NFL Stripes

[Texas Aggie]

the NFL has had these pants for about 2 years now

This is correct. I saw these pants 2 years ago at a meeting and even commented on how awful they looked then!

The change was a result to have a uniform that could not be duplicated without their permission.

First of all, its pretty difficult, if not impossible, to trademark a "look." You can easily trademark a logo or other "mark," but not a stripe running down your pants. Also, it isn't like its that difficult to copy a stripe. Finally, commercials have already copied the shirt -- at least somewhat. At a glance, its difficult to tell the difference between the actual shirt and one copied for a commercial.

I agree with the OP. Whether the intent is to draw attention to themselves, that's what they've done with the recent uniform changes. The shirts are no big deal, but the various pants and knickers changes are absurd. Go back to the white knickers and change the shirts as needed every few years.

[Texas Aggie]

For officials with large legs the black pants are far more comfortable and provide more options on cold days.

The actual pant is simply the Honigs elite knickers that are full length. There isn't anything more comfortable about it, except for the fact that you don't have to wear the traditional socks like we wear. The fit is essentially the same. About the only advantage on a cold day is being able to wear whatever black socks you want -- including wool socks if they work or are allowed. Other than that, you can layer just as easily with the knickers.

I personally, don't like the look of the pants in football, but I will concede the advantage of no striped socks (which I hate) and the pant does better with mud than the white knicks.

[ajmc]

I also recall the suggestion that the NFL shirt was redesigned, and trademarked, partially because of commercials referencing officials. The NFL had zero control over the use of the traditional black and white striped shirt because it's a standard used in so many venues.

Creating a unique design, and trademarking it, gives the league control over which commercials may use the likeness. I presume the NFL requires stiff fees as well as editorial control over content and presentation for the use of their design in any commercial effort.

[ASA/NYSSOBLUE]

the comments by writers about the officials coming in the same little car have started already....

[IceGator8]

Originally Posted by Texas Aggie

The actual pant is simply the Honigs elite knickers that are full length. There isn't anything more comfortable about it, except for the fact that you don't have to wear the traditional socks like we wear. The fit is essentially the same. About the only advantage on a cold day is being able to wear whatever black socks you want -- including wool socks if they work or are allowed. Other than that, you can layer just as easily with the knickers.

I personally, don't like the look of the pants in football, but I will concede the advantage of no striped socks (which I hate) and the pant does better with mud than the white knicks.

I was under the impression that the pants are made by Reebok and fit more like sweat pants rather than knickers. They certainly do not look like they fit like knickers in the legs.

[Texas Aggie]

The fit may be a bit different due to the way the pant is cut, but unless they've changed the pant from the one I saw, its simply a long Honigs Elite knicker.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by Texas Aggie

The fit may be a bit different due to the way the pant is cut, but unless they've changed the pant from the one I saw, its simply a long Honigs Elite knicker.

The pants might be modeled after another brand, but Reebok is responsible for all the new uniform designs.

Peace

[IceGator8]

Originally Posted by Texas Aggie

The fit may be a bit different due to the way the pant is cut, but unless they've changed the pant from the one I saw, its simply a long Honigs Elite knicker.

I don't know if I buy this. I've seen the pant on some of the bigger officials and it seems like they have much more room than an elongated elite knicker would provide.

[Adam]

Originally Posted by Texas Aggie

First of all, its pretty difficult, if not impossible, to trademark a "look."

I don't know, Harley-Davidson trademarked the sound of their motorcycles.