Sports fashion has long been dominated by oversized T-shirts and generic merchandise, but Kristin Juszczyk is changing that narrative. The founder of Off Season has teamed up with Major League Baseball to launch a six-style capsule collection that merges style with sports fandom. This collaboration marks a significant milestone for the growing label, which was inspired by the custom looks Juszczyk designed to support her husband, San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk.
The collection, now available at Urban Outfitters and debuted during the MLB All-Star Weekend. It features a range of chic and stylish pieces, from ruched tops to lightweight track jackets, all designed to appeal to the modern sports fan. Juszczyk’s vision is to redefine what fan apparel can look like, particularly for women, by incorporating current fashion trends into sportswear.
Inspiration and Design Philosophy
Juszczyk’s design process is deeply rooted in her love for sports and fashion. She finds inspiration by attending games and observing what women wear. Her goal is to bridge the gap between current fashion trends and sports apparel, creating pieces that are both stylish and functional. This approach has allowed her to spot gaps in the market and develop unique, innovative designs.
The MLB collection is a testament to this philosophy. Each piece is designed to feel true to the league and the team while still being recognizable as Off Season. The collaboration with Urban Outfitters is particularly exciting, as their customer base aligns perfectly with Off Season’s target audience. This partnership ensures that the collection reaches the right people who appreciate both fashion and sports.
Breaking Barriers in a Male-Dominated Industry
Building a successful brand in a traditionally male-dominated industry is no small feat. Juszczyk has navigated criticism and negativity by focusing on her vision and the support of her team. She believes that negativity only holds weight if you internalize it. By staying true to herself and her goals, she has been able to overcome challenges and build a thriving business.
The sports world offers a unique sense of community and culture that Juszczyk deeply values. She sees fashion as a way to represent a team and feel part of something bigger. Combining these two passions has allowed her to create a brand that stands for more than just clothing. It’s about representing a team, supporting athletes, and being part of a larger community.
The WAG Community and Sisterhood
Juszczyk’s journey has introduced her to a vibrant community of wives and girlfriends (WAGs) across different leagues. Contrary to popular belief, this community is not riddled with rivalry. Instead, it’s a supportive network where women uplift each other. Juszczyk has formed meaningful friendships, including with Claire Kittle, whose husband has been on the same team as Kyle Juszczyk for a decade.
These friendships have become a source of strength and inspiration for Juszczyk. She sees them as sisters rather than just friends, highlighting the deep bonds formed within the sports community. This sisterhood extends beyond the field, influencing the performance of athletes and creating a supportive environment for everyone involved.
Looking ahead, Juszczyk dreams of expanding Off Season to cater to every team across all leagues. She wants the brand to become the one-stop shop for sports fans, offering stylish and functional apparel for any sporting event. Her ultimate goal is to continue pushing the boundaries of what sports apparel can look like, making it more inclusive and fashionable for everyone.
