What to Wear to a Chicago Cubs Game

Whether you live in the Chicago area, the surrounding metropolitan cities, or are simply visiting from out-of-town, attending a Chicago Cubs game can be one of the most enjoyable and exciting experiences you’ll have. 

With the area surrounding Wrigley Field having been recently renovated, you’ll find a plethora of food and drink options to keep you busy both before and after the baseball game.

And whether it’s your first time to Wrigley Field or you’re a season ticket holder, attending a Chicago Cubs game can be loads of fun for the entire family.  But before you head out to the local game, you may be wondering, what exactly should I wear to a Chicago Cubs game?

Below, we’re going to review what to wear to a Chicago Cubs game and provide you with options to ensure you blend in perfectly with the local crowd and other Chicago Cubs fans. 

And because the Cubs wear a mix of red and blue, these clothing pieces will go perfectly with many of your other outfits as well!

Looking to attend a Chicago Cubs game? Find out how long an average game is before you go!

Things to do Around Wrigley Field

Let’s be honest, in the north side of Chicago, there are a plethora of options and things to do both before and after a Chicago Cubs game.  Whether you’re getting to Wrigley Field by foot, taxi, or the subway, you’ll have plenty of options for food, drink, and entertainment.

• Wrigleyville – the area immediately surrounding Wrigley Field is known as Wrigleyville. Bursting at the seams with sports bars, souvenir stalls, and die-hard Cubs fans. You can walk up and down Clark Street and stop into the area’s many bars and restaurants that usually filled with locals, even when it’s not baseball season. Right outside the stadium, you’ll find the open-air Gallagher Way. It’s a popular gathering spot for neighbors, fans, and visitors all year long. A slew of events go on here, including farmers markets, an outdoor concert series, film screenings, and a holiday winter wonderland.

• Murphy’s Bleachers – Murphy’s Bleachers is an iconic sports bar and restaurant that has been opened since the 1930’s. Spacious and rowdy on game days, it is the place to be for any Cubs fan or anyone looking to root for the Cubs.

• The Cubby Bear Lounge – a great destination to visit after a Cubs game, The Cubby Bear Lounge features live music and food, all within their spacious 30,000 square feet of interior space.

• Mercury Theater Chicago – The Mercury Theater Chicago was recently renovated and is in the heart of the Southport Corridor at 3745 North Southport Avenue. Close to Wrigley Field and sophisticated restaurants and boutiques, you’ll find a plethora of live performances and comedic acts here for some after game entertainment.

General Weather Conditions in Chicago

Once you’ve found a list of things to do both before and after the Cubs game, it is important to plan your outfit.  However, doing so requires understanding the general weather conditions and climate in Chicago and near Wrigley Field.

Generally, Chicago, being in the northern Midwest portion of the country, has a continental climate.  With cold winters and warm summers, the temperature can vary widely depending on the season.  However, many people consider the more moderate temperatures of spring and fall to be the best.

During the MLB season, and for when the Chicago Cubs play at their home stadium, that is between the months of April through October, the weather generally remains within a low of 41-degrees to a high of 84-degrees.  Of course, these conditions can fluctuate, but generally the weather in Chicago can get chilly during the winter months and humid during the summer ones.

Preparing for a Chicago Cubs Game

Due to the fluctuations in weather in Chicago, you should prepare yourself for hotter and colder conditions.  Although the temperature does drop a bit as the sunsets, with the longer summer days, you may still feel the warmth and tinge of the sun against your skin as the game starts.

As such, it is always recommended to apply sunscreen before heading out to a game and when in the sun for prolonged periods of time.  Sunscreen is one of the best forms of protection against the sun’s harmful UV rays. 

In addition to reducing the risk of sunburn, sunscreen can dramatically reduce your risk of skin cancer.  Statistics have shown that by the age of 70, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer.  However, you can lower your risk by using sunscreen with a minimum rating of SPF 30 or higher when you are planning on being out in the sun for prolonged periods of time.

Similarly, be sure to drink copious amounts of hydrating liquids, including water and sports drinks to help against the heat.  These drinks will also help to keep you hydrated and will ensure that you remain active and awake during the game.

However, as Chicago does experience extreme cold conditions, including rain and snow, you should also prepare for those weather conditions.  Bringing an umbrella with you to the game can help or you may opt for a rain jacket.  Similarly, many visitors to Wrigley Field will don a plastic, reusable raincoat.

A Baseball Cap

One of the best, and easiest, pieces of clothing to wear to a Cubs game is none other than a baseball cap.  Not only will a baseball cap help you to avoid the beating sun on your forehead and in your eyes, but most baseball caps feature the logo of the team you are rooting for.

Personally, and a cap we recently purchased, we love the MLB Chicago Cubs ’47 Clean Up Adjustable Hat. A bit more of a retro, beaten-up, look, the cap is all blue, with a red C, representing the Cubs.

What’s more?

There’s a rather adorable baby cub in the middle of the C, making this cap one of our favorites across the entire roster of MLB teams.

Chicago Cubs Sox T-Shirt or Jersey

When it comes to upper wear, honestly the best options when going to a baseball game are to rep the team’s jerseys or a t-shirt with their logo.  Both options are easy and generally affordable and will also allow you to showcase your team fandom.

However, we personally have never been fans of wearing team jerseys due to their relative tightness around the arms.  In addition, team jerseys can be quite costly, sometimes coming to several hundreds of dollars.  Rather, we generally opt for a short or long-sleeved shirt with the team logo, name, or phrase.

When it comes to choosing a shirt to wear to the Chicago Cubs game, we personally prefer long-sleeve shirts. 

Again, while the weather can reach the mid 80’s, the weather in Chicago can rapidly drop.  And you really don’t want to be left out in the cold and uncomfortable while the game progresses.

And since the weather has been known to drop rapidly and quickly in Chicago, we highly suggest bringing along a light jacket or sweater to the game for those late-night games.

In terms of a shirt that we’ve worn to Wrigley Field, we opt for Nike’s Chicago Cubs T-Shirt. Simple in design, the shirt is made of Dri-FIT technology which helps to wick away sweat and moisture, keeping you warmer throughout the game and from the accidental spills that happen in the bleachers.

Joggers or Athletic Pants

Interestingly enough, we typically opt to go for a pair of joggers or athletic pants when going to a Cubs game.  The reason is that while the weather may be warmer on some days, rain showers can occur at almost any time.

And we’re really not fans of wearing wet jeans.

However, we generally like to go for comfort over style, especially while at the ballgame.  And if the weather will be warm and hot, you don’t want to feel sweaty and uncomfortable throughout the duration of the game. 

Rather, upon confirming that the weather will remain warm and sunny, opting for shorts or pants which are a bit loose and will allow your legs to breathe and not feel enclosed is a great option.

By far our favorite joggers are from Vuori. 

A bit more expensive than other options, these joggers are insanely comfortable.  In fact, you’ll feel like you’re wearing nothing at all with them on.  Vuori makes great joggers for both men and women and with a plethora of color options, you’ll be able to find the perfect ones to fit with your Cubs gear. 

Sunglasses

Lastly, if you are planning on attending a Chicago Cubs game set for the middle of the day, it may be worthwhile to bring along a pair of sunglasses.  With the sun directly overhead, it may be difficult to view what is happening on the field without sunglasses.

Further, sunglasses should be able to help you avoid squinting and causing strain to your eyes.  And while you could opt for a pair of smart glasses, you really don’t have to and a simple pair should suffice for the day.   

And while there are plenty of sunglass options, we like to keep it simple and classy.  A pair of aviators always gets the job done and looks stylish in the process.