The Evolution of Fashion(Basketball Addition)

By: LF

Hypothesis:

Basketball uniforms have changed through the years due to player’s needs and comfort.

As the sport became more popular, more attention was focused on bettering the

players using fashion.

Era 1: Getting StartedInfo: There didn’t used to be uniforms at all until the 1920s, which gave basketball a place on the map, and a uniform consisting of medium length shorts, sleeveless form-fitting jerseys, and flat, comfortable shoes. As my grandpa said when I interviewed him, “the jerseys and the shorts were as brief as they could be.” Socks went to above the knees and were rolled down a bit. Uniforms were made from breathable, stretchable wool. The first jerseys fastened at the crotch to keep them from slipping out of trousers during the game. As time went on, society's interest in the game created new and more interesting jerseys…

Changes: It wasn't until the 1930s that the polyester-nylon blend was created, and by the next decade everyone was wearing it. Like in society, when things become known to be better, more people wear them. It was easier to launder, and jerseys and shorts were more breathable and light. The new blend created a whole new era for basketball uniforms.

Timeline: From the 1935-1970’s they had shiny satin briefs. Up through the 1950s and 1960s uniforms were form-fitting with medium length shorts. The 1970s and early 1980s raised and tightened the shorts, and shirts became even snugger-fitting. Superstar Larry Bird set that standard of the 70s and 80s shorter shorts.

Players wear their small shorts.

Era 2: Shoes and Society

The Icon of Change:

In 1984 Air Jordans were introduced by Nike making millions of dollars and changing the world of fashion in basketball and impacting society and the importance of style forever. The release of the Jordans by the legendary Michael Jordan revolutionized the game and the look. Before we knew it, our shorts were baggier and our shirts were getting roomier and longer. This was a choice made my Michael as well. It seems as though one day, the star player got tired of tugging on his form fitting shorts, and he requested that his team's shorts be made longer. It wasn't long before players all across the country were copying him.

Society: This is reflected in society because if a well known person releases something new, everyone wants it. Michael Jordan was popular not only in the basketball world but in the ‘outside world’ as well. With the release of his shoe came incredible success and not only did basketball lovers wear the shoe, but it was accepted in society as well.

Michael rocks his Jordans.

Era 3: Moving ForwardClothing: The loose look has latched on both on and off the court in society. In the last ten years, baggy-looking basketball uniforms have become more exaggerated. More than ever, the uniform allows players more room to jump high and dash around the court.

Shooting Sleeve: Then came the basketball sleeve, which turned into something fans wore as a fashion statement. The Basketball sleeve was first worn by Allen Iverson. However, by 2008 the whole league was practically wearing them including star players like Ray Allen, Carmelo Anthony, Dwayne Wade, Kobe Bryant, and even Lebron James. I think a main reason things become popular is because well known people wear them, and this is reflected again in something so small as the shooting sleeve.

Headband: Headbands are also very common in the NBA today. They grew in popularity in the 1970’s and players today such as Lebron, have made their playing every game with a headband.

Conclusion: I think that because of the exposure of basketball on TV and it’s increasing popularity, the sport and it’s effect of society is still growing and changing. I am excited to see where the next big thing takes us!

Shooting sleeves and headbands

Citations

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"Basketball Sleeve." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 07 Aug. 2013. Web. 31 Oct. 2013.

"GoErie.com Blogs: On Campus - Posts Tagged ‘Basketball’." GoErie.com Blogs: On Campus - Posts Tagged ‘Basketball’. N.p. Web. 10 Nov. 2013.

"Growth of the Basketball Uniform." Growth of the Basketball Uniform. N.p. Web. 30 Oct. 2013.

"Uni Watch." Uni Watch RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Nov. 2013.

"Sneaker Watch: Michael Jordan Wearing The "Cement" Air Jordan III." Sole Collector. N.p. Web. 10 Nov. 2013.