If you think fashion statements are reserved for the catwalks of Paris or the red carpets of Hollywood, think again. Sports stars with style off the field are shaking up the game. From soccer fields to sport stages, athletes are showing that they can look fierce both with and without their team kit. These sports stars have proved that their fashion game is strong beyond the field – and it’s pretty inspiring!
1. Defining the Definition of Athleisure
Athleisure has burst onto the fashion scene in recent years, elevating the way we think about athletic wear from practical items of clothing to stylish and fashionable must-haves. But what is ‘athleisure’?
At its core, athleisure is the marriage of athletic wear and leisurewear. It includes items such as athletic running pants, sports bras, and leggings, but also incorporates complementary pieces like cropped tops, hoodies, and even jackets. The garments are designed to be comfortable and functional, but also stylish and fashionable – they look good on the street as well as on the track or in the gym.
Athleisure can vary in fabric and weight, though synthetic materials are usually preferred as they quickly wick moisture, keeping the wearer comfortable when exercising or on the go. That said, athleisure isn’t just about performance; it’s just as much about looking your best even when relaxing or while running errands. Items often have features like cinched waistbands, zippers, pockets, mesh panelling, subtle branding, or colour blocking.
Athleisure is a trend that is here to stay. Its combination of functionality and fashion make it a go-to option for many, and its rising popularity has sparked a trend of innovation and creativity among designers.
2. Showcasing Athlete’s Style Off the Field
For athletes, their style off the field is just as important as their style on the field. An athlete’s personal style helps both build and cement their profile as an individual with their own signature style. Here’s a look at some of the most stylistically forward athletes off the field:
LeBron James, NBA star, is often seen in streetwear, accessorized with sunglasses and a signature headband. He can often be recognized by his comfy sweaters, colorful windbreakers, and smartly styled suits for those formal occasions.
Cristiano Ronaldo, a professional soccer player, takes his style a bit more upmarket, stepping out in finely tailored, three-piece, designer suits with the perfect amount of color.
Gabby Douglas, a gymnast and two-time Olympic champion, is often seen in athleisure with an effortlessly chic mood. Her personal style includes knit sweatshirts, funky leggings, and trendy shorts.
These three athletes all have one thing in common: their unique style that sets them apart from the crowd. Next time you want to stand out from the crowd, why not mimick one of these popular stylish athletes?
- Choose from contemporary streetwear, luxe styles, and color-filled athleisure pieces
- Stay true to yourself and rock the pieces your most comfortable in
- Walk with confidence and pride
3. Fashion Trends Set by Professional Athletes
Society looks to professional athletes as role models, often times exhibiting skills in their respective sports that are awe-inspiring. The influence these athletes have on society reaches far past their athletic performance – they’re also setting trends in fashion today. From stylishly designed shoes to cool apparel, these athletic trend setters help to generate hot new styles and fashion statements that challenge the standard.
The timelessness of sneakers have been universal, often seen as a staple in wardrobes all around the world. For big names such as LeBron James and Michael Jordan, they’ve managed to create signature lines with various companies, heightening an already-popular trend. Similarly, professional footballers have generated major interest in brands, as their status has shown that they can further the reach of fashion names and ignite the spark in what’s now the popular choice among fashion lovers.
It’s not just athletes making waves in the fashion world – they’re inspiring aspects of design and even new trends, too. Collaborations between athletes and popular fashion brands have become a major cultural reference, incorporating the newest materials and technology into sneaker designs. The offseason has often resulted in major transitions for athletes, including a turn to higher-end fashion, whether when they’re out and about or at the Met Gala.
- LeBron James: Signature shoe lines and exclusive releases have been a cornerstone of LeBron’s influence on sneakers
- Michael Jordan: Jordan is a sneaker icon that still influences the fashion industry today
- Professional footballers: Footballers have become front-runners in the fashion world, showing their passion for brands
- Athlete collaborations: Events showcasing collaborations and collaborations themselves have become more popular amongst athletic designers
- Off-field fashion: Even in the offseason, athletes are still pushing modern fashion within and out of their comfort zones
Leading the way in new trends, professional athletes are no longer just dominating the game on the field, but they’re dominating in high fashion, too. With the help of signature shoe lines, exclusive releases, brand endorsements, collabs and more, athletes are making their mark on the fashion industry with style.
4. The Rise of Streetwear in Sports
Streetwear is the hottest and rapidly growing style in the sports sector. Whether it’s a high-end brand like Supreme or an up-and-coming designer, streetwear has gained significant recognition throughout the athletic world. As athletes continue to create their own personal style, they’re teaming up with designer labels to produce creative and unique pieces.
From bold-colored hoodies and luxurious baseball caps to creative sneakers and tracksuits, athletes now have more choices than ever when it comes to their style. Famous examples include the Jordan-brand partnership with Nike and the DKNY-brand sneakers endorsed by LeBron James. Moreover, professional teams have also joined the movement, such as the Los Angeles Angels’ collaboration with Japanese brand Mastermind.
The most popular pieces in the sports streetwear market include:
- Stylish Hoodies: Hoodies have seen a surge in popularity due to their bold designs and the comfort they offer.
- Stylish Sneakers: Creative sneakers have also gained a following and are often seen on the feet of dyed-in-the-wool streetwear enthusiasts.
- Tracksuits: Tracksuits are an easy way to look fashionable in the sports scene and are a perfect complement to streetwear.
Streetwear has become an integral part of sports culture, with athletes and teams regularly collaborating with designer labels to create unique and fashionable pieces. With no sign of slowing down, streetwear looks set to remain a fixture in the sports world for years to come.
5. Making a Statement on and off the Field
Rocking the Field and Matters Beyond
From the sporting field to the world beyond it, creating a statement is an essential part of an athlete’s professional brand. Outside the court or the stadium, taking the time to be intentional with a personal style will create a lasting impression. Whether its fashion, beauty, or ideas to posit—showcasing a unique, individual style sets one apart from the rest.
This level of hustle carries over onto the field, as well. Chances are, if someone makes the effort to look their best, they’ll carry that same ambition into their sport. After all, it starts with self-care, and self care leads to a healthier, happier, and more successful presentation at the day job. Whether its developing their athletic skills, honing a signature style, or staying in peak physical shape—all that effort shows dedication and strength.
Adding flare to their performance often means making creative decisions and sticking to the plan, no matter what. To gain recognition from a larger audience, athletes must remain confident in their creative direction and follow their unique statement as far as it goes. With characteristics like this, an athlete will break boundaries and stand out from the crowd, on and off the field.
These design elements paired with a natural athletic ability can make for a powerful combination. A career in sports, a public platform, and a stage for creating a statement–all athletes have the potential to reach the greatest magnitude.
Fashion often provides a platform for athletes to express themselves — outside of their sport. And, whether we like it or not, sports stars are trending in stylishness, as well as in great athletic prowess. As celebrity athletes continue to up their fashion game, we can be sure the conversation will only get more exciting. So, as we look forward to what fashion surprises the sports world has in store, we can appreciate the stylish sports stars who have set the tone thus far, for both an on-field and off-field winning streak.
