Highlighting professional athletes with unique sense of style
It’s not surprising for sports fans to see their favorite athletes arrive on game day in their Sunday (Night Football) Best. But for those who aren’t caught up in the sports world, it can be surprising to see stereotypically “manly” men walk into their respected sports arena in carefully curated outfits. These outfits, known to the sports community as “Game Day ‘Fits,” are something of a spectacle to look forward to each week. It gives players a chance to express their personality before games and in the off-season.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at some athletes who have a unique fashion sense.
Travis Kelce
Ah, yes–Taylor Swift’s boyfriend (this is a joke). It only felt right to begin this article with him, seeing as he was a major inspiration. The Kansas City Chiefs’ Tight End infamously steps off the plane dripping in style. Often known for his creative pattern pairings and Louis Vuitton duffle bags, Kelce’s style has seen an evolution (almost) like no other in the NFL. Whether he’s in a pressed suit or a matching workout set, America’s most beloved (and for some, most hated) football player always serves a look. His bold twist on street style shows his personality completely. He is not afraid of backlash and is ready to face the haters–and the opposing team–while having the coolest fit. This fashion journey isn’t recent, however. When he sat down with People Magazine, he explained fashion was something he was into even as a kid before he reached the NFL. In college, he said his interest led him to be "balling on a budget" when he would search for deals on resale apps. Now a three-time-winning Super Bowl champion, Kelce’s creative approach has solidified himself as a style icon.
Henrik Lundqvist
Former New York Rangers and briefly the Washington Capitals goalkeeper Henrik Lundqvist has been known for his sharp style off the ice. When he wasn’t in full-padded goalie gear, Lundqvist was gracing the cover of magazines and showing off his impeccable eye for a fine tailored suit. The Swedish heartthrob has been frequently seen in a blue suit paired with a unique tie. Dubbed “Hockey’s Fashion Leader” by the New York Times, Lundqvist infuses European flair into some of his looks. In an interview with Men’s Journal, Lundqvist said, “I learned that the best advice when it comes to style is simple: be true to yourself.” He also revealed his biggest fashion inspiration, who is none other than James Bond. Lundqvist also shared that when he first moved to New York City to play for the Rangers, he was often teased for his eye for style. It seems now, however, that he was ahead of the trend.
Dennis Rodman
No one does style like Dennis Rodman. Known for his athletic ability as well as his larger-than-life personality, his stylistic flair made him stand out in the basketball community. Formerly a forward for the Chicago Bulls, Rodman was a bit of an outcast in the ‘90s because of his outlandish hair and wacky clothing combinations. Often faced with intense and unfair scrutiny from both the public and the media, Rodman transcended traditional menswear style and bent the rules, often donning gender-fluid silhouettes. Despite the haters, Rodman just oozes cool. Today, he is considered a man ahead of his time, his style and accessorizing abilities put 2019-era fashion to shame. Rodman’s tendency to become embroiled in scandals is exactly what made his sense of style so influential. Additionally, his collaborations with Ed Hardy and Von Dutch surely helped cement him as a trailblazer in the fashion world. Who can forget the iconic wedding dress when he “married” himself?
David Beckham
BE HONEST– you love David Beckham’s style. The former soccer–or football for the non-Americans–star has seen a major style evolution throughout the years. His preppy style matches that of his posh counterpart, Victoria Beckham, who wore matching outfits on red carpets before Brad/Angelina and Brittany/Justin did it. With his looks, Beckham reaches for muted and neutral tones. His signature day-to-day style includes skinny jeans and a sleek leather jacket. While at professional events, Beckham can be seen mixing and matching his tailoring to offer a new twist on the classic style. His ability to create versatile looks is a skill that isn’t always seen in menswear. His current style is timeless, which is vastly different from his early Manchester United days. Thankfully, he hasn’t tried to bring the sarong back.
Pat Riley
Okay, we can’t talk about fashion in men’s sports without talking about the coaches. Nowadays, it’s rare to see a coach barking on the sidelines without rocking a cool fit. You can’t describe Lakers Coach Pat Riley’s style as anything other than “cool.” The godfather-esque game day fits never failed to turn heads. Rare was it to see Riley without an impeccably tailored suit. And it’s with good reason– he is literally known as “The Godfather of the NBA.” Riley was known to wear a fresh suit, clean tie, and perfectly slicked-back hair. Although his coaching abilities have cemented him as a legend, Riley has also reached legendary status when it comes to fashion. His personal style included that of custom shirts from Savile Row and suits courtesy of Giorgio Armani. Riley’s fashion-forward approach added to the spectacle of basketball. Gone were the days of slouchy coaches– Riley revolutionized the sideline. Overall, he proved that not only can one be a great coach, but they can also be dripping in style.
Alyssa Guevara is a blog writer for Revolution. This article was edited by Meliha Ural.
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