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Sportswear vs. ExpressionWear

Two different jobs. One dresses the fan, the other activates them.

Primary purpose
SportswearPerformance, comfort and style
ExpressionWearVisible identity, emotion and support
Typical products
SportswearJerseys, shirts, shorts, shoes and caps
ExpressionWearRodela and other expressive wearable displays
Content
SportswearUsually fixed
ExpressionWearIlluminated, changeable or tied to a specific moment
Fan relationship
Sportswear“I wear my club.”
ExpressionWear“I show how I feel about my club.”
Experience
SportswearMostly passive
ExpressionWearVisible, expressive and participatory
Matchday role
SportswearDresses the fan
ExpressionWearActivates the fan
Commercial opportunity
SportswearTraditional club merchandise
ExpressionWearCollectible drops, match moments, campaigns and sponsor activations

The essential difference

Sportswear is designed around what people do. ExpressionWear is designed around what people feel and want to show.

A jersey shows which club you support. A Rodela shows what you are feeling, celebrating or standing for in that moment.

Silicon Valley versus Beijing Rodela badge with lion and dragon