Basketball, since its invention by James Naismith in 1891, has gone through various changes. Rules are getting modified and refined with each passing year. The style of the game changes according with the times and according to the unique gifts the players have. And even the fashion of the game is constantly evolving from generation to generation. Like pop culture itself, basketball apparel is constantly changing to suit the trends of the times. It would actually be interesting to follow how basketball apparel has changed (for men and women) since it began.

Actually, when basketball was invented by Naismith in 1891, there’s really no concept of a uniform. In fact, during this time, there isn’t really much specialized clothing for physical activity. Hence, during those times, whatever the people wear every day, that is what they wear for playing basketball. The first time that a semblance of basketball wear emerged is during the 1920s. Photos from that era depict basketball players wearing body fitting sleeveless tops and shorts that cover half of their thighs. This uniform style would actually end up as the blueprint of what basketball uniforms would look like for years to come, as it became the accepted dress code for basketball.

While the dress code of basketball has remained fundamentally consistent up to today, still, a lot of changes were made through the years. In fact, a discussion on how basketball apparel has changed (for men and women) since it began would be a long one. For instance the colors and design used in the jerseys. During the 70s, it was normal for uniforms to have radical colors and funky design, which is at par with the times. Historically, both jerseys and shorts have always been worn form fitting, hence it is a relatively tight fit. This all changed starting the 1980s. Michael Jordan, arguably the greatest basketball player of all time, started wearing longer shorts because he needs something to hold on to when he is bending over from fatigue. And as the new generation of basketball fans strived to ‘be like Mike’, the fashion trend for basketball has eventually tilted in favor of longer shorts and loose fitting jerseys. Suddenly, basketball apparel has become baggier as it became the ‘in’ fashion statement on the court. Even the fabric used for basketball apparel has changed over the years. Searching for the right balance of aesthetics, comfort, and performance, jersey fabric have consistently evolved. From simple clothing composed of cotton, polyester, or the combination of both, some of the modern fabrics used in producing jerseys are scientifically tested to be as light and comfortable as possible but at the same time being able to facilitate efficient diffusion of sweat out of the body.

The story about how basketball apparel has changed (for men and women) since it began has been a continually progressing one. While a ton of changes have already taken place, these changes haven’t stopped yet. Continuing innovations in both fashion and science would continue to push the limits in uniform design and performance. The question would be not when it would end, but rather, what is coming next? All that we can do is stay tuned.

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