It was not so long ago where people were being made fun of their interest in superheroes or fantasy novels, but in came movies like Iron Man and the Marvel cinematic universe to make being a geek, ‘cool’ and a mainstream form of entertainment. Ten years in, Colombo’s now obsessing about what’s next with the latest avenger storyline (or fandom) movie Captain America: Civil War so, I thought discussing this impact on the way you dress would be worth the effort with a few pointers to some of my best picks for the upcoming season as most stores are getting on the merchandise bandwagon in a big way. 

Find The Merchandise Closest To You 

So you’re a fan on Batman (DC), or Captain America (Marvel); nothing builds your pride in something you love quite like finding the right kind of merchandise. I am all for wearables such as t-shirts and accessories, but my friends have spoiled me rotten with collectable toys and additional memorabilia I can use in my day to day like USB drives, key chains, hoodies and even BandAids (which I use sparingly). 

I’ve had the pleasure of finding sneakers, flip flops, limited edition tees all over Colombo. Just keep an eye out is all I’m saying, or check out the ever resourceful “Geek Club of SL” group on Facebook with daily updates and facebook sales points for your favourite merchandise. Sometimes custom made with fan art for your purchasing privilege. I am also impressed with accessory stores such as Limited Edition (Instagram / Facebook) and The Costume Jewellery Store (Instagram / Facebook) for their stock of memorabilia and fandom based accessories especially for a lesser known TV shows like Doctor Who. 

Super Casual 

Indulge in the easiest to find type of merchandise; T-shirts of every mainstream superhero. But if you’d really like to be a cut above the rest, combine them with colour coordinated options to make them stand out from being just an addition to the wardrobe. I love seeing the snapback trend really pick up in Sri Lanka for casualwear, now here’s your chance to say you’re team Captain America on your head. 

Work Geek 

Now this is where you step up your geek-chic game. Who says accessories only look good on the weekends. The Costume Jewellery Store features a full set of superhero cufflinks you could add for a quirky look to your day at the office. Also, keeping up with the 90’s trend a subtle-yet-quirky tie featuring a comic print would go a long way. Last but not least; upping your sock game from black or white to superhero prints makes me look at you with admiration. 

Online Commitment 

They say when you love someone you go the extra mile. But I’ve noticed when you find your fandom, you just go crazy. As good as it sounds to be wearing your affiliation to one or many fandoms, you might be wondering where one might find some of these items. For many years people including myself have had to depend on the goodwill of friends and family abroad or the trusty delivery services of eBay vendors of popular online geek artisans on etsy.com (thank you, credit card). But now, thanks to mainstream appeal your general retail store is a treasure trove of goodies, and you might not need to head to the kids section itself. 

I can officially say everyone has a super hero or comic book character they can identify with (and not insult anyone). Some even multiple, some even from book series’ that haven’t found a TV or movie franchise to go with it. Whatever the character or series you love, try to really hone in on the storyline or it’s coolness factor. There’s no point in owning or wearing any merch you haven’t got many interesting facts to talk about. Neither do you want to be the one wearing a Superman logo on the wrong coloured tshirt. Yes, you know exactly what I’m talking about. 

The writer is a Stylist and Menswear Evangelist for Daily Mirror Life. Follow Jude Gayantha Perera (www.instagram.com/stylistlk) and find his best recommendations online, especially on Instagram. 

By Jude Gayantha Perera