Kristin Juszczyk shares message of inclusion at 49ers apparel event – NBC Sports Bay Area & California

SANTA CLARA – Kristin Juszczyk's messages during her second annual Fit Check event at Levi's Stadium were one of appreciation and inclusion.

The mastermind behind several exclusive designs worn by NFL players and their significant others shared that she questioned continuing her design journey just a year ago. Kristin, wife of 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk, explained how the overwhelming support at the Women of the Niners (WON) event encouraged her to keep pushing forward.

“Last year was the first time I did something like this and it was really a pivotal moment in my career,” Kristin said. “At that point I was getting so many 'no's' left and right for what I wanted to do. I felt so discouraged.

“When I came here last year and met so many amazing women and heard their stories of how I inspired them to pick up a sewing machine or maybe create something, or even looked forward to Sundays so much to see, what I wear, It lit such a fire in me and made me want to keep going, create new things and keep going. It really changed my life.”

Kristin's custom designs have been worn by several public figures, from Deebo Samuel, who supports Brock Purdy, to Taylor Swift, who represents Kansas City Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce, to WNBA star Caitlin Clark , wearing a custom Final Four creation.

Kristin's more recent creations have included collaborations with Indy 500, Paris 2024 Olympic gymnast and LSU athlete Olivia Dunne.

Kristin hopes to inspire others to explore their own personal interests, no matter what point they are in in life. The designer herself revealed that sewing was something she only discovered her passion for much later in life.

“I haven’t been sewing that long,” Kristin said. “I probably got a sewing machine about five or six years ago.”

Designing game day outfits is more than just a personal pleasure for Kristin, as she wants to reinforce the narrative that women can be sports fans just like men. Recent surveys show that more than 46 percent of NFL fans are female, and yet the percentage of team apparel designed for women is much lower.

“I think it’s so important for women to feel safe in the sports world,” Kristin said. “Because when you go to a store before and they only have a tiny portion left for you, it doesn't feel like you're supposed to be there, or at least almost not.

“I think it's about raising awareness that we are allowed here and wanted here. It's absolutely amazing that women love sports and being athletes. It’s so important to create space on the field or in the stands.”

Kyle fully supports his wife's efforts and even attended the WON event to greet the 49ers fans and take a few selfies with the fans. At the beginning of the evening, the experienced full-back thanked everyone present for their support.

The 12-year NFL veteran hopes to play in the NFL for several more seasons, and Kristin vows to hold the annual event for as long as the 49ers and Levi's allow her.

“It’s so inspiring to meet all these women and hear all their stories,” Kristin said. “I've always said that fashion is like armor for me. It's like a shield and when you have confidence you're at your best. It’s like, ‘Look good, play good,’ so that kind of carries over into what I do.”

“I had such a high trajectory after (the first 'Fit Check' event). It was such a defining moment and I always will, even as long as the Niners have me. It’s one of my favorite nights of the year.”

With temperatures forecast to reach over 90 degrees for Sunday's game against the Arizona Cardinals, Kristin shared that her Week 5 outfit will be simple and focused on staying comfortable in the heat.

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