What to Wear to a Chicago White Sox Game?

Whether you live in the Chicago area, the surrounding metropolitan cities, or are simply visiting from out-of-town, attending a Chicago White Sox game can be one of the most enjoyable and exciting experiences you’ll have.  With the area surrounding Yankee Stadium 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 Guaranteed Rate Field or you’re a season ticket holder, attending a Chicago White Sox 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 White Sox game?

Below, we’re going to review what to wear to a Chicago White Sox game and provide you with options to ensure you blend in perfectly with the local crowd and other White Sox fans.  And because the White Sox wear a mix of white and blue, these clothing pieces will go perfectly with many of your other outfits as well!

Planning on attending a White Sox Game? Find out the average length of a game before you go!

Things to do Around Guaranteed Rate Field

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

• The Art Institute of Chicago – the Art Institute of Chicago is located in Chicago’s Grant Park and was founded in 1879.  It is one of the oldest and largest art museums in the world and is recognized for its curatorial efforts and popularity amongst visitors.  And with nearly 300,000 permanent works, the museum receives over 1.5 million visitors per year.

• Millennium Park – Millennium Park is a public park located in the Loop community area of Chicago.  Operated by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, the park is a prominent civic center near the city’s Lake Michigan shoreline and covers nearly 24.5-acres.

• Fox in a Box Chicago – if you’re looking to do some fun, family-friendly activities before heading over to the game, we highly recommend the Fox in a Box Chicago.  A premium escape room experience, you’ll be placed in a room and are given 60 minutes to find clues, solve a series of puzzles, and make your escape.

• Big Boss Spicy Fried Chicken – while Chicago may be famous for their deep-dish pizza, Big Boss Spicy Fried Chicken is definitely worth a visit.  The outside of the building features a collage of graffiti art, with the interior being simple and roomy.  Featuring some of the best spicy chicken sandwiches, Big Boss Spicy Fried Chicken is an ideal spot for some late-night food after the game.

General Weather Conditions in Chicago

Once you’ve found a list of things to do both before and after the White Sox game, it is important to plan your outfit.  However, doing so requires understanding the general weather conditions and climate in Chicago and near Guaranteed Rate 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 White Sox 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 White Sox 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 Guaranteed Rate Field will don a plastic, reusable raincoat.

A Baseball Cap

One of the best, and easiest, pieces of clothing to wear to a White Sox 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, we’ve purchased and wear the ’47 Authentic Chicago White Sox MVP Cap.  A classic White Sox cap, it features the well-known and famous ‘SOX’ logo on the front of the cap.  With a black canvas background, you’ll be able to show off your fandom and devotion to the team in fashion and style.

While we don’t don one, we also really like the ’47 MLB Trawler Mesh Hat.  A bit of a more retro design, the hat is multi-colored and has more of a vintage look to it.  Definitely a style that works for some, we’ve seen more-and-more people donning this style in recent years.

Chicago White 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 White Sox 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.

Personally, we really like this short-sleeved Chicago White Sox Cool-Base Wicking shirt.  Again, featuring the simple, yet classic ‘SOX’ logo, the shirt is a bit more tight-fitted but provides really great moisture wicking technology to help keep you cool and dry while at the game.

Joggers or Athletic Pants

Interestingly enough, we typically opt to go for a pair of joggers or athletic pants when going to a White Sox game.  The reason is that while the weather may be warmer, 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 Yankees gear. 

Sunglasses

Lastly, if you are planning on attending a Chicago White Sox 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.