From boots to bomber: 10 fashionable things that have made their way into our closets from sports

Fashion researcher, author of the YouTube channel “Myths and Confusions in Fashion”

Sneakers, joggers and hoodies – nowadays such a set of clothes can’t surprise anyone. Sports themes are firmly entrenched in fashion. How did it happen? Let’s look at specific things that have migrated into our closets from the stadium, court, etc.

For centuries, everyday fashion has been influenced by the equipment of professions associated with physical activity. We are talking about the military and athletes. Why? Their clothes should be as comfortable as possible, so as not to restrain movement, and wearable.

Before the twentieth century, military uniforms were more influential. The reason – battles were frequent, and sports had not yet become ubiquitous. For example, fencing was also then still part of military science.

In the 19th century, the rules of the games we know began to take shape. Sports began to gain popularity in society, and by the end of the XX century it was he who dictated the fashionable rules.

How are things in Russia?

In our country, sports had a strong influence on everyday fashion in the 2010s. The reason is the economic upturn. People finally started to allocate time for themselves. In the Soviet years they spent it in queues for groceries, and in the 1990s they spent it trying to earn something.

Gyms started opening everywhere. There were more women drivers. So, stiletto shoes were replaced by comfortable sneakers.

Even conservative brands like Chanel in the mid-2010s showed dresses with sports shoes. However, now this trend is on the decline. Probably by the end of the 2020s, uncomfortable stilettos will come back into fashion.

What has sport given us?

1. Boot boots

Equestrian sport was one of the first to influence fashion. Thanks to him in the men’s closet appeared high boots-bottom boots. They did not chafe the feet, and the heel allowed you to comfortably stay in the stirrup.

The boots are both a military outfit and a curtsy to sport

Ekonika boots

Style and comfort allowed them to firmly enter everyday life. There were ups and downs. Women were fond of boots, then forgot about them. Now this shoe is firmly entrenched in the list of trends. From season to season change except for small nuances.

How to wear boots today? With knit dresses, elongated sweaters and shirt dresses. They also look great with a mini-skirt. Remember that the height of the heel will affect the length of the dress. Top it off with a coat.

2. bike shorts.

Cycling has also influenced closets. In the 1890s there was a real boom. Especially in women’s fashion. First, the fair sex tried on special pantaloons. Then came the gradual evolution of the outfit.

Cyclist Jack Green, 1920.

In the 1980s, lycra cycling shorts came into fashion. They became popular in the everyday closet thanks to Princess Diana. Lady Spencer liked to wear them with wide sweatshirts.

Princess Diana in bicycle shorts

In 2023, bikinis are still on trend. The trending colors for spring-summer are black, gray and bright shades. Wear them with wide voluminous T-shirts, cropped tops, with a shirt or jacket. As shoes you can take sneakers or sneakers.

Befree bicycles

3. wide knee-length shorts

Today they are adored and actively broadcast by rappers. They are worn with oversize T-shirts and sleeveless T-shirts. The latter, by the way, also came from basketball. I should have said, “Spoilers alert.” Yes, we owe the opportunity to have knee-length shorts in our closets to basketball.

That’s how short basketball shorts were.

It is noteworthy that this part of the outfit has evolved considerably. In the early 1900s, athletes wore short shorts. It is believed that the inventor of the long ones was the legendary Michael Jordan. Allegedly, it was he who asked the head of the NBA to change the model, as the previous one was too uncomfortable for his tall stature.

Basketball player Stephane Marbury, 2005

FILA shorts / Sportmaster

Today voluminous knee-length shorts are worn not only by men, but also by fashionably advanced women. As an option, they can be made of dense jersey.

4. High-cut sneakers

Sneakers are already a modern shoe base. Everyone knows that they came to us from sports. But it is interesting that periodically shoot out modifications related to some specific species. For example, today’s main trend is the basketball version. We are talking about sneakers and sneakers that go on the ankle.

Sneakers of the legendary basketball player George Gervin

What to wear them with? For a stylish look, pair them with cropped pants so that the ankle is visible. High sneakers are suitable under a pleated skirt or hoodie. Fashionistas have long worn these shoes with overcoats. The most daring – with strict pants.

5. T-shirt

This is a basic thing for both men’s and women’s closets. Yes, it used to be a solution exclusively for the gym or at home. Nowadays, t-shirts are worn everywhere. What variants are in trend? Long, oversize, with shoulder pads, inscriptions and decorative inserts.

Canadian runner Percy Williams, 1928.

The white T-shirt is a staple of a woman’s closet

6. Baseball cap

By the name it is immediately clear to which sport we owe this thing. For the last few years, the baseball cap is an edgy trend.

Baseball player Joe Dimaggio, 1942

It’s an essential piece for creating a sport-chic look. To be on trend, wear a baseball cap with a classic pantsuit and an overcoat (trench coat). The most daring can try to let it out in a bow with cocktail dresses.

7. Bomber

Baseball has brought another seasonal trend into our lives – the bomber jacket. Today every fashionista has one in his closet. Its history is very interesting. It is connected with students, sports and such big names as Princess Diana, Michael Jackson and others.

This is what a Letterman jacket looks like

In general, there are many variations of bombers. Which ones should you pay attention to today? Choose shortened, leather, sports style, satin. You can wear them with anything.

8. Pleated skirt

Tennis has given us a large number of closet elements. One of the most important is the pleated skirt. Yes, at the beginning of the XX century it looked a little different. The length decreased gradually.

Tennis skirt, 1920s

In the current season, short pleated skirts are relevant. How to wear them? With a t-shirt, shirt or blouse, a crop top, turtleneck and a voluminous sweater. The most stylish option for summer 2023 is a suit of pleated mini-skirt with a shortened jacket. As shoes you can safely choose sneakers.

Lime skirt

9. Polo shirt (T-shirt)

If women thanks to tennis began to wear mini-skirts, men – polo shirt. Today it is already a basic thing. You can safely wear it with pants, jeans and even shorts. In it you can go to work, as well as to an official event. Remember, it is correct to tuck it into the pants. The exception is things made of denim.

Polo shirt

In a woman’s closet, there are many incarnations of the “polo” style. Everything that is equipped with a typical collar and plank, belongs here. It can be t-shirts, dresses, longsleeves.

10. Visor

Sports gave us not only caps. From tennis came visors. Even 10 years ago they were worn exclusively on the beach, and today – and in everyday life. Such headgear has long ago does not assume only protection from the sun. Today it is a trendy thing.

Visor

Choose visors made of plastic, straw or palm plant. At the same time, gather your hair into a high ponytail. How to pair it? With a hoodie, pleated miniskirt, shorts with an exaggerated waist, over-size top. Shoes can be almost anything.