The evolution of basketball gear: from shirts to tech fabric jerseys

Basketball is one of the top three most popular sports in the world. But athletes didn’t always look the way they do today. How has the outfit changed in more than 100 years?

founder of the sports brand Jögel

The history of the sport began in 1891. At that time, a young teacher from the USA suggested that students diversify their gymnastics classes with a new game. The task was to throw more balls into the basket of the opposing team. This became the prototype of modern basketball.

What kind of clothes did basketball players wear?

The first professional teams did not have special uniforms. They trained in ordinary pants and a shirt, on their feet were casual shoes. But soon it became clear that for comfort and safety you need sports equipment.

In the 1920s, special clothes for playing basketball appeared – shorts and a shirt sewn together. As a rule, the top was light gray with dark inserts on the shoulders and chest. Lightweight fabric was chosen for production, which allowed athletes to feel comfortable during the match.

In the next decade, the uniforms became more comfortable and functional. There were pockets on the shorts and side inserts on the shirt for better ventilation. At the same time, the idea of choosing the color of the uniform depending on the symbolism of the sports club emerged.

At the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome, teams were already wearing breathable clothing. In the 1970s, the uniforms were brightened up with decorative elements.

Jögel equipment

Modern outfits are made of lightweight but durable material that wicks away moisture. The fabric has a mesh structure that allows the body to breathe. Athletes also wear compression underwear to minimize muscle injuries and maintain temperature.

How have game shoes changed?

Basketball sneakers have come a long way in their development. In the early 20th century, athletes played in ordinary sneakers or rubber-soled shoes. Special shoes appeared only in the 1920s. They were high, with a stiff sole for maximum support of the foot.

In the 1950s, sneakers became more technologically advanced. They were made of more durable materials such as leather and rubber. It became possible to adjust the laces for better foot support. Manufacturers added special shock-absorbing inserts.

Demix basketball sneakers

At the end of the 1960s, the game shoes also became stylish. In the design appeared bright colors and decorative elements. The high shank – a distinctive feature of basketball shoes – was created to support the ankle. Over the years, high models have gained popularity not only among professional athletes, but also among actors and musicians.

In due time, the famous Converse played an important role in basketball. Back in 1917, the company launched Converse All Star basketball sneakers. In 1923 they developed models for the New York Renaissance. Ten years later, all US basketball players played in these shoes: from college leagues to the NBA. However, already in the 1980s the company could not withstand the competition with Nike, Reebok and adidas, which produced sneakers using the latest technology.

With the entry into the sports Olympus Michael Jordan began the “golden era” of basketball and sneakers for this sport, which have already moved into the category of everyday shoes.

How did basketball equipment enter the masses?

Thanks to hip-hop culture, basketball has gained immense popularity. It is called the sport of subcultures, because many basketball players are known not only for their professional but also for their musical success. In the 1960s, American Wilt Chamberlain recorded a single and Bill Walton played the drum part at a Grateful Dead concert.

Li-Ning Badfive basketball / Sportmaster

The movie industry hasn’t been left out either. Hightops can be seen in the movie “Jumanji” with Robin Williams and even in the comedy “George of the Jungle” with Brendan Fraser.

The history of the outfit has come a long way from simple shirts and sneakers to brightly colored uniforms and sneakers popular all over the world. It should not be forgotten that any sportswear is created first of all for the comfort and safety of the athlete. It is important for both professionals and amateurs to choose sportswear and footwear responsibly.