Does Penn State Need to Introduce More Singlet Styles?
Since college wrestling moved to the modern singlet over 50 years ago, Penn State has basically worn one singlet style: a navy singlet with a broad white stripe across the waist. Though Penn State has worn three color-swapped variants (white with a navy stripe, navy with a pink stripe, and navy camo with a white stripe), they have used the same waist-stripe design.
But do they need to move away from the solid waist-stripe design?
From a rules perspective, the answer is no. NCAA regulations do not require teams to have home and away, or light and dark, singlets. A team can wear the same singlet the entire season. I have written in the past about how this rule should change (Article for FloWrestling) so we can end the use of archaic ankle bands and avoid matches where both wrestlers are wearing the same color singlet. Unfortunately, there appears to be little momentum for change.
Regardless of the rule…
Penn State’s singlet is arguably the most iconic singlet design in all of college wrestling. And the minimalist style fits well within Penn State’s overall athletics visual identity. Football, the university’s biggest brand, is known for its understated uniforms, which are consistently rated among the best uniforms in college football. And in an era when teams roll out several new uniforms a season, the football program has resisted chasing trends and wearing loud alternates for big games. Most style changes are related to honoring tradition or showing respect, like when the team wore names on the backs of their jerseys during the 2012 season to honor those who stayed.
And the style fits with the aura of the coaching staff. Under Coach Sanderson, the team’s focus has been on getting better and raising banners. Never flashy, never loud, always focused. They don’t need to reinvent their look. When a wrestler steps on the mat in a navy singlet with a broad white stripe, you immediately know it’s Penn State. Few programs have a singlet with that has earned that kind of visual equity.
That’s why Penn State should continue to keep its visual identity built around the thick waist stripe. That doesn’t mean they should avoid alternates. Alternates can exist, but they should be tied to honoring an accomplishment. Added design elements should tell a story, not just look cool.