FASHION
The Best Brand Wins: Fashion’s Involvement Within The World Series
By: Madison Antino Edited by: Rezi Ubogu
While the Yankees might have lost the series 4-1 to the Dodgers in an embarrassing manner (giving up 5 unearned runs in one inning during Game Five), the Series helped mark fashion’s, specifically streetwear’s, growing involvement within baseball. Los Angeles and New York City are notably designated fashion capitals of the United States, and the importance of clothing choices extended from fans at home, celebrities and influencers in the stands, and even the players on the field. Both sporting similar color schemes of different shades of red, white, and blue, the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Dodgers have arguably the most recognizable iconography in baseball, especially when sewn onto a hat. The baseball cap has become a classic streetwear piece and the navy Yankees cap is almost inescapable — a symbol of the most successful team in baseball, as well as the entire city of New York.
The Yankees hat became a symbol from its iconic, simplistic design; an interlocking N-Y surrounded by smooth navy blue. Popularized by famous New Yorkers like Spike Lee and Jay-Z, the hat transcended the sport and became an iconic fashion item when the Yankees won the World Series four times in five years, and suddenly everyone was a fan of the most successful team in baseball.
Fashion brands noticed the opportunity between such large market teams and began to capitalize off of the championship series almost immediately. Modern streetwear brand, Madhappy, released two consecutive drops for each team of hoodies, t-shirts, and sweatpants embroidered with the navy NY and royal blue Dodgers script. Once the Series ended, the brand immediately dropped a limited edition Dodgers hoodie commemorating the win. Ralph Lauren targeted high-end customers, dropping a limited edition Yankees collection with $500 wool sweaters featuring their signature Polo bear in full Yankees pinstripes. While brands cashed in on The Series, fans made fashion statements both inside and outside the stadium, wearing lucky pieces they believe are the reason their team wins, according to superstitious supporters. Billie Eilish rocked a Miu Miu outfit paired with her Dodgers jersey in Los Angeles, while director Spike Lee was spotted behind home plate wearing a matching red Yankees cap and bomber jacket. The fashion choices on both coasts highlighted the unique community and culture surrounding each team.
Clothes were not just important off the field either. While the Yankees have sported the same pinstripes since their inception, fans noticed they went for a slightly new look this postseason, bringing back the iconic vintage navy turtlenecks last seen when Derek Jeter was at bat nearly three decades ago. However, the decision to revert back to Majestic Athletics vintage turtlenecks stirred controversy once the series ended. Fanatics, the sports merchandiser that designed the MLB’s uniforms this season was heavily criticized by fans and players alike for the poor quality compared to years before. With that said, the Yankees opting for the vintage turtlenecks emphasized the superiority of the quality and cotton material. The only problem is their controversial merchandiser in comparison to Nike and Fanatics, who would have preferred the players had chosen a newer product from their contract with the team.
Fashion’s rising presence within the world of sports is not just a trend, but an evolution of the industry as a whole. As the Yankees and the Dodgers are expected to dominate in the coming years, the fashion industry will follow suit as it continues to capitalize and go beyond more traditional sports merchandise. The Series proved that the Yankees and the Dodgers have become more than just baseball teams and have transcended to cultural symbols.
This year proved to be more than just a championship series, but a showcase of American culture intersecting fashion, sports, and entertainment. If fashion brands choose to continue to embrace their role within the sports world, it is likely for more collaborations and drops with even some unexpected teams. The World Series became not just a competition of the best team, but the best brand.
: Fash10nBeautySU!
