Where Fashion Meets Media in Penn State’s Biggest Tradition

By Jayla Davis

The Penn State White Out is one of college football’s most electrifying traditions. Beyond the noise of Beaver Stadium and the energy on the field, the White Out has become a fashion statement, a media spectacle and a symbol of Penn State pride. What started as a student-section idea in 2004 has grown into a national visual brand that blends sports, style and storytelling.

The first White Out began when students were encouraged to wear white to a home game against Purdue to create unity in the stands. The effect was instant. A sea of white filled the student section, and the image became iconic. By 2007, the event expanded to the entire stadium during the Notre Dame game. From that point on, fashion became central to Penn State’s identity and game-day culture.

The power of the White Out lies in its visual impact. The whiteness of the crowd represents purity, togetherness and shared purpose. The Penn State team wears navy home uniforms that stand out against the white backdrop, creating a striking contrast that enhances both the aesthetic and team visibility. The result is one of the most recognizable and intimidating sights in college football.Even within this uniformity, individuality shines.

Students personalize their outfits with custom shirts, white cowboy hats, puffer jackets and LED accessories. These small variations add creativity without disrupting the larger look. Planning what to wear for the White Out has become a ritual in itself, blending school spirit with personal expression.

The media has helped transform the White Out into more than a football game. National broadcasters such as ESPN and the Big Ten Network highlight the crowd as much as the players, capturing sweeping shots of the white stands and zooming in on standout fans. ESPN once called the event “part runway, part roar,” recognizing its fusion of fashion and fandom.

Social media extends the experience beyond the stadium. Each year, students and alumni fill Instagram, TikTok and X with posts tagged #WhiteOut and #WeArePennState. Game-day photos, outfit videos and throwback posts keep the tradition alive long after the final whistle. The White Out has become a digital story of community, energy and pride that continues to connect generations of Penn Staters.

Penn State also benefits from the commercial side of the spectacle. Each year, the official White Out shirt and merchandise sell out quickly, blending fandom with branding. The White Out is a marketer’s dream: photogenic, emotional and unmistakably Penn State.

At its core, the White Out is more than a football tradition. It is a living example of how fashion and media work together to build culture, identity and connection. Every student in white contributes to a story that continues to captivate fans around the world. The White Out is not just something you attend. It is something you become part of.