What are you going to wear? Sometimes it’s good to look at a few suggestions then add your own tweaks and ideas. That’s what these are for. It’s an annual tradition in America. We’re almost to that time of the spring when workplace productivity grinds to a halt, all so we can watch institutes of higher learning play games of basketball against each other in which the actual athletes don’t get a cold, spendable dime from the gazillions of revenue generated. Does it make sense? Absolutely not! Is it still fun? Completely. Let’s do this. Top Photo: S. Buyansky
The Jeans: Levi’s 541 Athletic Fit Jean – $49.99. Not a bad, affordable option for guys with quads and calves that might actually provide them with the hops to dunk (or, at least touch the rim… maybe… on a good day). 99% cotton and 1% elastane, but the blend does feel much more comfortable than you’d expect. Extra room for bootyliciousness and thunder-thighs.
The Sunglasses: Ray-Ban Rubber Frame RB4201 – $77.07. The games start early, so if you’re headed to spend the afternoon in the dark seclusion of a sports bar with pals, you’ll need some sun protection for the trip down. Great aviator shape. Matte rubber frame. Full review here.
The Alma Mater track jacket/lightweight zip: Prices Vary. SKIP THE BULKY SWEATSHIRTS. They add 20 pounds, plus if the bar is warm, you’ll be sweating like a Hog in August by halftime. Bonus points if your squad isn’t in the tournament. Double bonus points if they’re not even in Division I and you still wear it for watching tournament games. Styling on this kind of fan gear can be so-so at best, but a little well placed school pride can add to the fun. Just keep it in perspective Wooderson.
The Watch: Seiko SSC293P2 Solar Chrono – $181. This is a good time for something that can withstand the shock of smacking a table in disappointment/disbelief, and the spilled beer that follows thereafter. That, and Seiko’s solar “compass” chrono looks terrific on a black nylon band.
The T-Shirt: Banana Republic Vintage Colorblock Tee – $29.50. Perfectly simple without being plain, and a real interesting blend: 65% Polyester, 25% Cotton, and 10%… Linen. Could be a good mix between softness and texture? Always on sale.
The Belt: J. Crew Braided Web Belt – $29.62 w/ SHOPMORE ($39.50). Luke from accounting ordered another pitcher (of course you’re prepared and have a cab company on speed dial) and another batch of fries for the table. Now’s a good time for a belt that can forgive a little.
The Sneakers: Made in the USA PF Flyers Center Hi – $149.99. I’m sorry… WHAT? Made in the states? Fantastic stuff. And it looks like they’ve upgraded the components to try and make that high price more palatable. 14 oz. heavy weight canvas exteriors, a leather cap toe as well as eyelet row, and they’re even lined in soft pig skin. A total splurge, and regular PF Flyers or Converse would do great here, but still worth a glance (if not more).
The Bracket Updating Tool: Red Sharpie 12-Pack – $5.99. The kids probably do this on their phones now, no? But it’s so much more satisfying to scribble out your frustrations all over your sheet when it goes up in smoke.
The Entry Fee/Cash. Don’t be the deadbeat that doesn’t pay up, still turns a sheet in, and the pool organizer has to track you down at the end for your fee because you were out before the end of the first weekend. Pay before the games tip off.