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How To Dress A Team For Game Day

High school athlete in red and silver striped tie holding football, ready for game day with coordinated team attire.

Many schools encourage their sports teams to dress up on game day (or the Friday before) to show team pride and school spirit. Athletes may coordinate outfits in team colors, wearing polos, collared shirts, khakis, ties, or even warm-up suits. Dressing as a team helps players demonstrate commitment, boosts recognition on campus, and reinforces the significance of a game day routine.

Here’s how schools and coaches can create a game day dress code that’s easy to follow, affordable, and full of team spirit.

Step 1: Decide on the Dress Code

Start by setting clear expectations for what “dressing up” means at your school. Some programs keep it simple with polos and khakis, while others go more formal with collared shirts and ties. Work with coaches, captains, or athletic directors to create a standard that fits your school culture.

Popular dress code styles include:

  • Business Casual: Polo shirts or button-downs with khakis.
  • Formal Attire: Collared shirt and tie, dress pants, and optional blazer.
  • Sport-Forward: Matching warm-up suits or team jackets.
  • Spirit Wear: Coordinated tees, hoodies, or school-branded apparel.

Step 2: Coordinate with Team Colors

Game day attire should showcase school pride. Encourage athletes to wear school colors in their shirts, ties, or accessories. Even if the base outfit is simple, like a white shirt and khakis, adding a tie or jacket in school colors pulls the look together and makes the team instantly recognizable.

Pro tip: Order matching ties or polos in bulk for a unified look that can last multiple seasons.

High school athlete wearing a custom school logo tie

Custom logo ties let athletes show team pride on and off the court. Order in bulk before the season starts so every athlete is ready to show their team pride.

Step 3: Make It Affordable and Accessible

Not every student has a closet full of dress clothes, so keep budget in mind. Coaches and booster clubs can help by providing group-ordered items like team ties or polos. Choosing versatile pieces, like a navy blazer or a striped school tie, lets athletes use them for banquets, photos, and award ceremonies too.

Step 4: Set Consistent Game Day Routines

Consistency builds tradition. Whether it’s every Friday during football season or before every basketball game, establish a routine so athletes and the student body know when to expect it.

  • Announce the dress code at the start of the season.
  • Include reminders in weekly practice schedules.
  • Have captains model and reinforce expectations.

Step 5: Encourage Coaches and Staff to Join In

Game day attire is most effective when coaches and staff participate. When the adults leading the team also dress up, it sets the tone and reinforces unity. Teachers wearing the school or team tie or polo on game days can also boost campus-wide spirit.

Teacher / high school coach wearing a hockey themed necktie in a classroom

Lead by example! Teachers and coaches can dress up for game day too.

Game Day Outfit Ideas for Athletes

  • Polos & Khakis: Classic and comfortable, easy to coordinate with team colors.
  • Collared Shirts & Ties: A sharp, professional look that elevates team presence.
  • Warm-Up Suits: Great for travel days and cold-weather games.
  • Spirit Accessories: Scarves, hats, socks, or pins in school colors add extra flair.

Why Dressing Up Matters

Of course, the look isn’t just about appearances. Wearing coordinated game day attire helps athletes stay focused and mentally prepared. Dressing up can spark a competitive mindset and reinforce shared team goals. Even simple outfits send a message about commitment, focus, and team unity.

Following a clear team dress code shows professionalism, especially for away games. Just as NFL players dress sharp, high school and college athletes can represent their school with pride. Coordinated clothing signals that the team is serious and ready to compete.

When the team wears matching school sports uniforms or attire, it strengthens bonds, boosts morale, and demonstrates unity to the entire school. Game day outfits reinforce team spirit and energy for the game ahead.

High school student wearing a red necktie and white dress shirt at a desk

Game day style isn’t just about looks—dressing sharp builds focus, unity, and shows the team is ready to compete.

About TieMart

TieMart offers a wide selection of school uniform ties for students of all ages and sizes, including standard ties, pre-tied ties, crossover ties, and more. Choose from solid colors, stripes, or plaids to match your school’s colors perfectly. Our uniform ties are built to last, making them ideal for kids and teens who need durable, everyday neckwear.

With large quantities in stock at TieMart’s Midwest location, bulk orders are easy—and additional discounts are available. Custom school ties are also an option, allowing your team or school to showcase a unique, coordinated look.

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