Kristin Juszczyk is Changing the Sportswear Game

Fashion designer Kristin Juszczyk has taken the media by storm with her recent creations, drawing attention from some of the biggest names in the media and NFL today. The self-taught designer runs Designs By Kristin, where she reworks old t-shirts, jerseys, and other materials into brand new pieces. You can find her rocking her designs at San Francisco 49ers games and on her Instagram @kristinjuszczyk, where she has gained over 700k followers. 

Courtesy of @kristinjuszczyk/Instagram

Juszczyk first appeared on the NFL scene in 2014 with her now husband, Kyle Juszczyk. Kyle was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens just a year before and the pair met while Kristin was attending Towson University in Maryland. Fast forward to 2017, Kyle signed with the 49ers and Kristin took a chance at changing career paths and entered the fashion world. The two married in 2019. 

On her design website, designsbykristin.com, Juszczyk reveals she had not studied fashion in school and gives credit to her grandma for teaching her how to crochet at a young age. She rediscovered her love for the craft after recreating Britney Spears’ and Justin Timberlake's iconic 2001 all-denim look with her husband for halloween. From that point on, she began taking the simple game day apparel she already owned and turning it into trendy pieces she could wear when supporting the 49ers. 

Juszczyk utilizes her social media accounts, specifically Instagram and TikTok, to post the latest pieces she is working on or has completed. Videos she makes of her creative process have gone viral, giving both fashion and sports fans a look into what being a designer is all about. She is quickly becoming known for her one-of-a-kind designs, with clothing so unique you would never be able to find it on the average retail rack. 

One of her most impressive designs was made of actual footballs, which she turned into a corset style top. She posted the process to her TikTok account and instagram story, allowing followers to get real time updates. She completed the look with a matching purse, made from the same football leather and chains. As of 2024, Juszczyk is most known for her puffer vests and bomber jackets, which are reworked from jerseys. 

Courtesy of @kristinjuszczyk/Instagram

With her recent rise in the industry, Juszczyk has gotten the opportunity to partner up with brands to host interactive events. Fit Check Night, presented by Levi’s, allowed attendees to create custom game day outfits, participate in a Q&A session and even enter a giveaway to win an original design.

Juszczyk’s most popular creations are without a doubt the handmade bomber jackets gifted to Taylor Swift and Brittany Mahomes, both partners of Kansas City Chiefs players. Swift and Mahomes have been making headlines in the football world and can be seen modeling and posting Juszczyk’s designs on social media. 

Courtesy of @kristinjuszczyk/Instagram

The reworked pieces aren’t only for the girls, though! On the night of the Detroit Lions’ big win against the Los Angeles Rams, Taylor Lautner, a Michigan native, was hand-delivered his custom jacket made from Aidan Hutchinson’s jersey. 

Other celebrities and athletes have been caught wearing Designs By Kristin, including Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles and 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel. The custom NFL designs have even been featured in Sports Illustrated, Vanity Fair and Vogue. 

Edited by Raegan Verhoff

Content created by Josephine Muller