Saturday in the fall is a full-day commitment. You're out before the sun is high, standing around a grill, then sitting in a stadium until well after dark. The weather rarely cooperates, and neither does your closet if you haven't planned ahead.
The short answer: dress for the weather first and your team second. Start with comfortable layers you can add or shed, then show your colors with one or two pieces — usually a hat and a polo or tee. Here's how to pull it together.
What should you wear to a tailgate?
Think of a tailgate outfit in four parts:
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A hat. Nothing says game day like a good cap, and it keeps the sun out of your eyes. Browse Local Boy's collegiate hats, or use the Hat Guide to find the style that fits you.
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A top. A polo is the classic game day move. A tee works just as well for a casual crowd.
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A layer. A quarter zip or a vest handles the temperature drop once the sun goes down.
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Bottoms. Shorts for early-season heat, pants once the weather turns.
If you're not sure where to start, Local Boy's Collegiate Shopping Guide is a good first stop.
Three tailgate outfits that always work
The early-season heat outfit
A collegiate hat, a polo in your school's colors, and a pair of shorts. Keep it light, wear something that breathes, and save the layer for the walk to the stadium at dusk.
The classic fall tailgate
A quarter zip over a tee, pants or jeans, and a hat. Unzip the collar when the grill heats up and zip back up for the second half. It's the single most useful game day outfit you can own.
The cold night game
A long sleeve or flannel underneath, a quilted vest over it, and your hat. You get warmth where you need it and your arms stay free for cheering, which is more important than it sounds.
How do you rep your team without overdoing it?
There's a fine line between supporter and walking billboard. A simple rule: one loud team piece at a time. If your hat has the logo front and center, let the rest of the outfit stay neutral — navy, gray, white, khaki, olive. If you want a bold team-color polo, go with a plain hat or a subtle one.
Two or three team-colored pieces is plenty. More than that and you're no longer dressed for the game — you're in costume.
What should you bring to a tailgate?
Clothes are only half the setup. A few small extras make the day better:
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Koozies to keep drinks cold and easy to spot. Local Boy carries a full line of koozies.
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A cooler bag you can carry from the parking lot. Check out the cooler bags.
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A sunglass strap so your shades survive the day. Here's the Dog & Moon sunglass strap.
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A decal for the truck. Browse the decals to rep your team or your favorite spot on the way in.
Frequently asked questions
What do you wear to a tailgate in cold weather?
Layers. Start with a long sleeve or flannel, add a quarter zip or quilted vest, and top it off with a hat. Layers are easier to adjust than one heavy coat.
How should I dress for a night game?
Plan for the temperature to drop once the sun is down. A vest or quarter zip over your regular outfit is usually enough for early- and mid-season games. For late-season games, add a warmer outer layer.
Is it okay to wear a polo to a tailgate?
Yes. A polo is one of the most common and most comfortable game day tops, and it dresses up easily if you're heading to a pregame event.
Can I wear camo to a tailgate?
In the South, absolutely, especially at schools with a strong outdoors crowd. Pair it with neutral pieces and a team hat so your allegiance is still clear.
Ready for kickoff?
Start with a collegiate hat, add a polo or a Hemlock, and you're set for the season. Not sure which school's gear to look for? The Collegiate Shopping Guide makes it simple.
About Local Boy Outfitters. Local Boy Outfitters was built on staying rooted in where you come from, and game day is about as local as it gets. We make comfortable, dependable apparel for the weekend, from collegiate hats to polos and tees, so you can rep your team and your hometown. Stay Local. Read our story.