University Branded Clothing: A Review

A statement of pride over a statement of style

University branded clothing and accessories... Not exactly the height of fashion, to be fair. Then again, such clothing isn't about being fashionable - more about student identity and university pride. 

With the university's name or logo stitched into the material, university clothing is almost - in a way - uniform. Not that everyone has to wear it, mind you. I, for example, have yet to purchase any BU branded clothing from the Student Union shop (see right).

But many students have done. And the logo or university name... It's a label. Not a designer label expressing they can afford the priciest clothes on offer, but a label expressing a belonging with that particular university or college.

The university hoodie, for instance, albeit the most expensive choice, is the most popular when it comes to university clothing - probably because it's so practical in keeping students warm when the weather turns chilly. But regardless of the weather, a university hoodie - or any university branded clothing for that matter - screams to the world where a person studies or has studied, thus giving a glimpse into their identity and conveying a sense of pride in their uni.

So in essence, university branded clothing is more a statement of pride than a statement of fashion. I'm not saying uni clothing can't be made to look amazing in an outfit - I'll probably find someone on campus one day who'll do just that. But in all fairness, the important message it expresses isn't that you look fabulous in your hoodie, but rather you feel fabulous attending your uni.

Anime Club, Bournemouth University

I said I'd take photos of amazing fancy dress, so here we are... Bournemouth 

University Anime Club, dressed up in a bid to gather extra members. The two 

individuals on the left have particularly awesome costumes, in my opinion. And

in case you're wondering, members don't have to dress up like this all the time.

(For more information, visit their official Facebook page)

On campus, Bournemouth University

A thick knitted cable dress and a faux fur coat may make this outfit appear
somewhat top-heavy, but when applied correctly, top-heavy arrangements such
as this can be particularly stylish. However, what makes Anushka's outfit really
stand out for me is the grey trilby perched on her head and her long dark hair
flowing from beneath it. Even the smallest details can make a big difference.