Stadiums resounding with cheers, the Mexican Wave spreading throughout a frenzied crowd, floodlights brightening up the pitch and social media coming alive with tweets and posts in support of teams — the IPL fever has caught on, with the 11th season being ushered in with as much fervour as the previous seasons! One obvious way of showing solidarity to the team one supports is by donning the team’s merchandise.

Making a  statement!
Stadiums are divided into two distinct colours as more people resort to wearing T shirts and jerseys representing the team they cheer for. A lot of young fans are using the IPL merchandise to make fashion statements by using various accessories and sporting different styles that combine fashion and comfort. Prerna Sarkar, a city based fashion designer says, “IPL merchandise is becoming a fashion statement for the cricket fans. Not only are people wearing the official merchandise, but we also see T Shirts with team logos or slogans. Women sport sleeveless or spaghetti tops with their favourite logos and accessorise it with simple jewellery, an analog watch and a pair of shades. The merchandise has been personalised to suit the season.”

Home Jerseys all the way!
“I think right now, matches have become extremely interesting along with certain players being at the peak of their career so youngsters like us love going for matches wearing our home team jerseys because we feel like one among the crowd. I’d say wearing the team jersey is way better than a normal T shirt because we must make the most of it if as we are at the stadium supporting our teams. Jerseys with shorts are the most comfortable in this heat. Pants are also okay but jeans, for many people are a strict no-no considering the material. A cap and a pair of sunglasses are essentials for many. It is always better to wear shoes or closed footwear so that even if your feet sweat, you don’t slip in that kind of crowd!” says Ishita Lamba, a BA student at Christ University and a fashion entrepreneur.

Fashion with comfort!
 “Since it’s summer, the merchandise also suits the season. Crop tops of the team merchandise is what I’ve noticed a lot of women wearing. People don’t always wear jeans. They wear shorts and many women wear miniskirts as well. Accessories like wristbands or shades are only used to enhance the look, not complete it. Cateye shades are back in fashion and a lot of people sport those. Sporty looks always combine fashion with comfort!” comments Megha Varshini, a fashion blogger.   

Team merchandise is selling like hotcakes this season as people gear up to cheer their throats hoarse for their home teams at the stadium and show their solidarity.