Women’s NFL merchandise has long felt like an afterthought. From shrunken jerseys to awkward V-necks, rhinestones being slapped onto polyester have dominated the racks, offering nothing more than a gendered remix of men’s gear. For fans who care about style as much as team loyalty, the message has been clear: function over fashion, or nothing at all. But one woman connected to the San Francisco 49ers is quietly proving that it doesn’t have to be this way.
Kristin Juszczyk, the wife of a 49ers player, has begun transforming old and unused NFL jerseys into upcycled vests and jackets, pieces that look less like stadium merch and more like something pulled straight from a Pinterest mood board. Cropped silhouettes, structured tailoring and intentional distressing turn what was once oversized and generic into something personal, wearable, and cool. Her designs don’t just tweak traditional fan gear; they completely rethink it.
At a time when Pinterest aesthetics and TikTok microtrends heavily influence how Gen Z and young millennials dress, her creations tap directly into what many women already aspire to wear. Think thrifted, one-of-one pieces that feel styled rather than stamped with a logo. Instead of drowning in a borrowed jersey three sizes too big with a pair of long high-kneed boots, fans now have an option that aligns with the kind of outfits they save, pin and recreate. What makes this shift especially significant is who has been leading it. Women connected to professional athletes, often reduced to the label of “WAG’s,” have historically been expected to stay on the sidelines: visible, but silent. By using fashion as a creative outlet, Kristin is part of a growing group of women who are reclaiming the space and redefining their roles. Rather than simply supporting the game, they are shaping the culture around it.
Kristin’s work also reflects a larger movement toward sustainability in fashion. Upcycling old jerseys not only gives new life to forgotten pieces but also aligns with Gen Z’s increasing concern for ethical consumption. Thrifting, DIY fashion and repurposing existing clothing have become style statements in themselves. In that context, turning NFL jerseys into fashionable outerwear feels both timely and intentional, a response to fast fashion and mass-produced merch. The intersection of sports, fashion and sustainability is no longer niche. As football culture expands beyond the field, into music, social media and lifestyle branding, fans are demanding more thoughtful ways to participate.
They want merchandise that reflects who they are, not just who they root for. Kristen’s designs answer that call, offering a version of NFL fashion that feels current, expressive and inclusive.
In 2025, being a football fan doesn’t mean sacrificing personal style. Through creativity and upcycling, this reimagining of NFL merchandise challenges outdated norms and opens the door for women to take ownership of how sports culture looks and feels. What was once considered the ugliest item in a closet may now be the most inspired and Pinterest-worthy.