Fake Fan or Just a Band

What you wear tells the people around you a little bit about yourself without having to say anything. New or second-hand, loud or quiet, branded or not, you choose your pieces with intent. The impression that your clothing leaves on others is a whole different conversation… 

One debate about everyday clothes that undeclared fashion-lovers have argued for years is whether you should be a fan of the graphics you wear. Especially for music fans, seeing someone wearing a Rolling Stones shirt might trigger the dreaded “Name five songs” demand, followed by a scoff and snide “poser” comment if they can’t name five. But was it ever really that serious?

First Impressions

Everyone has a different perspective of the world, which includes the first impressions they get of others — especially their clothes. Seeing someone in public who has a band or professional sports team on their shirt can be an exciting moment, and gives you an inkling that you and them could have that community in common. Penn State fourth-year and president of The LION 90.7fm, Arden Vaughan, 21, says it’s a great conversation starter: “I’ll be like ‘I love that band, too!’ and we’ll get into a good conversation about it”.

It’s clear that most people assume that if you’re wearing a logo, you’re familiar with what it stands for. Penn State fourth-year Andrew Valentine, 21, shares this sentiment: “I always assume that they know them pretty well or are familiar with it at least.” However, some people are a little too forward with that belief, almost as if they’re guarding the authentic fans from anyone that looks too suspicious.

There’s been times when I’ve been asked to name 3 songs. And while I think it’s weird to wear a shirt of a band you don’t listen to or know about, I think it’s weirder to ask someone to name 3 songs.

Arden Vaughan

Tie-Dye Pants, Fringed Shawls and Cowboy Hats

A T-shirt, at its best, is a sheet of printer paper with some cool drawing on it. The boxy top is possibly the most popular style of clothing item around the globe, so is wearing one with a logo really the best way to show your fan status?

Iconic artists and genres have an associated style whether intentional or not — Deadheads are seen plastered in psychedelic tie-dye everything, shawls adorn the ethereal Fleetwood Mac listeners (or anything that looks good while twirling) and country fans have their cowboy hats and boots, oftentimes custom-made. These items are popular on their own, but are unmistakably associated with the music. Vaughan, an avid 70’s rock lover, has noticed this in her personal wardrobe: “I take more style inspiration from the artists that I love. I feel like that’s how I express liking music.” 

Commitment Issues

Investing in pieces that you know you’ll have for years is important to anyone who knows their style. For some, the genuineness and longevity of clothes has gained importance as they’ve matured. Valentine notes this: “When I’m buying clothes as I get older, I want to wear stuff that’s more of an investment.” He says that while he used to be more liberal with the logos he would wear, buying an item with a graphic that he isn’t fully in love with seems like a waste of money now.

At the End of the Day

It’s important to consider what is more important: authenticity or self-content. Wearing logos with no personal connection can be a stark “No” for some, but to others that isn’t so important. “I don’t watch soccer, but I think the soccer long-sleeve jerseys are really cool”, says Valentine, who says that he would consider wearing something stylish even if he’s only a casual fan. 

Identity can play an important role in what you wear, too. Vaughan, like many others, roots for her teams from the peripheral: “I’m not the biggest sports person but I do think it’s a Philly identity more than anything”, she says as she mentions owning Eagles and Phillies gear.

Do you think band tees and team logos should only be worn by true fans? Tag us @VALLEYmag on Instagram and let us know!

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