March Madness is a single-elimination tournament basketball fans look forward to all year. Many people are preparing their bracket predictions and planning their watch parties. Those eager to show their support often sport their favorite team’s gear. Luckily, in the age of online shopping, it’s easier than ever to dress for the occasion.
March Madness 2024 team selection
The NCAA Selection Committee has revealed the tournament’s 68 teams. The teams are split into four groups of 16 and matched according to their performance. The top-performing team in each group is paired with the bottom-performing team for the first-round games.
This year’s first four games kick off with Missouri State and Texas A&M Corpus Christi, followed by Pittsburgh and Mississippi State. Fairleigh Dickinson plays Texas Southern the next day, followed by Nevada and Arizona State.
March Madness 2024 schedule
The first four games occur on March 19 and 20 in Dayton, Ohio. March 21 and 22 will be busy, as 32 games take place in eight cities across the country. The remaining 32 teams face off on March 23 and 24. From here, the tournament gets easier to follow.
The Sweet 16 play on March 28 and 29, followed by the Elite 8 on March 30 and 31. The Final Four play on April 6, and the National Championship game takes place on April 8.
Types of March Madness gear
- T-shirts: These are among the most popular sports gear. They’re comfortable and available in various designs. Many feature team colors, logos or clever sayings. When buying a shirt, you’ll want to consider its size. Some shirts are true to size, while others run large or small. Read the product’s description to ensure you get a shirt that will fit you on game day. Natural fabrics like cotton and hemp tend to shrink in the wash. Some shirts are pre-shrunk, and others incorporate polyester to reduce shrinkage.
- Jerseys: These often look and feel like jerseys basketball players wear. They’re available in numerous authentic-looking designs, and most are made of durable materials.
- Hats: These are available in various styles, including snapback hats, fitted hats and beanies.
- Sweatshirts and hoodies: In many areas, March temperatures are unpredictable. Some days may be as warm as 70 degrees, but it’s often cold. Sweatshirts and hoodies are a perfect way to stay warm throughout the month.
- Accessories: Fans can buy accessories, such as keychains, lanyards, phone cases, and water bottles. These are an excellent way to show support for your favorite team, even if you aren’t wearing your March Madness gear.
- Pet gear: If you have a furry friend, consider buying them a game-day jersey of their own. Many pet jerseys are made of breathable material and available in several sizes.
What to consider when buying March Madness gear
- Durability: You’ll want to choose sturdy gear that will last through the year. That way, you can wear it for next year’s tournament. Gear made of cotton or poly-cotton blends is known for its durability.
- Design: Consider your style when buying game-day gear. Many March Madness clothing items have understated designs, but some have flashy, colorful prints that stand out.
- Licensing: Officially licensed merchandise is endorsed by the NCAA. Often, these clothing items feature high-quality materials and stitching. Additionally, when you buy officially-licensed merchandise, you’re helping the tournament, as they’ll earn a portion of the proceeds.
Best March Madness gear
These machine-washable socks feature a fun print with basketballs and hoops. You can buy up to 12 pairs in a set. Many reviewers said they were impressed with the quality.
This officially licensed sweater is durable, and the colors don’t run in the wash. It’s available in seven designs featuring logos and colors from the Penn State Nittany Lions, Alabama Crimson Tide and other teams.
Blue 84 NCAA Kansas Jayhawks T-shirt
This shirt has a vintage design featuring the Kansas Jayhawks’ mascot. It’s available in royal blue and heather gray. It’s made with a soft material and fits comfortably.
FOCO NCAA Floral Button-Up Shirt
This stylish shirt features a floral design with team logos. It is true to size and made of thin, breathable viscose material. You can choose from 53 team logos and six sizes. It is officially licensed.
Aminco NCAA Carabiner Lanyard Keychain
This simple, 8-inch lanyard is available in various designs featuring team colors and logos. It’s durable, and the screen-printed logo isn’t blurry.
UGP Campus Apparel Quarter-Zip Sweatshirt
This machine-washable sweatshirt is made of a comfortable poly-cotton blend. It is available in six sizes and 25 designs.
Pets First University Mesh Jersey for Dogs and Cats
This jersey is perfect for getting your pets in on the fun. It’s available in eight sizes. Many reviewers said it runs large but fits well if you get a size larger than you think you’d need.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
