What to Wear on the Basketball Court
With the NBA playoffs in full swing, we've been spending a lot more time in our local cage putting up — admittedly disappointing — shots. Even during lockdown, Netflix’s The Last Dance managed to inspire many of us to find an empty court, practice our crossover, and start working on our fadeaway three-point shot. Watching Michael Jordan’s game-winning mentality was enough to make even the most rookie of basketball players eager to try and imitate it. After five minutes of throwing airballs, though, we realized that playing basketball isn’t as easy as the GOAT makes it look. But he inspired us on another front, too: clothing.
Few sports are as closely connected with modern culture as basketball. From music to fashion, the NBA — and basketball in general — has become a leading style hotspot. That makes it doubly important to look good while you hoop, because if you’re going to trash talk then you need to back it up and your 10-year-old running shorts aren’t going to work.
Look to Reebok, adidas, and more for retro perfection or more modern offerings from PUMA to upgrade your on-court clout.
Browse the best basketball looks below.
Shorts
All City by Just Don Shooting Shorts
Don C is an established icon in the streetwear world and his latest collection has placed him on the court. Tied together by basketball influences, the label — made in collaboration with Foot Locker — updates a bunch of on-court essentials with off-court versatility.
adidas x Eric Emanuel Hoops Shorts
Eric Emanuel shorts are leading the world of inseams right now but that popularity makes them hard to get hold of. His ongoing partnership with adidas retains the bold patterns that define his own work but comes with a kinder price tag and more availability.
BAPE Camo Wide Basketball Shorts
Round out your blue camo BAPE look with this pair of classic mesh shorts.
KITH Turbo Shorts
Ronnie Fieg's KITH is moving at a rate of knots right now. After opening a new location in Paris, the New York label is a worldwide force to be reckoned with. This preppy pair is a definitive on-court flex.
Accessories
Carhartt WIP x Spalding Basketball
First things first. Turning up to the shootaround with a Carhartt WIP rock is a strong start.
Top Layers
adidas Windbreaker
If you're a real baller, the cold won't stop you playing through fall and winter. You might need some warmer layers, though.
adidas Say Cheese Jacket
The last thing you want to be wearing while playing basketball in the chill is a tight jacket. The Say Cheese Jacket features super-relaxed tailoring to give you the freedom to cross anyone up.
Tops
Reebok Classic Basketball Tee
We love a classic mesh vest, but realistically, summer's over and leaving the house wearing mesh doesn't really work anymore. A retro-leaning baggy top, on the other hand...
BAPE x Space Jam Logo T-Shirt
The movie itself may be getting slammed, but some of the merch is actually okay. This BAPE tee sees the Space Jam logo get an update with the label's classic camo.
Basketball Shoes
Reebok Question Mid
While everyone else on the court looks to modern style, why not look back? Iverson's iconic Reebok Question Mids are an instant time machine.
adidas Donovan Mitchell D.O.N. Issue 3
One of the NBA's breakout talents in recent years, Donovan Mitchell turns out to be the face of one of adidas' best basketball silhouettes. This pair is a bright warning sign for your opponents thanks to its paisley print.
PUMA RS-Dreamer 2
PUMA is a burgeoning force in the world of basketball shoes and designs like this pair of RS-Dreamer 2 Sneakers prove the brand's power.
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