Intro: WSU Merchandise is Everywhere – If You Know Where to Look
Hey there Coug fans, are you looking to gear up with some new WSU merch? As a Coug myself, I know the struggle of trying to find authentic Washington State University apparel at reasonable prices. Living in a small town, the pickings can be slim for quality Cougar gear. But I’m here to let you in on some of my favorite spots to get decked out in crimson and gray without breaking the bank.
First up, keep an eye out for those end-of-season sales. Winter clearance events are a great time to stock up on discounted Cougar sweatshirts, jackets, beanies and more. Pro tip: if the item you want is already on sale, you can sometimes combine additional promo codes for even deeper discounts. Sign up for email lists and follow the WSU team store on social media to stay on top of all the latest deals.
Speaking of the team store, ordering directly from WSU is always a solid choice. They consistently run promotions offering free shipping and percentage-off coupons. While the pricing stays pretty consistent, those little extras can help maximize your savings. The team store also allows you to customize certain items with names/numbers, something you won’t always find at other retailers. Browsing the sale section can turn up clearanced jerseys, polos, blankets and other team-licensed goodies for under $20.
If you happen to live near a college town, check out their sporting goods stores around late August/early September. This is when they typically start stocking up on merchandise for the upcoming football season. You can often find new WSU arrivals discounted 20-30% off as part of back-to-school sales. I always swing through to see if they have any test-run WSU T-shirts or creative designs that aren’t even available online yet. You really never know what fun surprises you’ll discover digging through the racks.
For my thrift store junkies, don’t sleep on scoping out secondhand and consignment shops. They can be an absolute goldmine for gently used Coug gear, especially vintage finds. Keep an eye out for cool relics like retro logo tees, embroidered letterman jackets, and old-school sweatshirts. The history nerd in me loves imagining the stories behind these well-loved garments. Plus, buying used is a great way to get quality apparel at unbeatable prices. Pro tip: Ask the staff when they typically put out new inventory. This maximizes your chances of scoring newly stocked Cougar gems.
If you’re specifically after jerseys, check eBay and Craigslist for game-worn options. Former players and dedicated fans sometimes list these rare, autographed jerseys that can make epic conversation pieces. Beyond jerseys, these sites are great resources for limited-edition, discontinued, or sold out merch you may not find elsewhere. I once snagged an elite signed mini helmet for $20 – keep hunting and deals can be found!
Now, for those of you near Spokane, you’re probably familiar with the massive Nike outlet that occasionally carries Coug gear. As a fellow inland northwest native, I’ve had great success finding Wazzu shirts, shorts, and hoodies during their clearance sales. Selection seems best right after football season. And with Nike’s perpetual markdowns, you can often get apparel for 70% off retail. Keep an eye out for coupons and promos for extra savings on your haul.
Lastly, if you have any Coug alumni friends or family, ask them to keep an eye out for gear back in Pullman or wherever they live. My cousin in grad school will pick up shirts for me when the bookstore does blowout sales, and my uncle once mailed me an autographed football he happened across back home. Tap into your Coug network – you never know what goodies they may turn up!
Well there you have it Coug fans – some of my favorite tips and tricks for finding discounted, authentic WSU gear near me without breaking the bank. Hopefully these ideas help you gear up and show off your Crimson pride. With a little persistence and patience, you can build up an amazing collection of Cougar apparel for less. And be sure to share your own go-to spots for scoring Wazzu merch in the comments! Together we can all help each other stay decked out in crimson and gray.
Go Cougs!
Buy Local: Support Community Retailers
How’s it going fellow Cougs! As we gear up for another exciting season, I wanted to talk about some of my favorite local spots to get quality WSU merchandise right here in our communities. As much as I love the convenience of chain stores and online shopping, I think it’s important we also show some love to the small businesses who are proud Cougar supporters.
My first recommendation is always to check out your hometown sporting goods store. The one in my city may be small, but they have a surprisingly great selection of Cougs shirts, hats, flags, and more. Since they’re local, they understand the pride we have for our teams and go the extra mile to stock plenty of Wazzu gear. I’ve found some really unique shirts there over the years – stuff you wouldn’t see at the normal big box stores. And with knowledgeable staff who are passionate sports fans, they can always help you track down a specific item you’ve had no luck finding elsewhere.
Next, look into any novelty or gift stores in your area. The one near me has an entire wall dedicated to college team merchandise. Because they specialize in customizable gifts, they offer options like getting your name or grad year embroidered onto WSU hats and duffel bags. This personal touch makes their products stand out. And since embroidery is done in-house, you can usually get your item same-day instead of waiting weeks if you ordered online. Their pricing is reasonable too – supporting small business doesn’t have to break the bank.
