Tailgate trends: Parents cheer youth sports in custom fashions

Weekends on Long Island, local sports stands have their own uniform: jeans, layers and a spark of personality. Sweatshirts in bold hues, charm necklaces and subtle touches of sparkle turn sideline spectating into something more than watching the game. From Massapequa to Middle Island, Long Islanders are showing up not just to cheer, but to do it with style. 

Anne Trapani, 36, of Massapequa, has been sewing since childhood, but it wasn’t until she moved to Long Island during the pandemic that she started turning old jerseys into something worth a double-take. As her sons, Michael, 12, and Vinny, 8, became more involved in competitive football and lacrosse teams, Trapani wanted to elevate her game day style.  "I’ve always worn the standard stuff to games," she says, "but I thought, why not make something a lot cooler?"

 Trapani is part of a growing wave of Long Islanders who are reimagining sideline style. What used to be an afterthought— sweatshirts, team logos and chilly morning layers— has become a chance to show personality and pride. Across the Island, from youth football to lacrosse tournaments, bleachers have become an unofficial runway for parents who see fashion as another way to cheer on their kids.

Trapani's latest creation, a bright yellow Massapequa football jersey cinched at the waist with elastic rows, has earned more than 600,000 views on TikTok. In her viral video, she pairs it with her favorite studded jeans and a belt. "When in doubt, favorite jeans," she says. "A belt just adds a little life."

For Trapani, styling starts with a base piece, something she loves and feels confident in. "I build around pieces I enjoy wearing, like jeans I feel confident in," she says. "Then it’s easier to go out of my comfort zone, like a loud jersey."

On windy Long Island fields, layering is nonnegotiable. Trapani mixes leggings, loungewear, leather jackets and blazers. She tops it off with charm necklaces featuring initials, footballs, lacrosse sticks or jersey numbers. "It’s another way to support my kids without relying on logos," she says.

 "It makes me feel special when I see my mom cheering for me," Michael says. "She can make anything. I'm so proud of my mom."

Michael and Vinny both play football for the Massapequa Mustangs and lacrosse for the Massapequa Mohawks and Team 91, a club travel team.   "We’re a sports-centric town," she says. "As parents, we put in the hours with our kids and watch them succeed. Showing up for them, and looking good doing it, is part of the fun."

Her husband, Michael, agrees. "I love to see Anne use her style and fashion creativity in a way that celebrates our sons."

Moms as standout spectators

Across Long Island, moms are turning the stands into a sideline runway. At Longwood Lions youth football games in Middle Island, Jaime Carfora, 39, wears a sweatshirt that reads, "I’ll always be your biggest fan," with her 11-year-old son Joey’s name and number, crafted by a fellow mom. 

Tourie Haynes, 32, Sheryl Hill, 33, and Dawn Richards, 47, wear sweatshirts split between a lion’s face and their child’s portrait, also handmade. Jasmine Smith, 45, adds sparkle to her 11-year-old son Aden's jersey with the word "Mom" in glitter in green, the Longwood Lions' team color.

Green-and-gold necklaces, heart-shaped sunglasses and shiny football pendants complete the looks, blending flair with function. 

Trapani recalls her first venture into jersey-remaking in 2020: "I transformed a basic T-shirt into a vest, and it felt so empowering. Suddenly something ordinary became personal and playful." Her creations now include layered vests, color-blocked jerseys and even puffer jackets revamped from old team gear. "Once you start experimenting, it’s hard to stop," she says.

Retail ready for fans

Long Island shops are noticing the trend. Lifestyles Sports (lifestylessports.com, 1901 Wantagh Ave., 516-781-8070) in Wantagh stocks oversized sweatshirts ($25-$40), wearable sports wraps ($80-$100), wide-leg sweatpants, trucker hats and retro matching sets.

Personalized logos, color-blocking and old-school designs are especially popular. "From elementary flag football to high school and college, moms are showing team pride in every way," co-owner Taylor Dimitrakakis says.

Trapani blends purchased pieces with her DIY wardrobe. "I’ll find fun pants to pair with a plain sweatshirt, throw on a leather jacket or blazer, and suddenly it feels like a complete outfit," she says. "You don’t have to buy everything new. You can mix what you already have."

Layers, accessories and confidence

Practicality matters, but flair is mandatory. Wearable blankets, oversized sweatshirts and wide-leg pants keep moms cozy during long games. Hats protect from sun or wind, while charm necklaces, scarves, and playful jewelry add personality. “Accessories add an extra dimension to your look. They make it fun and let you express yourself while supporting your kids. Have fun with it," Trapani says. "Comfort matters, but don’t be afraid to try something new. You’ll feel good, look good, and your kids will love it too."