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The Anatomy Of A Tunnel Look

Pre-game outfits have become enormously popular for professional ath-letes—who have embraced luxury fashion at levels not seen before. Here's the story behind all that

BY ROBYN MOWATT · UPDATED MAY 13, 2024

The substance of men’s style has shifted in recent years. This change can be seen in the attire of athletes, who these days are often spotted in pieces by designers such as Bottega Veneta and Yohji Yamamoto. Decades ago, NBA legends like Wilt Chamberlain and Allen Iverson were considered stylish for their approach to dressing.

Chamberlain, a pivotal sports figure from 1959 through 1973, was known for his tailored suits. In the late 1990s, Iverson became famous for applying street swagger to his courtside looks. He would wear jerseys with loose-fitting, oversize denim or big blazers, all while rocking his signature cornrows.

Entire Instagram pages have been dedicated to the intricate outfits that pro athletes are choosing for these tunnel looks. These pages showcase the fashion choices not just of stylists but of their clients, who are adamant about having a distinctive sartorial presence. It’s all about how far they’re willing to go to create their own dynasty, beyond the sports to which they’ve dedicated themselves.

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There has never been an era when sports and fashion have enjoyed such a symbiotic relationship. Subverting the notions that are often attached to Black masculine bodies is a significant factor in the decisions being made. The aesthetic many players lean on is rooted in sleek, sophisticated ready-to-wear designs that are crafted into quality garments. Since high-fashion brands are often helmed by designers with multidisciplinary approaches, this could lend sports figures an air of up-to-the-minute exclusivity that many find compelling.

By purchasing and embracing luxury clothes and accessories, pro athletes are contributing to the contemporary fashion conversation. Julian Randall, a fashion writer and Ph.D. student at Manchester Fashion Institute, believes that the rise of athletes wearing designer clothes can be attributed to their physical size and their ability to afford the coveted pieces. “I think when it comes to Black male athletes in particular, the size element matters,” he says over a Zoom call from Dallas. He points out that many luxe brands do not carry items that these players can pull off the rack and wear immediately. Fortunately, their disposable income allows them to purchase custom items—and to tailor others to a perfect fit.