18 June
Serena Williams
Vogue
Game On: The Most Stylish Athletes In Professional Sports
Growing up a fan of sports and fashion, it wasn’t always easy to find a way to combine the two interests. Yes, I could always throw on a cute gameday fit that incorporates my favorite player into my fashion sense. But athletes were primarily known for their game on the field, not for their fashion prowess.
Michael Jordan started the iconic Nike Air Jordan- but many don’t look at him as the beacon of style. Sure, there were flashy athletes like Deion “Prime Time” Sanders who wore trendy tracksuits and decked out their wrists in icy watches and chains…but look at the NBA Draft from decades like the 90’s where budding athletes were draped in oversized suits. Yeah, it was the style back then…but what does that say?
Now, athletes are more inclined to step out. Some are even invited to the iconic Met Gala thrown by Vogue’s Anna Wintour. They get brand deals with high-fashion luxury brands like Gucci. In fact, pregame outfits are becoming viral moments for many players. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, an NBA star on the Oklahoma City Thunder, has landed brand deals with Kim Kardashian’s trailblazing Skims and other major fashion companies.
Former NBA star Dwyane Wade and his wife Gabrielle Union are known for their iconic couple’s style. Houston Texan and one of the best wide receivers in the NFL, Stefon Diggs, is often a fashion week favorite. And of course, there’s David Beckham- but I’m sure Victoria wouldn’t let him out of the house if he weren’t well dressed.
Yes, athletes aren’t just expected to be athletes anymore. The stars are supposed to saunter into the world of fashion…and they’re not doing a bad job of it. Here are a few of the most stylish athletes in the game right now.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
A star on and off the court, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander turns heads with his high fashion game. He’s converted his entire team into mini fashionistas, making pregame just as exciting as the actual game itself.
Without a doubt, Shai is one of the most stylish athletes in the game right now. He’s constantly voted GQ’s Most Stylish Athlete (the reigning two year winner) and he truly never disappoints when it comes to fashion. Whether it’s styling the MSCHF Big Red Boots, or playing with layering, lengths, and colors…Shai is an easy style icon for those who like high fashion and taking big risks.
David Beckham
There would be no list of fashionable athletes without the OG It Boy: David Beckham. When he first started playing soccer and dating Spice Girl, Victoria Beckham, he solidified himself as a part-time model in the process. Alongside his now wife, David would sport some fire fits. Similar to Dwayne Wade and Gabrielle Union, these two are the epitome of couple’s fashion goals.
Now, Beckham is the face of multiple fashion houses, a billboard for brands like Tudor Watches and Adidas, and is seen front row at fashion weeks. He wears the crown of most stylish footballer well.
Dwyane Wade
I will never not see D-Wade and think of his iconic Met Gala looks. He always puts 100% into his fashion choices, and you have to respect it. He sports in-the-know brands like Prada and Acne Studios while paying homage to past NBA styles like the aforementioned baggy suit.
There’s not a red carpet that Dwyane Wade doesn’t own…making him one of the pillars of pro athlete fashion.
Stefon Diggs
Stefon Diggs has always been a style icon for the NFL. In a league where fashion isn’t the main idea, he stands out as an outstanding player with high fashion sense. He’s not shy when it comes to styling himself, either, whether that’s a pair of pleated trouser shorts or even a kilt.
Diggs doesn’t back down from a challenge, especially in the world of fashion.
Serena Williams
Anyone who has hosted the Met Gala is a known trailblazer in the fashion industry. Since TennisCore is so huge right now thanks to Zendaya’s Challengers looks, all eyes have been on the tennis world. Serena is one of the GOAT’s of women’s tennis, but her on-and-off court style is equally impressive.
Her match kits were always cutting edge- her courtside style layered with colors, textures, and prints that were unlike anything another tennis player has worn before.
Sir Lewis Hamilton
Formula 1’s Lewis Hamilton goes above and beyond each year with his personal style. When he arrives at the paddock, all heads turn to see what Sir Lewis Hamilton is wearing. He’s one of the greatest in his sport, but he’s also renowned in the fashion world as one of the most inclusive stylish men in the world.
He could walk the runway any day, and beyond his race suit is a closet any man should be envious of.
Roger Federer
Again, another tennis great turned Met Gala host. Federer for years has rocked tennis chic before Challengers made it trendy. His Old Money style was his signature, alongside flashy watches and cable knit sweaters. He’s the poster boy for Quiet Luxury- flaunting loafers and a Rolex with a fitted blazer.
His style is one that isn’t too risky, but a timeless classic. He’s an achievable style icon who never misses the mark, but sets the bar high.
