The Cool Factor: Tennessee Orange

There is one unmistakable hue in sports that has become so synonymous with a particular team that it's simply known as Tennessee Orange. The University of Tennessee's school colors, orange and white, are famously recognizable, strikingly unique and clearly challenging to wear.

Although the color combination seems out of place in the broader sports landscape, Tennessee's colors were actually inspired by something commonly found in nature. Charles Moore, former UT football player and president of the University's Athletic Association, chose the colors on April 12, 1889 after observing the common American daisy which grew in profusion on The Hill, an area of campus surrounding Ayres Hall. The colors were later approved by  students at a special meeting in 1892. Two years later, dissatisfied students voted to drop the colors, but couldn't agree on an alternative, so the original orange and white were reinstated one day later and have remained the official colors ever since.

It's obvious that the Tennessee Volunteers were destined to wear this particular shade of orange, which is nothing like any other orange, including Syracuse Orange or Oregon State Orange. Make no mistake, orange isn't just a color at the University of Tennessee, it's a state of being. According to their website:

Orange is vibrant. Orange is energetic. Orange commands attention, on the field or in the board room. Orange leaves an impression.

Despite the truth in this statement, Tennessee fans face a tough challenge when it comes to representing their beloved Volunteers: that specific shade of orange just doesn't look good on everyone and everything. To help Tennessee fans dress to impress with just the right pop of color, TSR handpicked some sweet, orange styles for lady Vols and gents:

University of Tennessee Women's Rhinestone Jelly Watch

NCAA Men's CM-TEN MVP Series
Tennessee Volunteers Watch

adidas Tennessee Volunteers Women's
Slanted Stencil Tri Blend Tank

Tennessee Volunteers White Color
Block Half Cusion Crew Socks

Tennessee Volunteers Spring Breaker Swim Separates

Tennessee Volunteers Endzone Stripe Boardshort

Tennessee Volunteers NCAA Wishing Bracelet

Tennessee Volunteers NCAA VIP 47 Franchise Cap

Tennessee Volunteers Ladies Cross Over Tube Top

adidas Tennessee Volunteers It's a Celebration
Raglan Long Sleeve Tri-Blend T-Shirt

Tennessee Volunteers Ladies Sorority Girl Sundress

Tennessee Volunteers Tennessee Orange
Retro Letterman Full Zip Fleece Jacket

What do you think of Tennessee Orange?

XO,

The Style Ref