Showing Your Colors: A Guide to Patriotic Apparel

May 1, 2024

Patriotic apparel allows people to display their national pride and love for their country outwardly.

This style of clothing features the colors, symbols, and graphics associated with a particular nation, most commonly using red, white, and blue in the United States. Patriotic clothing has a long history and serves many purposes for the people who wear it.

A Brief History of Patriotic Apparel

Patriotic clothing emerged in the United States during the American Revolution as a way for citizens to demonstrate their support for independence. Seamstresses sewed flags and other patriotic symbols onto dresses and coats. Following the Revolutionary War, wearing patriotic colors and symbols continued as a celebration of America’s newfound freedom and democracy.

During the Civil War era, women frequently wore patriotic shawls and sashes with Union or Confederate flag motifs to show their allegiance. At the turn of the 20th century, clothing with patriotic designs became popular souvenirs for travelers and those celebrating holidays like the Fourth of July.

When the United States entered World Wars I and II, citizens wore patriotic-themed clothing to symbolize their nationalism and pride in being American. Apparel like “victory suits” and colorful Hawaiian shirts gained widespread appeal during wartime.

In modern times, patriotic clothing remains popular as a way to support troops, show American pride, celebrate holidays, participate in political activism, or simply as a fashion statement. Major events like 9/11 have also sparked increased interest in wearing patriotic apparel.

Why Do People Wear Patriotic Apparel?

Americans wear patriotic apparel for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common motivations include:

To Show National Pride: Many people wear patriotic-themed clothing to outwardly express their pride in being American. This allows them to display their patriotism and feel a sense of belonging to their country.
To Promote Patriotism: Some wear patriotic apparel in hopes of encouraging patriotism in others. This is especially common around holidays like Independence Day, Memorial Day, and Veterans Day.
To Support the Troops: By wearing clothing with flag motifs, camouflage prints, and military graphics, Americans can visually demonstrate their support for service members and veterans.
To Feel Connected to a Community: For those in certain professions like firefighting, law enforcement, and the military, wearing patriotic apparel helps foster a sense of community with their fellow colleagues and Americans who support them.
To Make a Statement: People sometimes use patriotic clothing to make political, social, or religious statements. For example, pairing an American flag with a Christian cross or political slogan.
To Honor Victims: Following events like 9/11 and school shootings, wearing patriotic colors and symbols is a way to pay tribute to those who lost their lives.
For Fashion: Some simply wear patriotic styles because they find them aesthetically pleasing as a fashion choice.

Different Styles of Patriotic Apparel

There are many ways to incorporate patriotic styles into your wardrobe:

T-shirts: T-shirts with American flag graphics, Uncle Sam images, and patriotic slogans are a go-to choice. Variations include tank tops, V-necks, long sleeves, etc.
Hats: Baseball caps, trucker hats, and visors featuring flag patterns are popular patriotic accessories. Beanies and straw hats can also incorporate red, white, and blue themes.
Hoodies: For a casual patriotic look, hoodies and sweatshirts with flag designs or Americana graphics are perfect.
Sweatshirts: Crew neck, zip-up, and pullover sweatshirts lend themselves well to patriotic motifs.
Dresses and Skirts: Flags, stars, and patriotic color schemes can embellish dresses and skirts for women.
Jewelry: Necklaces, bracelets, rings, earrings, and pins with American flag charms, red white and blue beads, and similar patriotic-themed elements.
Swimwear: American flag print bikinis, one-piece suits, and swim trunks are popular for beach and pool gatherings.
Shoes: Footwear like sneakers, sandals, and boots can incorporate flags, patriotic colors, and other symbols.
Ties and Scarves: Men’s ties are available in flag patterns and patriotic color schemes. Women’s scarves can also feature stars, flags, and other Americana graphics.
Socks: Fun patriotic dress socks display flags, fireworks, and red, white, and blue stripes.
Bandanas: Traditional Americana bandanas are designed with American flag motifs.
Leggings: Flexible leggings allow women to add flag prints, red and blue stripes, and star patterns to their outfits.
Undergarments: Even undergarments like bras, underwear, and undershirts can be found with discreet American flag embellishments.