Don’t forget to check out apparel shops and boutiques too. Many carry a selection of collegiate gear, with WSU usually being one of the top choices in this region. One of my local favorites worked directly with Nike to create an exclusive, limited-edition shirt featuring vintage WSU logos and imagery. You’re just not going to find creative, quality pieces like that at big chains. And boutiques are great about offering periodic discounts or loyalty rewards to make shopping more affordable.
For thrift and consignment stores, keep your eye out for throwback WSU treasures. One fantastic local shop near campus seems to always have vintage Cougar baseball tees, pullovers, and other retro finds in stock. Beyond the apparel, I’ve also picked up autographed sports memorabilia, framed signs, and other rare Cougs collectibles for killer prices. Thrifting takes some dedication, but uncovering hidden gems is part of the fun!
If you have any paper or gift shops in town, they can also be surprising sources for WSU goods. The paper store near me stocks greeting cards, notebooks, pennants, and other cute Cougar gifts you won’t find many other places. And their pricing is quite reasonable, especially if you catch a good sale. It’s a great spot to pick up a little something to show your Wazzu spirit in a unique way.
Check your local farmer’s markets too. In addition to all the fresh produce and baked goods, many of the craft and artisan vendors sell shirts, signs, jewelry, and other handmade items representing local schools. I love grabbing a unique, one-of-a-kind Cougars piece to support creative entrepreneurs in my community.
Of course, don’t forget the tried and true method of asking any Coug family or friends if their small hometown shops carry cool merch. My uncle back in Pullman will often grab me shirts from the lesser-known stores only the locals know about. Tap into your network – chances are good someone can connect you with unique finds.
Online is always an option too, but try to look specifically for small and independent WSU retailers based right here in Washington. From Spokane to Seattle to the Tri-Cities, Cougar pride runs statewide. You can uncover lots of little e-commerce shops offering creative designs and products you won’t find anywhere else.
So there you have it Coug fans. While the big brands and retailers are fine, I hope I’ve inspired you to keep our local communities in mind when shopping for new gear this season. Not only will you likely find more unique, exclusive options, but your dollars also go towards supporting businesses right in our own backyards. And who knows – you might just stumble upon some new favorite spots you didn’t know about before! Have fun exploring, and as always – Go Cougs!
Gifts and Keepsakes: WSU Merch With Meaning
Hello Cougs fans! When looking for WSU gear, it’s easy to just grab another t-shirt or baseball cap. But today I want to talk about finding merchandise that goes beyond the basics to become true keepsakes. Whether it’s a gift for yourself or a fellow Coug, here are some of my tips for selecting items that capture the spirit and tradition of WSU.
First up, see if you can track down an authorized game-used jersey. Nothing showcases Cougar pride quite like the real deal worn on the field. Online auction sites like eBay can turn up gems, just be sure to verify authenticity. Bonus if you can find one signed by a star player. This investment becomes a preservation of history you’ll cherish forever.
For the memorabilia collector, look into limited edition framed photos, lithographs and prints. The WSU team shop offers gorgeous selections officially licensed by the university. High-quality framing and matting elevate these into works of art perfect for displaying in your home. And the low production runs increase their value over time.
Another idea – customize an authentic Cougar football helmet. Options like getting your grad year painted on, or a personalized nameplate/autograph decal can make it entirely one-of-a-kind. The helmet itself becomes a trophy-worthy centerpiece for any diehard fan. Pair it with other signed collectibles for a true showcase.
Don’t overlook drinkware like pints, mugs and tumblers either. Etched laser-engraved glassware lets you permanently add names, decades, or logos for a personalized touch. Sipping your beverage from an engraved Cougar vessel adds sentimental value. It becomes a unique family heirloom passed down through generations.
For jewelery collectors, options like customizable class rings, engraved pendants, and charm bracelets make fantastic keepsakes. The quality craftsmanship ensures they’re built to last a lifetime. Add gemstone accents for extra flair reflecting your Cougar pride. Jewelry gifts often become treasured family mementos.
Apparel-wise, keep an eye out for specialty jackets like letterman, satin varsity, or quilted styles. Their stylish detailing paired with embroidered customization elevates them beyond everyday outerwear into something cherished. Bonus if you find a vintage piece – the patina of age only increases its nostalgic appeal.
If you want something display-worthy, artistic metal signs make stellar choices. Etched and painted weatherproof metals ensure they’ll withstand the elements while showing off your Wazzu spirit. Hang one on the patio or mount in your garage for a permanent crimson and gray presence.
For keepsakes with vintage appeal, keep an eye out for throwback memorabilia. I love old ticket stubs, pennants, game programs, and media guides. Their age adds nostalgia you just can’t replicate. Excellent gifts for lifelong fans.
