A How-To Guide to Build Your Homemade Bears Fan Tailgating Outfit
Tailgating for a Chicago Bears game is more than just grilling out and drinking before kickoff. The camaraderie and exhibition of enthusiasm for the Bears is a huge part of what makes a tailgating experience one to be remembered and cherished. Besides decking out your tailgating vehicle, the best way to show your team spirit is a Bears tailgating outfit. You can be part of the pack by purchasing commonly worn items from the Bears Pro Shop, the official store of the Chicago Bears. However, a great way to save money, stand out and create a unique look all your own is to make a homemade Bears fan tailgating outfit.
Iron On
Iron On Patch Shop offers a large variety of Chicago Bears patches for around $3 a piece. They vary from the official Bears logo to the mascot and helmets. This is a great way to personalize a favorite comfortable shirt or plain sweatshirt for a tailgating event. A fun add-on to make it even more customized is to use iron-on letters like from Dritz or SEI. This is a great way to add your own personal statement on your clothes like, "I tailgate better than you!" or "#1 Chicago Bears Fan!" This same detail can be added to sweatpants or jeans to create a fully embellished outfit for your tailgate game day.
Related: The Personalities of Bears Tailgating Lots
Face Paint
Painted faces have been ways to show team spirit for all types of different sporting events from hockey to football. However, many people find full face paint to be overly obnoxious and a bit hindering for hours of tailgating and then during the game. The Chicago Bears NFL Fan Face is a way to create the illusion of having full face paint without the nuisance of actually painting your face. However, the popularity of this mask is usually a fan favorite at tailgating events, so making your own custom mask is a fun way to stand apart from the pack. Simply purchase a plastic white full mask or even a plain hockey mask and paint it with the Chicago Bears colors and unique designs to result in a unique tailgating mask that can be easily removed while grilling and mingling.
Related: Tailgate Parking Tips For Soldier Field
Winter Gear
Weather-appropriate clothing items for facing Chicago winters is crucial in tailgating at Soldier Field. You can easily make homemade Bears fan tailgating gear by simply purchasing some orange and blue yarn at your local crafts store. Thread pieces into the fingertips of some inexpensive knit gloves and the effect will be spirit finger pom poms for a homemade tailgating outfit. The same technique can be done on the top of a simple knit stocking cap to create a Bears-themed hat. You can also sew in yarn threads to the end of a plain scarf to complete your winter gear ensemble.
Accessories
Just as accessories pull together any other outfit, it can definitely be the way to complete your tailgating look. Women can paint their nails in alternating Bears nail polish shades, while men can add Chicago Bears stickers to the corners or sides of their sunglasses. Stickers can also be added to plain earrings or pendants to make for additional added attention to your accessories. The best way to utilize this motif is by picking an earring or pendant that has a broad smooth surface. This ensures optimal space for sticker placement and a smooth, unwrinkled placement. The overall result will be a customized Bears look without having to purchase actual Bears jewelry.
Check out Tailgate Fan to keep the party going at tailgatefan.cbslocal.com.
Sara Lugardo is a Korean American who thrives in writing about community news in Chicago. She has a Bachelor's in Communication and is currently working on her Master's. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
