What to Wear to an Iowa State Game: Iowa State Cyclones Gameday Outfit Guide

Whether you're headed to a home game in Ames, IA, watching with friends, or just repping the Cyclones on a regular Tuesday, this guide covers what to wear, how the pieces fit, and the best Iowa State gifts. Every piece below is officially licensed by Iowa State University and designed by UPSIDE, with the school name flipped upside down so it stands out in a sea of cardinal and gold.

The best Iowa State apparel right now

These are the pieces Iowa State fans reach for most, from the varsity hoodie to the mesh shorts that show up at every tailgate.

Iowa State Varsity Hoodie$80 $98Iowa State Essentials Oversized Tee$65Iowa State Varsity Mesh Shorts$60 $80Iowa State Cyclones Mini Mesh Shorts$40 $50Iowa State Mesh Shorts | Exclusive$65Iowa State Established Hoodie$70

How to dress for an Iowa State game

Fall in Ames, IA turns cold quickly, so plan on layers: start with a tee early in the season and lean on the hoodie once the temperature drops.

• Early-season game: Warm early-season afternoons still call for something light. Wear: Iowa State Essentials Oversized Tee, Iowa State Varsity Mesh Shorts.
• Cold-weather game: Layer up over a long sleeve and you're set for the stands. Wear: Iowa State Varsity Hoodie.
• Everyday on campus: The pieces you'll actually reach for all year. Wear: Iowa State Varsity Hoodie, Iowa State Essentials Oversized Tee.

Iowa State tailgate essentials

Tailgates are long, so comfort matters as much as color. Mesh shorts are the easiest piece to live in all day, an oversized tee layers over anything, and a hat handles sun and bad hair days alike. If the game runs late, toss the hoodie in the car.

Sizing and fit

• Hoodies: Iowa State Varsity Hoodie comes in XS/S, M/L, XL/XXL.
• Tees: the Iowa State Essentials Oversized Tee comes in S, M, L, XL, XXL and is cut oversized, so size down for a closer fit.
• Mesh shorts: Iowa State Varsity Mesh Shorts comes in XS/S, M/L, XL/XXL.
• Mini mesh shorts: Iowa State Cyclones Mini Mesh Shorts comes in XS, S, M, L.

Not sure? Size exchanges are free, so you can swap if something doesn't fit right.

Iowa State gift ideas

Shopping for a student, a new admit, a proud parent or an alum? These are easy wins:

• Under $50: Iowa State Cyclones Mini Mesh Shorts ($40), Iowa State Mesh Shorts ($40).
• The bigger gift: Iowa State Varsity Mesh Shorts ($60), Iowa State Essentials Oversized Tee ($65), Iowa State Mesh Shorts | Exclusive ($65).
• The full fit: pair a hoodie or tee with shorts to hit free shipping at $125.

Why the Iowa State logo is upside down

The upside-down print is UPSIDE's signature. It flips tradition for fans who want their Iowa State pride to look different from what everyone else bought at the bookstore, while staying officially licensed. Read more about the meaning behind upside-down apparel, or see the Iowa State collection launch.

Iowa State apparel FAQ

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