Today, in honor of the Super Bowl (of which I will only be watching Halftime and the commercials), I would like to pay homage to the sports of the past. While the games themselves have barely changed over the decades, the same cannot be said for the uniforms. As fashions have mutated from era to era, things like costumes and uniforms have adapted as well, so as not to appear outdated. While this post might rankle those who believe that fashion and sports are completely unrelated, I stick to my belief that fashion can be found in anything, and now I’m going to prove it to you!

Baseball

Warm-Up: Known as “America’s Pastime”, you can’t get much more patriotic than baseball. Despite various scandals over the century, baseball has retained its’ wholesome reputation and is still just as popular as ever. Though I am a White Sox fan, these Cubs uniforms show how much things have changed in 80 years.

Stats: Above are the uniforms from the 1930’s, which are much boxier and preppier than those worn today (below). Although the vertical stripes have remained, the logo is much more modern, the hats are much harder, and the pants are much longer.

Score: I personally am going to have to give it to the vintage uniforms. Although they are not particularly flattering, there is a whimsy to them that makes the game seem even more fun.

Basketball

Warm-Up: My personal favorite sport (to watch, not play obviously), basketball has evolved from a street game to one of the biggest modern sports empires. While I am a Chicago Bulls fan for many reasons, one thing I truly love is how clean and simple their uniforms are.

Stats: The biggest difference between the uniforms of the 1970’s and today is the length of the shorts. As the decades wore on, I guess someone thought it was a good idea to lengthen the shorts, add protective knee socks, and allow tattoos (and yes that is Derrick Rose dominating the court). Also, check out that ‘fro—awesome!

Score: Call me old-fashioned, but I love the short shorts of the old uniforms. No, not because I am a pervert! I just think that men’s shorts shouldn’t go below their knees—on or off the court.

Cheerleading

Warm-Up: I genuinely do believe that cheerleading is a sport. Although traditionally cheerleaders were solely there to support the team and entertain the crowd, the sport has become formidable in its own right with competitions that show true athleticism and talent.

Stats: The opposite predicament of the basketball uniforms, these skirts were taken up—way up! The 1960’s uniforms mainly consisted of bulky sweaters, knee-length skirts, and bobby socks. They were obviously more interested in comfort and warmth (cute mittens!) than sex appeal. The same cannot be said for the uniforms from today, which are basically just strips of decorative fabric. More aerodynamic, yes. More fashionable? We’ll see.

Score: Okay, now you’re really going to call me old-fashioned, but I prefer the 1960’s outfit. Maybe it is because when I think cheerleader, I immediately see Rydell High…

Football

Warm-Up: No matter how many times it is explained to me, I will never fully understand football. All I know is that it is massively popular. High school kids, college kids, and people all over the country are obsessed with watching these big men tackle each other. Do I get it? No. Do I wish I did?…No.

Stats: The Chicago Bears, who are (unsurprisingly, sorry dad) not in the Super Bowl, were not nearly as protected in the 1940’s as they are today. While there was some padding under those sweaters, their shins and faces were largely exposed. Obviously after many years and many, many injuries, we are left with the massive, hugely padded uniforms of today.

Score: For once, I actually prefer the uniforms from now. Safety first, boys!

Tennis

Warm-Up: Although I almost never follow it, I actually find tennis extremely interesting. The players seem so focused and dedicated and, unlike other sports, they are usually alone on the court, with no other team members to back them up if they fail. This individuality is why tennis stars are often so controversial, making the game even more exciting.

Stats: In the 1970’s fashion played a huge role in the tennis uniforms. Sweatbands were ubiquitous as a sign of both endurance and style, while outfits consisted of wide lapels and trendy track jackets. Today, there is much more emphasis on product placement and advertising, the visor has replaced the sweatband, and players are more athletic than runway-ready.

Score: Sorry, Maria. I love the tennis fashions from before Nike and Adidas splashed themselves all over the court. A sparkly button-down jumpsuit is always the best choice!