Fashion Meets Function at Stadiums
It all became clear for Leslie Grosvenor back in 2016. She was heading to a match this year, and it was the Rams’ first game back in Los Angeles against the Seattle Seahawks—her favorite team. Suddenly, a wave of realization hit her regarding the NFL’s infuriating clear bag policy.
In a rush, she needed to arrange for someone to take her beloved tote bag to avoid any issues at the stadium.
“It felt like a light bulb moment crumbling,” Grosvenor, 43, shared. “I wondered, ‘Is anyone making stylish bags for women to use at games?'”
Interestingly, it was a mother in Los Angeles who launched Sheergear in 2016, creating clear yet chic wallets that didn’t require sacrificing style for practicality. Grosvenor noted, “No one was really doing that back then.”
This dilemma around bags at games took root in 2013 when the NFL enforced a clear bag policy for security reasons, limiting fans to bringing only clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags not exceeding 12″ x 6″ x 12″.
While smaller clutches under 4.5″ x 6½” are technically allowed at some venues, rules can vary depending on the location. Many women have since grappled with how to look fashionable while accommodating these regulations at concerts and games. That’s where innovators like Grosvenor step in to address the challenge.
Innovative Design
Grosvenor’s Stadium and Arena Bag Collection offers a range of clear bags, including totes and backpacks, in 18 different styles, all featuring faux leather trim and adjustable straps.
CAITIEG, another brand that emerged nearly a decade ago, launched a stadium-compliant bag priced between $34 and $28 with privacy and safety in mind. “As a long-time season ticket holder for the Indianapolis Colts, I’ve heard similar frustrations echoed by many women,” explained founder Caitie Gehlhausen.
Gehlhausen understood the need for compliance with the clear bag policy while wanting her designs to look more like regular bags than transparent pouches. After experimenting with designs, she found that removable outer covers with simple snaps made it easy to go from clear to concealed in busy environments. “People appreciate that there’s a privacy aspect; no one wants to display everything they have,” she noted.
Designer Options
Tory Burch has a mini clear crossbody listed at $295, while Bloomingdale’s features its own “Little Clear Bag” for around $32.
Changing Trends
This movement not only caters to practical concerns for fashionable fans but also resonates with players’ wives and girlfriends, who are also subject to the bag policy. Public figures like Ciara and Gisele Bündchen have faced similar challenges, often appearing chic even in strict environments.
As fans seek bags like Grosvenor’s Sheergear line, it’s clear that the influence of social media and public figures is driving interest in stylish game-day accessories. Claire Kittle, the wife of 49ers player George Kittle, has become a trendsetter among fans. “Girls want to look cute; it’s just a part of attending games,” she stated.
Many NFL wives support Sheergear and similar brands, blending the realms of sports and style in a way that caters to a growing female audience at sporting events. Although neither brand currently uses official team logos due to NFL regulations, they find creative ways to incorporate team pride.
Ultimately, as more women attend games and cheer for their teams, brands like Sheergear and Caitie G Bags are successfully merging fashion with function.
“I think sports franchises are starting to recognize and appreciate their female fanbase more than ever,” Gehlhausen observed.
