Well Played, KC: How an overseas Chiefs game inspired designs that brought Lindsey Hall off the bench

Her apparel brand’s timeless style echoes Ralph Lauren’s aesthetic, with a KC twist

Kansas City’s fashion scene has gained a new player in Well Played KC, a lifestyle brand blending classic Americana style with local pride. Founded by Lindsey Hall, the business is gaining momentum with versatile, throwback-that-doesn’t-feel-dated apparel that resonates with on-the-go Kansas Citians. 

A new maroon letterman sweatshirt and cap pairing from Well Played KC, now on pre-order

“I wanted to do a more upscale, preppy brand that I think you haven’t seen,” said Hall. “You can wear it anywhere. I can wear it with jeans and heels, or with sweatpants. It’s diverse and fits into the busy lives of people like me — working, doing school pickups, and juggling a million things.”

Hall’s entrepreneurial journey began unexpectedly. After experiencing a layoff while working in a merchandising position, she decided that sudden change wasn’t the end of her career; it was the beginning of creating something that was her own, launching Well Played in January 2024. 

“It’s been really exciting,” Hall said.

“I was kind of going through an identity crisis, and my sister told me, ‘Do something that makes you happy right now,’” she recalled. “I thought, “How great would it be to just work for myself?”

Inspired by her hometown football team’s trip to Germany in November 2023 — when the Kansas City Chiefs played the Miami Dolphins overseas (and won) — Hall envisioned a crest for the team, embodying elements of royalty and heritage. 

The KC crest design by Lindsey Hall, Well Played KC; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News

“I was playing around on Photoshop and came up with this crest design. It started as just a creative outlet, but when I showed it to my sister,” she said. ‘This is it.’ From there, it evolved into this almost country club-esque brand.”

Her first products — a set of hats embroidered with the crest — sold out quickly, giving her confidence to build the brand.

Click here to shop Well Played KC’s Kansas City collection featuring the KC crest.

“When these came out, sales did very well,” Hall said. “I realized, ‘OK. this is what people like.’”

Click here to follow Well Played KC and Hall’s journey on Instagram.

Serving up classic style

Drawing on her background in merchandising, Hall focused on designing versatile clothing. She attributes her early success to paying close attention to what customers love.

A men’s polo shirt from Well Played KC

“I’ve been learning what works and what doesn’t, and the brand keeps evolving,” she said.

The inspiration for her hats and sweatshirts currently aligns with the return of classic, timeless styles, akin to Ralph Lauren’s aesthetic, with a KC twist.

Click here to shop the range of apparel from Well Played KC.

“I care about Kansas City, and I wanted to create something local but sophisticated,” she said.

One pivotal moment for Hall was a partnership with SERV, a restaurant featuring pickleball courts located in Overland Park, after her designs got recognized by a representative at a pop-up event.

“That connection led me to creating all their fall 2024 merch,” she said. “It was such a fun experience.”

 

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Despite the growth of Well Played KC, Hall remains committed to keeping Kansas City at the heart of her brand.

“Kansas City is always going to have to be in there somewhere,” she said. “I grew up in Louisburg, Kansas, moved away for a bit, but as soon as I had my first kid, I wanted to come back.”

Lindsey Hall, Well Played KC; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News

Big dreams and local partnerships

Hall aims to expand her brand’s reach, with goals of getting her products into Made in KC and Kansas City International Airport shops. She’s also working on a rebrand to her social media at the beginning of the new year to refine her aesthetic and grow her online presence.

“I love designing products, but I know marketing is 80 percent of the business,” said Hall. “That’s where I’m focusing my energy now — with the help of some amazing friends.”

“I want to walk through the airport and see someone wearing one of my hats,” she added. “It would be a dream to see some of our Kansas City heroes wearing Well Played KC.”

For Hall, Well Played KC is not just clothes, but her outlet to inspire her daughters to pursue their dreams, no matter how big they seem at first.

“I want them to see how important it is to follow your passions,” she said. “This brand is my heart, and I’m excited to see where it takes me.”