Sports and style have always been intertwined, but athletes across the globe are being embraced by the fashion world now more than ever. They get front-row treatment at Paris Fashion Week, attend the Met Gala, act as ambassadors for luxury brands, and even co-design or operate their own fashion labels.

And fans aren’t just paying attention to the NBA tunnel anymore. It feels as if every other sport—whether it’s baseball, football, skateboarding, and even F1—has some sort of palpable social media presence dedicated to showing off what athletes are wearing. The explosion of interest in the WNBA has also made sporting style a co-ed endeavor.

We’re coming off the most stylish Olympics ever. The NFL regular season is a couple weeks away, and the NBA will be back before we know it. That got us debating: Who are the best-dressed athletes right now?

In compiling this ranked list, we considered the following criteria: (1) Consistency: How long have they been dressing well? (2) Originality: Are they simply embracing current trends or are their fits more unique? (3) Range: Is their style versatile or do they stick to one specific aesthetic? (4) Impact: Has their fashion sense led them to other opportunities such as brand deals or collaborations? And remember: this is a ranking of who we think are the best-dressed athletes right now, not of all time.

See our picks below—do you agree?

25. Jaime Jaquez

Sport: Basketball
Team: Miami Heat
Overall vibe: Miami-SoCal fusion

Jaime Jaquez became a UCLA legend when he wrapped up one of the most prolific basketball careers in the school’s history last year. Now, he resides 3,000 miles away in Miami, and somehow his style perfectly encapsulates that journey. He always seems to have the right pair of sunglasses to match with any outfit he puts together. With a mix of laidback Miami linens, SoCal flair, a dash of workwear, and a sprinkle of high-fashion, Jaquez has emerged as not only one of the best rookies out of the NBA’s 2023 draft class, but also one of the best-dressed players in the league. –Eddie Gonzalez

24. Marcus Stroman

Marcus Stroman

Sport: Baseball
Team: New York Yankees
Overall vibe: Streetwear mixed with luxury

When you think of the MLB, there aren’t too many names that come to mind when it comes to style. Someone like Jazz Chisolm Jr. has a lot of on-field swag, thanks to his diamond chains and colorful arm sleeves, but that doesn’t totally translate to his off-the-field wardrobe. However, Yankees pitcher Marcus Stroman does both very well. Our favorite is his rotation of vintage graphic T-shirts that nod to everything from Stone Cold Steve Austin to Yankees World Series teams of decades past. Sometimes he’ll even warm up in them, matched with a pair of mesh shorts from Eric Emanuel. Supreme camp caps and Asics Gel-Kayano 14s complete many of his current looks. He travels with flashy luxury luggage like the Takashi Murakami x Louis Vuitton Monogramouflage Keepall. We’d be remiss not to mention his diamond smile or insane collection of watches that includes heavy hitters from the Patek Philippe Nautilus to Richard Mille’s RM series, and a gator-banded Cartier Crash. Stro’s style relies heavily on current streetwear and luxury trends, but he knows how to put them together incredibly well. –Mike DeStefano

23. Vinicius Junior

Vini Jr

Sport: Soccer
Team: Real Madrid
Overall vibe: High-end staples

Vini Jr. is one of the best footballers in the world. In recent years, the 24-year-old Brazilian also developed a pretty great sense of personal style off the pitch. A lot of his outfits incorporate the usual suspects; think Supreme jackets, Louis Vuitton monogram carpenter pants, and Rhude tracksuits. His footwear rotation is similar. Expect to see him in Timberlands, LV Trainers, or rare Nike collabs from Tiffany and Co. and Travis Scott. This style isn’t exactly something we haven’t seen elsewhere, but Vini is putting the pieces together well instead of tossing on anything that has a logo on it. We’d love to see him start rocking other brands besides the heavy hitters, but we don’t expect him to slow down any time soon. There’s always room for improvement. –MD

22. Gervonta Davis

Gervonta Davis

Sport: Boxing
Team: N/A
Overall vibe: Flashy in and out of the ring

Gervonta Davis is one of the few people on this list who is able to fully translate his fashion sense onto his field of play. Tank has become known for his custom ring gear that plays off of some of his favorite brands. You’ve likely seen his custom Chrome Hearts rainbow cross trunks for his bout with Frank Martin in June 2024. In April 2023, he stepped into the ring to face Ryan Garcia in a pair of green and purple satin trunks inspired by Nigo’s Human Made, and custom boots made to resemble the “Skunk” Nike SB Dunk High. Come on, the man even has a one-of-one Chrome Hearts punching bag to train with. He makes sure to keep things consistent when he isn’t fighting. You can always expect to see Davis in some fly gear—rare Kanye West Bapestas from 2007, Tyler, the Creator x Louis Vuitton Craggy Monogram Keepalls, and Kapital denim, to name three Davis staples. He’s putting some of the purses from his 30 professional wins to good use. Some might consider Davis’ style a bit too flashy, but when you’re one of the best pound-for-pound boxers in the world, you’re supposed to be. –MD

