Two months ago, when the first week of classes began, I loved seeing all the carefully curated outfits Villanovans would wear around campus. They were perfect blends of the latest trends (think jersey-print or American-flag graphics, chunky gold jewelry, slicked-back updos and a mix of oversized and fitted items) and every person’s unique style choices, and the combinations other students put together inspired me to try and put my best foot forward each day. However, as the weather has gotten colder, our workloads have increased and the prospect of doing laundry seems less and less bearable, a new campus uniform has re-emerged: Villanova merchandise.
Unlike the cynics I’ve overheard on campus, complaining that it was only a matter of time before we made the switch to Villanova sweatpants and hoodies, I’m a supporter of merch as an underrated option for on or off-campus attire. Number one, as temperatures drop and we refuse to layer up in bulky winter coats, sweatshirts from the bookstore or online shop can be a convenient happy medium between heavy layers and the warm-weather clothes we opted for just last month. Next, most merchandise can be easily dressed up or down, depending on how it’s paired with other clothes. Some of my favorite outfits I’ve spotted on campus (or my Instagram feed) are as follows:
- For a run to Holy Grounds or a day at Suburban Square with friends, a vintage Villanova crew neck with baggy jeans.
- For spending hours in Falvey during exam seasons, a favorite ‘Nova hoodie with one’s go-to sweatpants.
- For game days, a Villanova graphic baby tee with a tennis skirt and blue-and-teal Adidas Sambas that match the iconic school colors.
- For gym day, the new matching sets from the bookstore, paired with the Lululemon “V” quarter-zips.
One of the perks of our merch, too, is that our colors are pretty wearable and don’t clash with most of the items that students already have in their wardrobes. Blue and white are pretty common as staples in lots of closets, so we should be grateful. Not to mention that the popularity of our merch on campus is a testament to Villanovans’ spirit for their school.
“I think a lot of students wear Villanova merch to classes, so it’s definitely a good option, because it builds a sense of community,” junior Phoebe Swiatek said.
However, merch can often be expensive for someone on a budget who is already paying for tuition, a meal plan, books and other necessities. While it can be a convenient, popular option, many students have weighed these benefits against the costs of what seems to be a high price for Villanova pride.
“I love wearing my Villanova merch, and I wish I had more I could wear, but some of the prices are just not in a range that I can afford at the moment,” freshman Juliet Cimaglia said, echoing the sentiment that remains a barrier for a significant number of Villanovans. Further, the distance between the main source of Villanova merch (the St. Mary’s bookstore on West Campus) and the residence halls, academic buildings and study spaces where students spend most of their day makes fewer options accessible to the average Villanovan. Oftentimes, the hike can’t be justified, leaving students with even fewer choices.
However, there are plenty of alternatives online for anyone looking to get their fix of Villanova-themed gear. Along with the bookstore’s website, Etsy is a great resource that allows for plenty of custom-made items and opportunities to support smaller businesses. Depop provides a range of vintage wear from previous championships and other events, while shops like Hype and Vice, Tillies, Hollister and Urban Outfitters are great go-tos for either web purchases or trips to King of Prussia. All in all, one thing is clear: if one’s outfit incorporates some Villanova spirit and looks stylish, too, they can’t go wrong.
