Tailgate Trends: What’s Hot in Game Day Fashion for 2025 🏈✨
by Kenzie Burrows
July 16, 2025
As fall approaches and game day excitement kicks into high gear, boutique owners have an opportunity to lead the pack by stocking the freshest looks for tailgate season. Here’s a look at the top game-day trends for 2025 — and why they matter for your store.

1. Two-Toned Trucker Hats Still Reign Supreme
Cute trucker hats continue to dominate the tailgate style scene — think bold statements, bright fonts, and funny slogans. Women of all ages love the mix of attitude and ease that these hats bring. Stock fun sayings like “I'm Nicer When I'm Tipsy” "I Heart Touchdowns” or “When's Halftime?”—they’re perfect for mixing and matching with other tailgate-ready pieces.
2. Graphic Tees Go Team-Neutral
This season, it’s all about game day tees that keep the vibe fun and universal. Instead of locking into specific team logos or colors, customers are gravitating toward tees with bold, playful sayings and eye-catching graphics that work for any fan.
By stocking team-neutral designs, shoppers can easily style these tees with their favorite team’s colors — think pairing a neutral “Game Day Social Club” tee with a team-colored jacket or layering it with spirited accessories. This flexibility lets them show off their team pride while still rocking a trendy, everyday-friendly look.
Plus, these versatile sayings make the tees more wearable beyond the game, turning them into year-round bestsellers for your boutique. Stock cute women's graphic tees this game day season.
3. Sling Bags & Crossbody Bags for Hands-Free Action
Tailgates are made for mingling — and no one wants to juggle a big handbag. Slim sling bags and sporty crossbody bags are hot in 2025. Customers want options that hold the essentials, yet still fit with the casual energy of the event. Style these on mannequins with trucker hats to spark mix-and-match styling and boost upsells.
4. Lightweight Layers
Fans are pairing effortless layers with laid-back style. Think cute quilted jackets or open front cardigans over graphic tees. These pieces help customers stay comfortable as the weather shifts from tailgate to stadium to post-game hangouts.
5. Host a Game Day Kickoff Event to Drive Excitement
One of the best ways to celebrate the start of game day season — and boost sales — is by hosting an in-store kickoff event. Creating a fun, energetic atmosphere gives customers an experience they’ll remember (and share!).
Set the vibe with themed decorations like “Game Day Vibes” signs, mini tailgate setups, or a photo booth complete with pom-poms and team-colored props. Offer exclusive perks during the event, like first dibs on new Katydid arrivals, special discounts on game day bundles, or a gift with purchase.
Get creative with activations:
-
A hat customization station where customers can add patches or pins to their Katydid trucker hats.
-
A “Build Your Game Day Look” styling bar, helping shoppers mix and match tees, hats, and accessories.
-
Complimentary snacks and cocktails to create a true tailgate feel.
Encouraging guests to take photos and tag your boutique not only builds buzz but also spreads your store’s branding to new audiences. An in-store event like this turns casual browsers into loyal customers and positions your boutique as the go-to spot for game day fashion.

Why These Trends Matter for Boutique Owners
-
Impulse-Worthy Styles: Trucker hats, tumblers, and graphic tees are affordable, fun grabs that boost average transactions.
-
Ready-Made Outfits: Pairing hats, tees, and bags creates instant outfit bundles — easy for customers, profitable for you.
-
Instagramable Displays: Tailgate isn’t just an event; it’s a lifestyle moment. Smart visuals drive social shares and brand buzz.
-
Relevance & Versatility: Game-day fashion now spans age groups, genders, and fan bases — offering more opportunities to sell.
Tap into these game-day trends now and give early-season shoppers the fresh, spirited ensembles they won't find anywhere else. With the right mix of playful products and smart merchandising, your boutique can own the 2025 tailgate scene.
Don’t forget to shop Katydid’s Wholesale Game Day Collection and explore our new fall wholesale arrivals — packed with must-have outerwear, on-trend matching sets, new handbags, and accessories designed to help your customers cheer in style all season long.
Share:
Kenzie Burrows
Author