21. Travis Kelce

Travis Kelce

Sport: Football
Team: Kansas City Chiefs
Overall vibe: Bold comfort

The three-time Super Bowl-winning tight end knows how to put a solid fit together. He isn’t afraid to rock bold patterns and bright colors, oftentimes courtesy of KidSuper or Elder Statesman. His other looks run the gamut from Louis Vuitton monogram sets to cozier sportswear options such as a Jacquemus x Nike sweatsuit. And how could we forget the custom embellished Amiri set he wore to Super Bowl LVIII? Kelce cleans up nice too, while still taking a modern approach to his tailoring, like the tan Christian Dior suit he wore to host SNL in 2023, or the slouchy Fear of God blazer and trousers he wore to the White House earlier this year to celebrate the Chiefs’ most recent championship. Not every look totally lands, but we give Kelce credit for taking risks and looking comfortable doing it. –MD

20. Justin Jefferson

Justin Jefferson

Sport: Football
Team: Minnesota Vikings
Overall vibe: Iced-out details

In just three NFL seasons, Justin Jefferson has cemented himself as one of the most electrifying players in the league, and he certainly has the personal style to match. You will always see Jettas rocking the latest and greatest pieces from popular brands—Saint Michael, Who Decides War, Louis Vuitton, Chrome Hearts, and more—and the fashion world is taking notice. This past June, the Vikings wideout was seen traversing around Paris Fashion Week to shows for brands like Amiri and Hermès. He even made his runway debut walking alongside his LSU teammate Joe Burrow at Vogue World. But what really puts Jefferson over the top are his accessories. From full sets of diamond grills to his signature fighter-jet chain by Houston-based jeweler Leo Khusro, you can expect Jefferson to be flashing some ice at all times that perfectly complements whatever he is wearing. He even translates that swagger onto the field on Sundays; we’ve seen him break out the iconic Oakley Over the Tops and rock gloves with real diamond accents during warmups. It’s those types of intricate details that make his looks memorable. –MD

19. Russell Westbrook

Russell Westbrook

Sport: Basketball
Team: Denver Nuggets
Overall vibe: Unapologetic versatility

Russell Westbrook may not be at the very top of NBA best-dressed lists like he was in the prime of his career throughout the 2010s, but he still deserves credit for what he’s doing right now. In his heyday, Westbrook went viral for wearing polarizing ensembles that incorporated things like photography vests and overly distressed shirts. In his mid-30s now, the vet has toned things down. More often than not, he mixes and matches items from his own brand Honor the Gift, which is a flex in its own right. Other times, he’s rocking a well-tailored suit, but still giving it his signature flair by rocking the blazer with no shirt underneath. You can also expect him to pop out in a pair of Dickies or Chucks that show love to his West Coast roots. No matter what he’s wearing, Russ’ commitment to being unapologetically himself has never wavered. Whether you like his style or not, you have to commend him for that. –MD

18. Natasha Cloud

Natasha Cloud

Sport: Basketball
Team: Phoenix Mercury
Overall vibe: Effortlessly cool

Tasha Cloud has been dressing up for some time now and has earned her stripes as one of the best in the tunnel. The beauty about the Mercury guard is that she’s never done too much—she’s known to wear a good monochromatic fit or two, often spotted in all-black or a neutral palette. She does a solid job at layering her garments, as well as blending different textures and proportions. Though she didn’t participate in this year’s WNBA All-Star game, all eyes were on her when she delivered sensational looks while sitting courtside. T-Cloud knows exactly what she’s doing, and does it well. –Breeana Walker

17. Devin Booker

Devin Booker

Sport: Basketball
Team: Phoenix Suns
Overall vibe: Minimalist classics

Book loves his neutrals, rarely rocks a print or a visible label, and just sticks with a few staples in his wardrobe. But being classic and clean doesn’t mean it’s an easy style to pull off. Booker sticks out in a league where fashion is typically loud and extravagant by being everything but. A white tee, a pair of Chuck Taylors, and a Detroit Tigers hat can go a long way when you know what to do with it. –EG