Choosing Quality Patriotic Apparel

When shopping for patriotic clothing, keep these tips in mind:

Look for well-made garments: Focus on quality construction and materials. Well-made pieces last longer and maintain their patriotic embellishments through repeated wear and washings.
Consider the fit: Look for a flattering and comfortable fit. Patriotic clothing runs the gamut from tightly fitted to loose and flowing. Find cuts that suit your size and style preferences.
Think about the design: Make sure the colors, symbols, and graphics align with the statement you want your clothing to make. Subtle details or bold patriotic motifs can project different vibes.
Match the item to the occasion: Some patriotic apparel works for everyday wear, while other pieces make more sense for holidays, political events, and patriotic celebrations.
Buy authentic styles: When possible, look for companies that manufacture their patriotic clothing in the United States using domestic materials. These tend to be of higher quality.
Check sizing charts: Since patriotic clothing encompasses casual and specialty pieces, sizing can vary. Consult individual sizing guides to get the right fit.
Consider care instructions: Especially for decorated pieces, check if the item requires special washing or drying to maintain its patriotic design.

Beyond the Clothing: Other Ways to Express Patriotism

In addition to wearing patriotic-themed apparel, there are plenty of other avenues for displaying national pride and patriotism:

Get Involved in Your Community: Volunteering, voting, attending local events, and joining community organizations help strengthen your town or city and our democracy as a whole.
Learn About Your Country’s History: Reading books, visiting museums, talking to veterans, and seeking educational opportunities allows people to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for America’s complex narrative.
Support Local Businesses: Buying American-made products, shopping at farmer’s markets, and investing in community-based businesses keeps money closer to home and supports jobs.
Vote and Participate in the Democratic Process: Exercising your right to vote, contacting political representatives, attending rallies, and staying civically engaged are foundational acts of patriotism.
Travel Within the Country: Exploring America’s landscapes, cultures, landmarks, and cities fosters a sense of wonder about the United States.
Promote American Arts and Culture: Attend performances, appreciate visual arts, learn musical traditions, and support creative pursuits from across the country.
Conserve Natural Resources: Preserving America’s natural wonders like mountains, forests, lakes, and wilderness spaces demonstrates a patriotic sense of stewardship.
Thank Veterans and Service Members: Something as simple as thanking those who serve our country means a lot in showing support.

Where to Find Patriotic Apparel

Luckily, patriotic clothing and accessories can be found at all sorts of retailers:

Department stores: Stores like Macy’s, JCPenney, and Kohl’s carry patriotic-themed apparel from brands like Nike, Ralph Lauren, and Tommy Hilfiger. Items range from high-end to budget-friendly.
Sporting goods stores: Athletically inclined retailers such as Dick’s Sporting Goods and Academy Sports offer patriotic activewear like leggings, jerseys, joggers, and athletic shorts.
Online retailers: Websites like Amazon, Etsy, and eBay feature a wide selection of patriotic apparel spanning casual, formal, novelty, and specialty pieces.
Specialty stores: Companies like Eagle Six Gear focus exclusively on patriotic clothing and gifts ranging from hats and hoodies to jewelry and pet apparel.
Uniform outfitters: Businesses that sell uniforms often offer occupational apparel with patriotic details for military personnel, police, firefighters, EMTs, and others.
Craft and fabric stores: For do-it-yourself projects, stores like Jo-Ann Fabrics and Michael’s sell patriotic fabrics, patterns, embroidery supplies, and craft notions.

Patriotic-themed clothing allows everyday Americans to wear their love for their country proudly. This style provides a tangible way to show patriotic spirit, honor the nation’s history, support worthy causes, and find a sense of community. With so many styles and shopping options, it’s easy to dress your whole family in red, white, and blue.