Southern Brands to Know for Football Season: Clothing, Decor & More
Starting to feel that SEC season itch? These labels prove team pride can be stylish, spirited, and still grown-up. Image: Facebook / Queen of Sparkles
College football Saturdays may be steeped in tradition, but todayβs game-day style is anything but predictable. A new league of brands, many from right here in the South, is trading basic team tees for polished wardrobes and tailgating pieces designed to last well beyond kickoff.
FOR THE WARDROBE
Saturday Silks
Founded in Houston by a mother-daughter-aunt trio, Saturday Silks gives traditional collegiate gear a decidedly elegant upgrade. Their officially licensed, 100% silk scarves feature original, hand-drawn illustrations that weave together each universityβs colors, logos, and traditions. Beyond game day, the brand offers sorority-themed designs, along with pajamas, jewelry pouches, and other accessories.
Queen of Sparkles
Baton Rouge-based Queen of Sparkles adds unapologetic shine to game-day style. Founded by LSU graduate and former petroleum engineer Jaime Glas Odom (who first entered fashion with a line of flame-resistant jumpsuits for female engineers), the brand turns sequins, bold colors, and playful motifs into statement-making dresses, blouses, bottoms, sets, and more.
Avara
Dallas-based Avara delivers feel-good fashion with plenty of personality, and its Game Day Edit is no exception. Founded in 2018 by former finance professional Emily Wickard, the brand curates statement-making clothing and accessories designed to inspire winning confidence without sacrificing comfort.
Smith & Quinn Tailgate
Smith & Quinn Tailgate pairs comfortable preppiness with playful prints made for the stands. The brandβs new collection represents several SEC schools with dresses, skorts, tops, pullovers, menβs polos, and accessories. Trending bandana patterns, collegiate toile, and game day-ready color combinations offer a fresh alternative to traditional tees.
Gameday Boots
Gameday Boots lets fans wear their school pride from the ground up. Launched in Texas in 2010, the officially licensed brand offers collegiate western boots, rain boots, and accessories for men, women, and children. Each pair is handcrafted from premium leather, combining time-honored craftsmanship with team colors and logos.
FOR THE HOME & TAILGATE
FOSTER
Founded by Ole Miss alumnae and mother-daughter duo Kim Hackney and Frances Freeman, FOSTER turns school spirit into timeless pieces meant for far more than Saturdays in the stadium. The officially licensed lifestyle brand offers everything from pajamas and playing cards to table linens, tote bags, and diamond pendants. Its showstopping collegiate mahjong collections are especially noteworthy, featuring beautifully designed tiles inspired by each schoolβs beloved icons and traditions.
Pavilion Paper
The brainchild of SMU classmates, Pavilion Paper lends a sophisticated touch to disposable entertaining with biodegradable paper plates inspired by classic china patterns and contemporary art. Stylish enough for the prettiest tailgate spread, they donβt sacrifice style for easy cleanup.
Tart By Taylor
Dallas-based Tart By Taylor gives game-day entertaining a playful acrylic upgrade. Its collegiate coasters, trays, drinkware, buttons, and more bring plenty of pep to the spread β whether the tailgate is outside the stadium or in your own backyard.
FOR THE GENTS
GenTeal
Born over cocktails in Oxford, Mississippi, GenTeal blends quiet luxury with performance comfort across polos, quarter-zips, hoodies, vests, and accessories designed to transition seamlessly from the tailgate to postgame plans.
Onward Reserve
Athens-based Onward Reserve lends its signature Southern polish to game-day dressing. The brandβs extensive collegiate collection includes polos, button-downs, pullovers, hats, and accessories representing teams across the SEC and beyond. Consider it for the fan who prefers a polo to face paint.
Martin Dingman
Arkansas-based Martin Dingman adds refined craftsmanship to the well-dressed fanβs game-day lineup. Founded in 1990, the family-run brand creates timeless menswear and accessories, including collegiate woven belts inspired by the rugged elegance of the Ozarks. Consider them a reserved nod to school spirit β no oversized logo required.
Game on, readers!
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Anne Marie Hanna
An Ole Miss alum residing in Nashville, Anne Marie is passionate about telling the stories shaping the South. Outside of work, youβll likely find her on a porch with a coffee and a good book, gardening, listening to music, or enjoying time with friends and family.