16. Jalen Williams

Jalen Wiliams

Sport: Basketball
Team: Oklahoma City Thunder
Overall vibe: Eclectic headwear

OKC is fast becoming the most fashionable team in the NBA. J-Dub has developed his own style over time that blends high-end pieces with vintage finds. He’s also been known to wear pretty interesting headpieces, including a leather helmet and an embellished balaclava. Jalen’s overall style has no bounds; it all depends on how he’s feeling that day. Regardless, he will always serve a look. –BW

15. Skylar Diggins-Smith

Skylar Diggins-Smith

Sport: Basketball
Team: Seattle Storm
Overall vibe: Tailored nostalgia

With 11 years in the WNBA, Skylar Diggins-Smith is a seasoned vet. Not only has she helped propel women’s basketball forward, but she’s also one of the flyest women in the league. If you’ve seen a single tunnel fit pic from Skylar, then you know she means business. From tailored suits to detailed blouses and leather skirts, Diggins-Smith takes her role as a pro athlete very seriously, and it shows in her looks. While tunnel fits have become much more relaxed and casual over the years, she consistently brings a level of nostalgia to the mini runway with her tailored gear. Beyond that, SDS has a level of versatility that we don’t see in many of the other players. Her range in style makes her one of the most exciting athletes to grace the WNBA tunnel. –BW

14. Lewis Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton

Sport: F1
Team: Mercedes-AMG Petronas
Overall vibe: Runway flex

Lewis Hamilton is the best driver in the history of F1. He also just so happens to be the sport’s most stylish participant of all time. His walks to the paddock on race day are a must-watch. They feel like his personal fashion show because he’s usually wearing beautiful looks ripped straight off the runway, from flowy Issey Miyake Homme Plisse sets to exaggerated JW Anderson workwear. You can always expect him to tie it all together with the perfect pair of shades. He even flooded his body in more jewelry than anyone may ever own at one time to protest the FIA’s jewelry ban (what a flex). Some people may dock him points for co-opting full runway looks, but there’s no denying he pulls them off well. His fashion prowess has led him to operate his own clothing brand +44, which has released collabs with contemporary art legends such as Takashi Murakami and Hajime Soryama over the years. He’s an ambassador for Tommy Hilfiger and Dior, with whom he co-designed a snow sports-inspired collection set to hit stores next year. –MD

13. Jules Kounde

Jules Kounde

Sport: Soccer
Team: Barcelona
Overall vibe: Versatile cool

No footballer is doing it like Jules Koundé right now. The 25-year-old Frenchman has quickly risen in the ranks of well-dressed athletes. Even if you have no vested interest in Barcelona FC or European soccer as a whole, you have to appreciate the fits Koundé throws on when he’s off the pitch. What puts him in a solid place on this list is how versatile his wardrobe is. One day, he might keep things casual with a perfectly faded vintage T-shirt, a pair of jorts, and Adidas sneakers (and a cool $12,000 Louis Vuitton Speedy). The next day, he might elevate things with some flared denim, a cropped leather jacket worn over a white button-up, and pointed black leather boots. Brands range from storied luxury houses such as Prada to rising Dutch streetwear brand La Fam. He looks good in pretty much anything—don’t believe us? Take a look for yourself. –MD

12. Tyshawn Jones

Tyshawn Jones

Sport: Skateboarding
Team: N/A
Overall vibe: Skate luxe

Skateboarders have always been elite dressers. Tyshawn Jones is no different. His wardrobe is equal parts classic and streetwear, sprinkled with a touch of luxury for good measure. His New York City connection to Supreme doesn’t hurt. Don’t be surprised to see him wearing big collaborations courtside at MSG or popping out in some of the label’s rarest gear, like this Jeff Hamilton leather jacket. Despite some of the grail-level pieces he incorporates, it never feels like he’s trying too hard. Recently, we’ve seen Jones align with Louis Vuitton by attending the brand’s runway shows and getting fully decked out in new LV gear. (Is there an LV skate team coming soon? We can only hope.) Jones has further extended his fashion reach through his own skate brand Hardies (co-founded with Na-Kel Smith), an official signature sneaker line with Adidas, and collaborations with eyewear brand Warby Parker. As his style influence continues to grow, we wouldn’t be shocked to see this list of collaborators grow, too. There may not be a pro skater better than Jones right now. There’s not one dressing better, either. –MD

11. PJ Tucker

PJ Tucker

Sport: Basketball
Team: Los Angeles Clippers
Overall vibe: More than an elite sneakerhead

