While students always have the option of the Fordham University Bookstore to acquire their Fordham merchandise, many may get it from other avenues: clubs, sports games and student-run businesses, such as Fordham Swag.
It’s been a little over a year since Fordham Swag launched, and their parody merch is well-recognized around campus. Over the course of the past few months, the brand has expanded, now offering 28 categories of merchandise on its website.
“Originally, we envisioned Fordham Swag as a local, almost members-only kind of platform. But to our surprise, it has gained interest from people all across the country,” said the brand, who wishes for its members to remain anonymous. “While we don’t usually ship internationally, we have made some special exceptions and fulfilled orders to places like France and other countries.”
The team is made up of a mix of Fordham alumni and current students. The original creator of the popular “Man I Love Fordham” shirt has since graduated, but still works with the brand.
“We typically find new team members through word of mouth, ensuring a continuous flow of fresh ideas and perspectives,” said the team.
Students’ perspective on the brand is mixed, with some feeling that the humor doesn’t work.
“I think it’s tacky,” said Riva Zellars, FCRH ’27.
The brand does edge the line in some of its collections, including its recent “Get Rammed” T-shirts, but the team feels that student enjoyment is their top priority.
“The real reward for us isn’t financial; it’s the joy and amusement we get from the process and seeing other students enjoy our creations,” said the team. “There’s something incredibly satisfying about spotting someone on campus wearing a design that you had a hand in creating.”
Many students agree that the brand merchandise is a fun spin on school spirit.
“I think it’s cool; it’s something I’d wear to the gym,” said Adrianna Iacovetta, FCRH ’27, “so people see ‘FU’ when I’m working out.”
The brand’s “FU” collection was one of its first and remains one of its most popular, as the “FU” chant has been around for a long time.
“I would buy the ‘FU’ sweatshirt for my dad,” said Michael Pontecorvo, FCRH ’27.
As their second year begins, Fordham Swag has a few updates and partnerships. They will be launching a new website that will let them expand their collections.
They are also going to be partnering with TrendyThread, another Fordham brand. TrendyThread focuses on giving Fordham students access to cheap, on-trend clothes. Instead of purchasing mass-produced products from brands at a markup, they plan to acquire the clothes directly from the manufacturer and sell them to students.
“This strategy aims to provide the latest fashion trends in a more affordable and sustainable way, ensuring broader access to stylish clothing,” said the founder in a memo to the Fordham Swag team.
The integration of TrendyThread into Fordham Swag means both brands can access the Fordham audience without competition. Students will also be able to return clothes purchased through TrendyThreads on the Fordham Swag platform.
The integration also means TrendyThread, which closed in early January, can continue business.
After a year of business, Fordham Swag has gained more than 6,000 Instagram followers and has expanded their collections to cover a variety of sports and clubs. They hope their partnership will bolster this coming year to be just as successful. “We want to build on that momentum and explore even more creative and intricate designs.”
