Custom UCLA Bruins jerseys usually get a last name and a favorite number. If you want something with more of a story, UCLA's own history offers better material. The school's teams went by two other names before settling on "Bruins," and several Westwood traditions come with dates that work well on the back of a jersey.
Before They Were Bruins
UCLA Athletics explains the sequence on its traditions page. In 1919 the school was the "Southern Branch" of the University of California, and its football team was called the Cubs. In 1923 the team became the Grizzlies. The University of Montana already had prior rights to "Grizzlies," so after the school dropped the Southern Branch name in 1927, the teams became the Bruins in 1928.
That gives you three eras and three dates to play with.
Nameplate and Number Ideas
- "CUBS" with 19: for the 1919 Southern Branch team. A fun pick for anyone who likes deep cuts.
- "GRIZZLIES" with 23: the 1923 name change. Long nameplate, so check the character limit.
- "BRUINS" with 28: the year the current name arrived.
- 48: the year a UCLA student introduced the Eight-Clap, the yell that often goes with the fight song.
- 39: the year the alumni association gave UCLA the 295-pound Victory Bell, later the prize in the USC game.
Two-digit numbers like these read clearly from the stands and look like real roster numbers.
A Few More Traditions to Know
The Victory Bell story has its own twist. USC fans took the bell in 1941, and on November 12, 1942, the student body presidents of both schools signed an agreement that the winner of the annual game keeps it for the following year. UCLA's mascots also have a history: in the 1930s students rented a live bear for home football games, and in 1967 a female student first took on the role of Josephine Bruin.
Which Blue?
UCLA says its blue and gold match the University of California's, with blue for the ocean and local wildflowers and gold for the Golden State, the poppy and sunsets. The school also notes that the blue has shifted over the years among powder, sky and royal shades. That means there is no single "right" blue for a custom jersey. Recent listings include a 2025 vapor limited design described as all stitched, and the base color you pick is mostly a matter of taste:
- Blue: the classic home look and the strongest match to Bruin tradition.
- White: a road-style option that gives a custom name the most contrast.
Before You Order
- Spell the nameplate exactly as you want it; custom orders are made to your text.
- Confirm the number field shows the number you meant.
- Check the size chart, since football jerseys run roomy.
Start Your Design
To see base designs and colors, browse these custom UCLA Bruins jerseys before you enter a name and number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are UCLA's teams called the Bruins?
According to UCLA Athletics, the football team was the Cubs in 1919 and the Grizzlies from 1923. Because the University of Montana had prior rights to "Grizzlies," UCLA's teams became the Bruins in 1928, the year after the school dropped the Southern Branch name.
Is UCLA's blue powder blue or royal blue?
Both have been used. UCLA says its blue has varied over the years in powder, sky and royal shades, so fans choosing a custom jersey can pick whichever shade they prefer.