your body and feels when you’re wearing it is crucial. This will help ensure that you have a comfortable fit while also ensuring that your apparel looks good on you.
Durability
When looking for a good quality piece of clothing, you should consider its durability. Durability is integral because it helps prevent the item from falling apart easily. If you’re looking at shirts, they should have good stitching, zippers, and buttons that won’t fall out after wearing them a few times. For pants, the material shouldn’t snag or rip easily if something rubs against it when sitting down or kneeling down. When it comes to outerwear like jackets or sweaters, these should be made with materials that don’t lose their shape or fray easily as well.
Team affiliation
When it comes to college apparel, you should always be sure that the item you’re buying has your school’s name and logo. This is crucial to identifying yourself as a student and showing off your pride in your school. In addition to the team logo, you may want to consider whether or not you would like other branding elements on your clothing. For example, if people haven’t seen the mascot or colors of your team before, they might be confused about which school you’re representing. Also, keep in mind that different schools have different color schemes.
Budget
Before you start shopping, consider what your overall spending limit is. Don’t spend more than you can afford. Consider the costs of other necessities like textbooks and living expenses. You don’t want to be in debt just because your favorite college football team’s apparel looks cute on Instagram. To minimize your spending, look for sales and discounts: Shop around for sales and discounts at different retailers. You might find some deals that are better than others. Besides, you can always ask if there are any coupons or special offers available during checkout when making an online purchase.
Size
Students often overlook this, but it is a very important factor when choosing a shirt, jacket, or hat for your school. It may be tempting just to pick the biggest size available, but you need to consider how that will affect the appearance of your clothing. Be sure to look at the sizing chart for each item before purchasing it so that you can make sure it looks flattering on your body type and isn’t too baggy or tight.
Excellent fit
When looking for college clothing, focus on fit. If you look great but feel like a slob because the style doesn’t work for your body type, you’ll feel uncomfortable and awkward whether or not anyone else notices something’s wrong. If you pick something from a store that feels nice and fits perfectly, no one will know anything is up. And if they do notice something strange going on, they’ll assume it’s just how things are supposed to look on you.
Styles
When shopping for college apparel, consider style. The styles of clothes chosen should reflect the student’s personal taste and sense of fashion, as well as the school’s culture and general dress code. Some schools have fairly relaxed dress codes, allowing students to wear jeans or shorts regularly. Others require more formal attire at all times. Students should determine what types of clothing are allowed at their college before heading to the store to purchase their new wardrobe.
Comfort
You’ll be walking a lot, from class to class, from the library to the dining hall, and from your dorm room back home again. Therefore, it’s crucial that what you wear to be as comfortable as possible. Avoid anything too restrictive or bulky. In general, comfort is central as far as college apparel is concerned.
Easy care/washable fabrics
You don’t want to spend hours washing and drying your clothes just because they’re dirty. Consider fabrics like cotton jerseys or polyester knits. Remember, it is a bonus if they’re wrinkle-free.
Be fashionable
College is a time to express yourself and try new things, so don’t feel like you have to pick something that’s just plain old boring. While it’s essential to choose something that fits in with your school’s identity, you don’t want to look like everyone else. So try out different styles until you find something that reflects who you are and how you want to be seen by others.
Conclusion
When shopping for college apparel, remember that it’s vital to consider your personal taste, budget, and school colors. You don’t want to spend too much money or get something that doesn’t go with your style. The best way to find what works best is by researching before shopping to know exactly what type of garment works best for your needs.