What a Wardrobe
Whataburger beefs up fashion line with new outdoor apparel from Academy
In the ongoing saga of which popular American restaurant brand serves up the best apparel, one fast-food eatery — an official Texas treasure — has hooked another Lone Star State biz with its fashionable wear.
San Antonio-based Whataburger has teamed up with Academy Sports + Outdoors, headquartered in the Houston suburb of Katy, to launch a new co-branded line of apparel they say is “worthy of a Texas-sized summer celebration.”
The new apparel line includes breathable short-sleeved woven fishing shirts, long-sleeved lightweight performance crew shirts, boat shorts, and caps, with Academy noting that, like other clothing in its Magellan Outdoors brand, each item was made with outdoor enthusiasts in mind — and perhaps french fry fanatics, considering several items in the line either include images of the iconic Whataburger tater sticks or offer the perfectly sized pockets for toting some fries to go.
“We had fun working with Academy and their Magellan Outdoors brand to design Whataburger apparel we know our fans will be hooked on,” says Rich Scheffler, Whataburger’s senior vice president and chief marketing officer, in a release. “We hope our family members and fans enjoy hitting the waterways sporting some of these brand-new items.”
Fans can stock up on their Whataburger wardrobe for a limited time at Academy’s 106 locations across Texas, and customers who spend $20 or more in the store on items from the collection will get a free special-edition Whataburger and Magellan Outdoors table tent while supplies last.
If you’re one of those unlucky folks who don’t reside in the great state of Texas, you can still get in on the goods by shopping online for “styles so good you can taste it.”
The new apparel might be an acquired taste, but considering Texans’ cult-like love of all things Whataburger, the line could end up bringing home the bacon for the two brands. And with most apparel in the line running about $20-$25, you may just have a few bucks left over for a jalapeño and cheese Whataburger.
This isn’t Whataburger’s first foray into the fashion realm. Texas’ favorite burger chain has dabbled previously, releasing an awesome ugly holiday sweater, beanie and scarf set, socks, Hawaiian swim trunks, custom Whataburger cowboy boots, sneakers, and even a backpack emblazoned with the iconic Whataburger fries, among other oddly tantalizing apparel.
Of course, Whataburger isn't the only restaurant serving up fashionable garb. Recently, Texas-based Pizza Hut released its line of cheesy Pizza Hut Tastewear, and the doughnut-slinging Dunkin’ brand offers everything from shoelaces and scrunchies to T-shirts, a bow tie, and even a satin robe and veil for that bride who has everything else.
As for Whataburger’s newest fast-food fashion line with Academy, the two brands are hoping to hook outdoor enthusiasts who reel in a Whatacatch fish sandwich as often as they do a largemouth bass.
“This is the first-ever collaboration between Whataburger and Academy Sports + Outdoors’ exclusive Magellan Outdoors brand. It’s the secret sauce to fishing fashion,” says Lawrence Lobpries, Academy’s senior vice president of marketing. “We’re excited to pair two iconic Texas brands together for a fun summer treat you can only find at Academy.”




DIIV's set was moody, but propulsive thanks to strong bass lines.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Zachary Cole Smith can always be counted on for a nostalgic 'fit.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Starcleaner Reunion singer Jo Roman keeps the beat.Photo by Brianna Caleri
From the looks of it, no one had a better time onstage than Wayne Coyne, frontman of the Flaming Lips.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The tinsel whip was one of many props.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Flaming Lips are known for touring with huge inflatables.Photo by Brianna Caleri
A joyful crowd reacts to being blasted with confetti during the Flaming Lips' set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Ty Segall was king of the guitar jams.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Segall's painted jeans were probably the most unique fashion statement all weekend.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Psych Fest uniform: Earthy shorts and calf tattoos.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Thomas Attar Bellier of Al-Qasar plays a beautifully adorned electric saz.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The more mics, the better for Al-Qasar.Photo by Brianna Caleri
A closer look at the saz.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Lyrics in Arabic brought extra gravitas to the set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
How's that for a desert hallucination?Photo by Brianna Caleri
New Candys guitarist Emanuele Zanardo puts a physical flourish in his playing.Photo by Brianna Caleri
The Black Angels interrupted the technicolor parade for a largely black-and-white set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Black Angels bassist Misti Hamrick-French basks in the cold glow of a strobe light.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Dumbo Gets Mad reminds us that Italians just get fashion.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Guitarist Luca Bergomi gets in on bassist Ivan Torelli's shot.Photo by Brianna Caleri
LA LOM bassist Jake Faulkner captures the sun.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Guitarist Zac Sokolow danced for the whole set, which happened to be on his birthday.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Faulkner's grandstanding added flavor to the show, which ultimately didn't need psychedelic visuals.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Faulkner's howls cut through the air, hardly amplified.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Trish Toledo paid homage to mothers and couples in her romantic set.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Not a practical shoe for a rainy weekend. We salute her sacrifice for fashion.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Thee Sacred Souls closed out the festival with a brass section.Photo by Brianna Caleri
This backup singer was exquisitely styled in blue.Photo by Brianna Caleri
Singer Josh Lane snapped a photo of an adoring audience. See you next time, Josh.Photo by Brianna Caleri