Bleeding blue the vintage way

While walking around Kroger Field on a crisp fall Saturday or getting around buzzing crowds at Rupp Arena on a winter game night, you’re surrounded by a sea of Kentucky blue. Everywhere you look, it’s fresh jerseys, dresses and new hats, but every so often, someone stands out, for something that has lasted a couple of years of gamedays. 

Lately, it feels like throwback outfits are everywhere. From a vintage letterman jacket to a crewneck with the faded logo, they’re making an appearance not only in stadiums but around campus, too. 

When walking around the University of Kentucky, you’ll see students wear vintage Wildcats gear to class, study nights or around Lexington. It’s less about what sweatshirt you have from the bookstore and more about standing out in a way that feels unique. 

Part of the fun in finding these vintage pieces is the hunt. By looking online, local thrift shops, vintage racks and even family closets to find something to steal for the next game. 

When trying to find the perfect UK vintage piece, it can feel daunting. There’s so much you’re jealous of people wearing, wishing you found that earlier, but overtime it becomes easier and easier.

If you don’t want to do all the digging for vintage pieces yourself, stop by a local Lexington vintage store. They have specifically curated University of Kentucky gear and although it may be marked higher than at a thrift store, you’re guaranteed to find some good pieces. 

For places you know have good UK gear, try Street Scene, POPS Resale and Vintage Therapy, which even partnered with UK Men’s Basketball for a vintage UK gear summer lifestyle shoot, according to their Instagram.

If you’re looking to have the full experience, take some of your friends and go thrifting in the Lexington area. Sure, you may exactly find what you want, but at places like Goodwill, The Salvation Army Thrift Store and Lexington’s  Peddler’s Mall, you can have the fun of digging for your next gameday piece. 

If you ever have a specific thing you know you want to wear for your next game or just want to add it to your closet, you can always try online shopping. Students throughout UK’s campus are always trying to create a side hustle of selling vintage UK items, as well as people on apps like Poshmark or Depop. From one search bar of Kentucky crewneck, you can find hundreds. 

At the end of the day, in a sea of Kentucky blue, why not have something that stands out with a little piece of history behind it.