Bernie Sanders inspires a fashion revolution at Iowa caucuses

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa — It turns out Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders is also a fashion revolutionary.

At an Iowa Democratic Caucus gathering here Monday, Sanders swag was impossible to avoid: His supporters wore a dozen different T-shirts and buttons, from the increasingly iconic multi-colored outline “Sanders 2016” standard-bearer.

Sanders voters attributed the popularity of the Bernie look to the dedication of his fan base.

“I’m thinking that people are more committed personally. Clothes are personal. Bernie people are committed to this vision,” said Doug Paterson, who wore a black “I’m Ready for Bernie” tee that he ordered online after Mr. Sanders announced his candidacy last year.

“Not that Hillary people aren’t,” Mr. Paterson said, “but I think there’s a gap.”

Indeed, while supporters of former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton wore the caucus stickers passed out at the doors, the Clinton campaign’s blue “She’s fighting for us” tees were few and far between.

Clinton campaign buttons were also thin on the ground, while voters like Fred Turnbaugh wore several Bernie buttons on his hat and Sanders T-shirt.

Clinton caucus-goer Trish Stotko said the swag gap may reflect her candidate’s no-nonsense message.

“I think it’s along the lines of, ’We don’t need the flash because we know that she’s going to do it,’” said Ms. Stotko.

Added Clinton voter Jason DeLong: “She doesn’t need the glitz and glamour.”

Or maybe the Vermont senator just has better designers. Linda Sporven, wearing a multi-color T-shirt with an outline of Mr. Sanders’ hair and glasses, said she fell in love with the drawing.

“It is a cute design. It’s unique,” said Ms. Sporven.

Sanders backer June Rinner said Mr. Sanders’ tousled white hair has become as recognizable as Mr. Trump’s famous mane.

“His hair is as iconic as Trump’s. It may come down to a battle of the hair,” said Ms. Rinner.

Lance Boyd, a Sanders backer, wore a comparatively staid black dress shirt to the Democratic caucus here, but he had an explanation.

“I have a couple of Sanders shirts at home, but I had to come here straight from the office,” Mr. Boyd said.

For Sanders voter Regi Rae, wearing her gray “Feel the Bern” shirt allows her to spread the word.

“It’s a marketing strategy for me,” Ms. Rae said. “It’s not really about being trendy.”