1. The Evolution of Fashion
(Basketball Addition)
By: LF

2. Hypothesis:
Basketball uniforms have changed through the years
due to player‟s needs and comfort. As the sport
became more popular, more attention was focused
on bettering the players using fashion.

3. Era 1: Getting Started
Info: There didn‟t used to be uniforms at all until the 1920s, which
gave basketball a place on the map, and a uniform consisting of
medium length shorts, sleeveless form-fitting jerseys, and flat,
comfortable shoes. As my grandpa said when I interviewed him,
“the jerseys and the shorts were as brief as they could be.” Socks
went to above the knees and were rolled down a bit. Uniforms were
made from breathable, stretchable wool. The first jerseys fastened
at the crotch to keep them from slipping out of trousers during the
game. As time went on, society's interest in the game created new
and more interesting jerseys…
Changes: It wasn't until the 1930s that the polyester-nylon blend
was created, and by the next decade everyone was wearing it. Like
in society, when things become known to be better, more people
wear them. It was easier to launder, and jerseys and shorts were
more breathable and light. The new blend created a whole new era
for basketball uniforms.
Players wear their small
shorts.
Timeline: From the 1935-1970’s they had shiny satin briefs. Up
through the 1950s and 1960s uniforms were form-fitting with
medium length shorts. The 1970s and early 1980s raised and
tightened the shorts, and shirts became even snugger-fitting.
Superstar Larry Bird set that standard of the 70s and 80s shorter
shorts.

4. Era 2: Shoes and Society
The Icon of Change:
In 1984 Air Jordans were introduced by Nike making millions
of dollars and changing the world of fashion in basketball
and impacting society and the importance of style forever.
The release of the Jordans by the legendary Michael Jordan
revolutionized the game and the look. Before we knew it, our
shorts were baggier and our shirts were getting roomier and
longer. This was a choice made my Michael as well. It
seems as though one day, the star player got tired of tugging
on his form fitting shorts, and he requested that his team's
shorts be made longer. It wasn't long before players all
across the country were copying him.
Society: This is reflected in society because if a well known
person releases something new, everyone wants it. Michael
Jordan was popular not only in the basketball world but in
the „outside world‟ as well. With the release of his shoe came
incredible success and not only did basketball lovers wear
the shoe, but it was accepted in society as well.
Michael rocks his Jordans.

5. Era 3: Moving Forward
Clothing: The loose look has latched on both on
and off the court in society. In the last ten years,
baggy-looking basketball uniforms have become
more exaggerated. More than ever, the uniform
allows players more room to jump high and dash
around the court.
Shooting Sleeve: Then came the basketball
sleeve, which turned into something fans wore as a
fashion statement. The Basketball sleeve was first
worn by Allen Iverson. However, by 2008 the whole
league was practically wearing them including star
players like Ray Allen, Carmelo Anthony, Dwayne
Wade, Kobe Bryant, and even Lebron James. I
think a main reason things become popular is
because well known people wear them, and this is
reflected again in something so small as the
shooting sleeve.
Headband: Headbands are also very common in
the NBA today. They grew in popularity in the
1970‟s and players today such as Lebron, have
made their playing every game with a headband.
Conclusion: I think that because of the exposure of
basketball on TV and it‟s increasing popularity, the
sport and it‟s effect of society is still growing and
changing. I am excited to see where the next big
thing takes us!
Shooting sleeves and headbands

6. Citations
"Basketball Uniform History." Epic Sports. N.p. Web. 10 Nov. 2013.
"Basketball Sleeve." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 07 Aug. 2013. Web. 31 Oct. 2013.
"GoErie.com Blogs: On Campus - Posts Tagged „Basketball‟." GoErie.com Blogs: On Campus - Posts
Tagged „Basketball‟. N.p. Web. 10 Nov. 2013.
"Growth of the Basketball Uniform." Growth of the Basketball Uniform. N.p. Web. 30 Oct. 2013.
"Uni Watch." Uni Watch RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Nov. 2013.
"Sneaker Watch: Michael Jordan Wearing The "Cement" Air Jordan III." Sole Collector. N.p. Web. 10 Nov.
2013.