And don’t forget books and media documenting WSU history. Coffee table retrospectives filled with archival photography and interviews are endlessly fascinating. Historical video releases also let you re-live iconic Coug moments. These make wonderful gifts to deepen fans’ connections and knowledge.
Ultimately, it comes down finding gear that feels special. Seek out items elevated beyond the ordinary through personalization, craftsmanship, uniqueness or age. Think of pieces you’ll proudly put on display, be excited to wear for years, or even pass down to future generations. There’s memorabilia out there that truly captures what it means to be a Coug – now go make those meaningful finds!
Share Your Style: WSU Gear Is a Lifestyle
What’s up Cougs! As a passionate WSU alum, I don’t just wear Coug gear on game days – it’s part of my daily lifestyle. And I know many of you feel the same. Our Wazzu apparel is an extension of who we are, reflecting our enduring Cougar pride. Beyond just representing the team, it’s a symbol of tradition, community and shared identity. Today, I want to explore how we can use WSU merchandise to express our personal styles.
First, don’t be afraid to get creative and make gear your own. Customization is a great way to showcase your individuality. Personalized embroidery, unique graphics and dyed garments allow you to transform ordinary pieces into one-of-a-kind staples. Add some flair that speaks to you. Suddenly your gear becomes a representation of self-expression.
Mix and match vintage finds with new items for inspired looks. A classic retro logo tee paired with a new fitted hat and slim-cut WSU jeans creates an effortlessly cool vibe. Offset an old-school crewneck sweatshirt with sleek joggers for a modern throwback ensemble. Don’t be afraid to layer eras and designs.
Incorporate Coug elements into dressier outfits too. Add some subtle crimson and gray with a patterned button-up or a sleek satin jacket. Use metallic charms and jewelry to infuse WSU flair into business casual. A beaded bracelet or Crimson-hued heels make any outfit pop.
For ladies, crop tops and form-fitting apparel are great ways to rep your Cougar pride in a chic, stylish manner. Similarly, fellas can rock slim-cut shirts and shorts to showcase their gear in a tailored, contemporary way.
Beyond clothes, accessorize with bags, watches, sunglasses and other WSU lifestyle items. A smart crimson watch strap or subtly branded handbag give professional looks some personality. Make it a complete package representing your Cougar side.
Don’t forget outerwear too. Letterman and varsity jackets are back in style. Throw one on over a casual outfit for an effortlessly cool look with timeless appeal. Or incorporate Cougar winter gear like beanies, gloves and scarves for a cozy chic vibe.
For home décor, use pennants, blankets, mugs and other items to infuse Cougar flair into any room’s aesthetic. Display your autographed memorabilia and vintage collectibles prominently. Let your living space reflect your passion.
Rep your team in the garage or patio too. Metal signs, flags and neon decor liven up man cave styles with bold Wazzu spirit. Outdoor entertaining essentials like cups, napkins and plates keep the Cougar vibes flowing.
The big game day is the ultimate time to showcase your personal WSU style from head to toe. Break out specialty pieces like fitted hats, player jerseys, and statement hoodies. Go all out reflecting your Cougar essence.
At its core, repping gear is about identity. It connects us to experiences, places and people integral to who we are. Use your apparel to tell your story. Mix eras, customize pieces, blend athleisure with professional – make it distinctly you. Wear pieces until they’re vintage. Pass them down through generations. Let your style reflect what being a Coug means to you.
However you choose to showcase your Crimson pride, embrace it as a lifestyle extension of self. We all bleed Crimson and Gray – now get out there and share your Cougar style with the world!
Conclusion: You Are Now Ready to Find Amazing Cougar Gear
Well Coug fans, I hope I’ve provided some helpful tips and insider secrets to help you track down amazing Washington State University apparel and merchandise. We covered strategies for finding deals, scoring vintage goods, supporting local business, gifting keepsakes, and expressing personal style with your Wazzu gear. You’re now armed with knowledge to uncover authentic Cougar apparel wherever you are.
Remember to check end-of-season sales, explore thrift and consignment shops, tap into your Cougar network, customize pieces to make them your own, and showcase your crimson pride in your home and wardrobe. With a passion for all things WSU, persistence, and savvy shopping skills, you will undoubtedly find fantastic gear while showing your Cougar spirit.
It’s incredibly fulfilling finally unearthing that perfect vintage shirt, limited edition collectible or one-of-a-kind custom garment every true Coug fanatic dreams of. Part of the fun is in the hunt – enjoy it. And be sure to proudly rock your finds, share photos and swap stories of your merch search adventures with fellow WSU alums. Your love for all things Crimson and Gray runs deep.
Wherever you are on game day, I hope you’re decked out in your favorite Cougar apparel and accessories from head to toe. But win or lose, one thing remains constant – once a Coug, always a Coug. Enjoy gearing up for another exciting season. Go Cougs!