The NBA has always been home to some of America’s best-dressed black men, and some of the most influential guys in the fashion game. Many young, black Americans look to the NBA and its leading names when it comes to fashion trends and inspiration. And in a world of influencers, the stars of the NBA are influencing more than most.
Nothing highlights this more than the talk that now surrounds the arrival of NBA teams on game day. The pre-game arrival, or what is now referred to as ‘tunnel walk’, can receive as much attention as performances on the court with the NBA’s top talent using their arrivals to express themselves off the court.
But how can you channel your inner NBA star when it comes to your office, college, or restaurant arrival? Here are 8 ways to style your look to match those who are lighting up the NBA tunnel walks.
The trim
From buzz cuts to afros, if you want to look like an NBA player, your haircut will need to be on point. Extravagant trims often help players carve out an iconic look that attracts attention from brands and sponsors, but while it may not bring in the dollars for the everyday man on the street, it will go a long way to helping you pull off that hooper look.
For those blessed with luscious locks, you might want to rock the dreads like Ja Morant. If you prefer a simpler cut, look no further than LeBron’s constantly clean look. Whatever style you opt for, a top NBA star would never be seen with a hair out of place.
The beard
Your hair game doesn’t stop with the trim. The NBA is home to some of the strongest beard games too. While there are many players that look great without one, pairing a fresh trim with a James Harden-esque beard will leave you looking like you’re about to take to the floor in the NBA Finals.
If the bushy beard is too much maintenance for you, shorter facial hair styles like moustaches and goatees are a popular choice with young black men and many basketballers at the minute.
The statement tee
Onto the fit, and it starts with making a statement with the tee. Men’s graphic tees are particularly on trend right now and the fashionistas of the NBA love to pair them with a casual jacket or overshirt.
Football jerseys are also becoming increasingly popular, in line with the European trend of rocking retro soccer jerseys. See Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Louis Vuitton football jersey for how the NBA stars bring this trend to the tunnel.
Read: 7 Clever Layering Outfits For This Winter
The leather coat
If your state is a bit cold for heading out in a T-shirt and jacket, don’t worry. There are countless examples of NBA players arriving at games wrapped up while still looking fly.
A common favourite when it comes to layering up in style seems to be the leather coat, often oversized and brash. Check out Tyrese Haliburton’s arrival at Madison Square Garden back on February 1st this year, where he donned a long, grey, oversized leather coat over even more leather.
The oversized trousers
After years of tight-fitting jeans and trousers, oversized is back. So if you want that NBA game arrival look, you’ll need to swap skinny for flares. Trouser choices on the tunnel walk can include cargo, jeans, suit trousers or shorts, but one thing’s for sure, you’ll always find some baggy bottoms on show.
The beauty of this trend is you can incorporate a pair of baggy trousers into any look. Devin Booker often shows how relaxed-fitting trousers can be added to a casual fit, while James Harden’s daring Louis Vuitton monogram jeans dazzled at the lavish end of the spectrum.
The shoes
Your kicks will depend on the rest of your fit, but they should always make a statement. Jerami Grant’s leopard Sambas were a firm favourite from the 2023/24 season if you’re looking for how to make a casual statement.
If you need something smarter, chunky seems to be funky. Whether that’s a thick pair of military boots or a vintage pair of Doc Martens, either can be the perfect baller-esque addition to a smarter fit.
The designer bag
You might be tempted to skip the accessories, but your outfit won’t be complete without the designer holdall. Nobody does this better than the aforementioned Tyrese Haliburton, who has on several occasions arrived at the arena with a designer bag draped over his shoulder.
Haliburton’s go-to choice appears to be the Louis Vuitton Speedy duffel bag, which he owns in both red and yellow. Although he’s also been spotted with an arguably even more impressive, Hermès Birkin. We didn’t say looking like an NBA baller came cheap!
The shades
Wearing shades indoors has long been seen as a bold fashion choice, but when it comes to copying the best-dressed guys in the NBA, it’s go bold or go home!
It doesn’t matter where you’re arriving, complete your look with a pair of blacked-out designer shades to give off the ultimate aura.
Final Thoughts
When finding ways to dress like your sports stars, begin with a mens graphic tee, and shades and step up on your designer game.