The Top 10 Athlete Fashion Icons

By Will Brown Contributor Updated: 23 September 2024

Will Brown Contributor

William Brown is a Content Writer with strong expertise in US and global gambling industry trends. Having covered the local sports betting market since the repeal of PASPA in 2018, William approaches his gambling guides with passion and diligence. He is a keen player of online slots, blackjack, and a regular sports bettor.

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Athlete Fashion Icons

For the past twenty years, the role of athlete fashion icons in the fashion world has grown immensely, with everyone from NFL stars to Olympians setting the latest trends. But where did this begin, and who are the most influential of the fashion icons? In this guide, we’ve looked at where we’ve come in athletic fashion, where we’re going, and the most important sports stars in the fashion world of all time.

Intro to the Athlete Fashion Icons

Rather than look at who the top athlete fashion influencer of modern times is, we’ve approached the subject to discuss the all-time icons. That said, several of these icons are still dominating in their athletic fields today. To kick off this topic, we’ve briefly discussed the history of athletic fashion as a trend.

From there, we’ve showcased the top 10 fashion icon athletes, with particular attention given to their brand collaborations and campaigns. To round out this guide, we’ve explored the cultural importance of athletic fashion stars and the future trends in the market.

• The History of Athlete Fashion Icons
• The Sporting Fashion Icons
• The Cultural Influence
• Future Trends in Athletic Fashion

A History: From Fred Perry to Athlete Fashion Influencer Trends

Traditionally, athletic fashion was designed to ensure comfort and maneuverability to sportspeople. However, as technology and culture evolved and the fashions were influenced by top designers, both sports fans and non-fans began to spend large sums of money to replicate the fashions in everyday life.

One of the most influential examples of this was tennis star Fred Perry, whose polo shirts in the 1950s became a casual staple. He was likely inspired by Lacoste, the luxury sports company founded in 1933 by French tennis player René Lacoste. Both brands continue today. In the 1960s and 1970s, athletes such as Muhammad Ali endorsed clothing lines.

It wasn’t until Michael Jordan collaborated with Nike in the 1980s that the true potential of athletic fashion was seen. The Air Jordan became a billion-dollar product that transcended basketball, and set the way for further collaborations with athletes and major fashion brands, whether they be sportswear or luxury haute couture.

Conversely, athletic brands have partnered with non-sporting celebrities such as actors or hip-hop musicians. The 21st century has seen the astronomical rise of ‘athleisure’, or athletic leisurewear, which is a unique type of hybrid clothing that combines the comfort of athlete fashion and trending designs.

The Sporting Fashion Icons

Now, without further adieu, here are the top 10 athlete fashion icons of all time. While some of these have long since retired, several are still among the most successful in their fields. This means that when you’re not appreciating their style, you’ll be able to back them at the top online sportsbooks.

David Beckham

David Beckham may have been the former English footballer for Manchester United and Real Madrid, but his star power was undoubtedly linked to his off-field fashion. As the husband of fashion designer Victoria Beckham, David Beckham set a new standard for athlete fashion icons. His collaborations include H&M underwear, Adidas, and Emporio Armani. He also has his own fragrance, eyewear and grooming collections. Beckham’s hairstyles, tattoos, and suits also continue to set trends.

Serena Williams

As one of the most successful athletes of all time, 23-time Grand Slam tennis champion Serena Williams dominates the fashion world as much as she dominates the court. She has launched her own clothing line, S by Serena, as well as collaborated with Nike to launch her “Queen of Queens” collection. In addition to collaborations with Off-White, she has graced the cover of Vogue and is frequently spotted in the front row of fashion weeks.

Maria Sharapova

When the former world number 1 tennis star Maria Sharapova retired from the sport, she made a seamless transition to the fashion world. She has collaborated with brands such as Nike and Tag Heuer, with a minimalist chic look being her standard. That said, she was also known for her on-court fashions that included bold colors, couture designs, and elegant shapes, with many designed by Nike. She has been the face of numerous fashion houses, including Cole Haan.

Michael Jordan

There is no one more influential in the realm of athlete fashion than Michael Jordan. The legendary Chicago Bulls basketball player revolutionized the fashion world when he collaborated with Nike to design and launch the Air Jordan sneaker. Adorned in the iconic “Jumpman” logo, the product was instrumental to Nike’s success, and it has even partnered with couture houses such as Dior and Off-White. Jordan himself is known for sporting sharp suits, single earrings, and loud patterns.

Lewis Hamilton

In addition to his seven World Champion Formula 1 wins, Lewis Hamilton is a modern athlete fashion influencer. The driver for Mercedes is known for his bold, cutting-edge style and partnerships with major brands. This includes a collection with Tommy Hilfiger and the launch of his +44 streetwear brand. His boundary-pushing looks have turned heads in what was long considered to be a conservative sport, putting him on the front pages of magazines such as GQ.

LeBron James

LeBron James, the Los Angeles Lakers superstar, is among the most recognizable athletes in the world not just for his basketball achievements. James’ fashion style has seen the star grace countless magazine covers and invited to high-profile fashion events. He has launched a LeBron signature shoe line with Nike, with one iconic moment being his suiting up of the Lakers with Thom Browne suits to make their pre-game tunnel akin to a fashion runway.

Naomi Osaka

Naomi Osaka, the four-time Grand Slam tennis champion, has quickly become a pro athlete fashion icon due to her bold and individual style. She has collaborated with Nike on collections that are inspired by her Japanese and Haitian heritage and acts as a brand ambassador for Louis Vuitton. She even co-chaired the 2021 Met Gala, which is renowned for being fashion’s biggest night of the year. Her looks often include political messages to advocate for important causes.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese football star currently playing for Saudi team Al Nassr, is a high-class fashion icon who has not only collaborated with major brands but has launched his own. He has created signature boots and clothing with Nike and has fronted campaigns for Armani, Tag Heuer, and grooming brands. His signature brand, CR7, includes underwear, footwear, and fragrances. Ronaldo is often included on best-dressed lists and is noted for his refined grooming.

Dwyane Wade

Dwyane Wade is a former NBA star and player for the Miami Heat, who in his post-basketball career has become a fashion icon. He is renowned for his experimental looks that blur gender boundaries, as well as his coordinated red-carpet appearances with his wife Gabrielle Union. He has launched his own fashion label Way of Wade, which includes a sneaker line collaboration with Li-Ning. He has also been the face of a Hublot watch campaign.

Russell Westbrook

Russell Westbrook is an NBA player for the Los Angeles Clippers who has quickly built a reputation for himself for his unconventional fashion style. He has been featured in campaigns for True Religion and Kings & Jaxs underwear, with his avant-garde looks earning him places on the front cover of GQ and Sports Illustrated. His viral looks turn heads for their bold print patterns and bright colors.

The Cultural Influence of Athletic Fashion Icons

Athletic fashion icons can have a major influence on the popularity of their leagues, which can boost audiences and generate huge revenues for the sports. Furthermore, their collaborations with music and entertainment stars can embed them deep into the culture of the times, furthering their influence.

These icons have made high fashion accessible to the masses and have promoted self-expression and advocacy for important modern-day issues such as mental health and inclusivity. The fusion of fashion, athletics, and social activism has been a major turning point in recent times that has been hugely influential on youth culture in particular.

Future Trends of Athletic Fashion

We predict that sustainability and technological integration will be a major focus for athletic fashion brands shortly, and we are already seeing this with stars such as Lewis Hamilton. It’s also likely that exclusive, limited edition lines will continue that are more integrated with the social media channels of athletes to increase demand and heighten exclusivity.