PJ Tucker has a reputation of being the NBA’s sneaker king, and that title is warranted. His love of footwear has even led him to open his own boutique in Houston, Better Generation, as well as design a handful of Nike collabs. But Tucker deserves just as much praise for his overall style. With the help of renowned stylist Kesha McLeod, the NBA vet is still putting together some of the best tunnel fits we see on a nightly basis. For Tucker, there’s no color too bright or pattern too bold. He’s also great at experimenting with different proportions: A Louis Vuitton varsity jacket with a pair of cut-off denim shorts. Summery crochet sets from Valentino. A classic flannel and jeans. A black vest with lime-green leather pants. No matter what Tucker is wearing, he makes it work for him. –MD

10. LeBron James

LeBron James

Sport: Basketball
Team: Los Angeles Lakers
Overall vibe: Veteran chic

It’s been over 20 years since LeBron’s infamous baggy white suit at the 2003 NBA Draft, and naturally LBJ’s style has evolved considerably. Lately, that means wearing a lot of Pharrell LV items like the Damoflage trousers, Damier denim overshirts, and colorful Speedy bags. Despite literally being on a billboard for LV, LeBron also mixes in incredible pieces like a raffia leather jacket from Aimé Leon Dore or a cropped work shirt from Sacai x Carhartt. He makes it all look effortless, an impressive feat considering he’s 6’9” and 250 pounds. While LeBron may not deserve the No. 1 spot (that placement is for another list), he’s certainly earned his place in the style conversation. –MD

9. Jerami Grant

Jerami Grant

Sport: Basketball
Team: Portland Trail Blazers
Overall vibe: Fashion boundary-pusher

Simply put, Jerami Grant’s fashion has no boundaries. Grant continues to turn heads with daring looks and his willingness to wear skirts and kilts. He can also scale it down to a typical T-shirt-and-jeans look and kill it all the same. Grant has been vocal about his love for fashion, and spent the most recent Fashion Week in Paris sitting front row at the Comme des Garçons and Junya Watanabe shows, amongst others. Plus, he put on his own show whenever he stepped out all over the city with his eccentric looks. –EG

8. Frank Jackson

Frank Jackson

Sport: Basketball
Team: Nanterre 92 (France)
Overall vibe: Refined workwear

Frank Jackson is one of the more calm dressers on our list, but he’s not to be overlooked. Rather than just rocking flashy statement pieces, the professional hooper and Utah native leans into his Midwestern roots to offer a refined spin on classic workwear and gorpcore gear. Perfectly faded jeans or even double-knee pants are commonplace in his outfits, sometimes paired with unassuming suede work boots. Colorful flannels and vintage T-shirts are mixed in to add some personality to his earth-toned wardrobe. Jackson’s style acumen has even caught the attention of multiple brands. He walked in Fear of God’s first runway show at the Hollywood Bowl in 2023, and recently modeled in its Athletics campaign. The internet’s favorite hoodie maker Akimbo Club also tapped Jackson for some modeling. Hopefully, he can make it back onto an NBA roster soon so he can bless us with more fire tunnel fits. –MD

7. Arike Ogunbowale

Arike Ogunbowale

Sport: Basketball
Team: Dallas Wings
Overall vibe: Dynamic range

Arike Ogunbowale is lethal on the court. Often compared to Kyrie Irving, she is hands-down one of the best WNBA players in the league. And while her on-court performance is always on point, her personal style has evolved into one of the most exciting looks we see in the tunnel. From sweats to a full-blown leather suit, Ogunbowale has been killing it off the court, too. Her looks range in color and texture, and she’s often sporting standout accessories like a bucket hat or a bandana. Deion Sanders once said, “If you look good, you feel good, and if you feel good, you play good.” As the player who just broke the all-time record for most points in a WNBA All-Star game, we’d say Arike is living proof of that phrase. –BW

6. Nickeil Alexander-Walker

Nickeil Alexander Walker

Sport: Basketball
Team: Minnesota Timberwolves
Overall vibe: Layered streetwear

NAW, as Canadian hooper fans endearingly call him, loves a good baggy look. Scroll through his Instagram and you’ll see he was early on the jorts wave despite playing in Minnesota. Maybe that climate is why he decided to take layers to the next level when he broke necks early last season by rocking three Akimbo hoodies at once. He’s seen in everything from Louis to Chrome and even a nice vintage Nike sneaker. With a new contract on the way next summer, we will most likely see him elevate his fashion acumen even more. –EG

5. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

SGA

Sport: Basketball
Team: Oklahoma City Thunder
Overall vibe: Fashion evolution

Ranked ninth on our 2023 list of the Top 10 Best Dressed NBA Players of All Time, Shai has mastered his fashion aesthetics. He might be one of the few people in the world to actually pull off MSCHF’s Big Red Boot. He has garnered a sizable fan base purely off of his social-media fit pics, which haven’t gone unnoticed by the fashion world—In June 2022, SGA walked the runway in the Thom Browne Spring 2023 menswear show. Each year, we’ve witnessed SGA take his style (and game) to another level. In both fields, we’re sure we haven’t seen his best yet. –BW

4. Odell Beckham Jr.

OBJ

Sport: Football
Team: Miami Dolphins
Overall vibe: Loud yet balanced

When Odell Beckham Jr. entered the NFL in 2014, he was almost immediately recognized as one of the league’s best-dressed individuals. A decade later, not much has changed. When OBJ isn’t one of the few athletes attending the Met Gala, he still makes sure to step out in photo-worthy fits. That embellished Miu Miu work jacket lives rent-free in our minds. Some days, it’s head-to-toe leather looks from Chrome Hearts. Other times, he’ll pair a paisley Kapital puffer vest with polka-dot cargo pants from Yayoi Kusama’s Louis Vuitton collection. The combinations may not always make intuitive sense, but somehow they work well on him. What’s most impressive about OBJ’s style is that, as loud as his pieces are, they don’t overpower him. We can’t wait to see what looks OBJ cooks up in Miami this season. Maybe he’ll break out that orange Richard Mille again. –MD

3. Jordan Clarkson

Jordan Clarkson

Sport: Basketball
Team: Utah Jazz
Overall vibe: Best-dressed in the NBA

Jordan Clarkson can pull off just about anything, but just because he can, doesn’t mean he tosses on whatever is trending at the moment. While he does wear a lot of the popular brands already mentioned on this list—Chrome Hearts, Kapital, and Supreme among them—Clarkson doesn’t just don the same pieces we may see on 10 other players in a given week. He prefers baggier silhouettes—giant cargo pants and hockey jerseys have become his signatures. He also mixes it up between established brands and rising labels. He may wear a rare Virgil Abloh-era Louis Vuitton varsity jacket one night, and the next he’s showing love to Memory Lane Park, a small LA brand, by sporting one of its “NY” zip hoodies. No matter what he wears, the clothes never wear him. Simply put, Clarkson is the best-dressed player in the NBA right now. –MD

2. Tyrod Taylor

Tyrod Taylor

Sport: Football
Team: New York Jets
Overall vibe: Muted luxury

You may be surprised to see Tyrod Taylor’s name ranked so highly on this list, but those who know, know that the veteran QB’s style has long been elite. His mix of designer and streetwear may see him in Prada one day and Supreme the next. Never afraid to try a daring piece or a bright print, Taylor and his stylist Dex Robinson rarely miss, finding the perfect combinations of muted and loud. That, plus their affinity for a good staple sneaker—be it the Nike Air Force 1 or the Jordan 3—makes Tyrod’s looks both simple and luxurious. Taylor and Robinson have even come together for their own fashion brand Diallo, which has been seen on the likes of Jalen Hurts, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Offset, and more. –EG

1. Stefon Diggs

Stefon Diggs

Sport: Football
Team: Houston Texans
Overall vibe: Expressive risk-taker

Stefon Diggs isn’t afraid to take risks with his wardrobe. Sometimes that’s a knit sweater with a slender torso and balloon-like sleeves. Other times it’s a Rick Owens tank top with a V-neck so deep that you can see his fully tatted chest. But he balances the avant-garde with everyday outfits composed of staples like camouflage cargos, trucker caps, vintage graphic T-shirts, or the perfect letterman jacket.

What makes Diggs’ style so great is the fact that he actually cares. The DMV native views fashion as an outlet to express himself. Diggs has parlayed his reputation into a partnership with Asics, with whom he dropped his first sneaker collab earlier this year. He also has his own lifestyle clothing brand Liem Homme. He’s become a front-row fixture at runway shows for countless designers from Hermès to Sacai, modeled in the Fear of God Collection 8 campaign, and even joined the rarified club of athletes to have been invited to the Met Gala. And now that the wideout is playing in Houston and doesn’t have to worry about Buffalo’s bone-chilling weather, we can’t wait to see what this season’s fits will look like. –MD



Read the full article here

Shares:

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *