What to Wear to a Basketball Game

What To Wear Mar 21

Written by Josie Costigan

Josie Costigan

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Basketball is a sport that’s played in every corner of the world. With thirty national league teams and hundreds of minor and local squads, you may find yourself heading to a basketball court soon.

Dressing for a sporting event can be tricky because you want to look your best without trying too hard. We understand that for athletic activities, people usually dress casually.

But, it’s still a night out so you’ll probably want to ‘dress to impress’ to a degree. So the most important question here is obviously, what to wear to a basketball game? And as your teammate, we have the answer.

After reading this guide, you’ll understand:

What to wear to a basketball game
How to choose the best outfit for the sporting event
Where to buy your gameday outfit
How to take care of your basketball attire
Fashion tips to avoid when compiling your ‘fit

We’re pretty sure you’ll be a style pro before the quarter ends. So get ready to step onto the court and score a slam dunk. Soon, answering the question of what to wear to a basketball game will be a piece of cake.

What is Basketball?

To put it simply, basketball is a sport that consists of a few things: two teams, a court, netted hoops, and a basketball. Oh, and of course, you looking fresh sitting in your seat.

The objective of the game is for the five athletes on the court to dribble the basketball up and down the court and shoot the ball into their opponents’ basket. This is a fast-paced game that involves lots of running, passing the ball, jumping, and shooting at hoops.

There are many minor and major basketball leagues across the globe, so keep an eye out for your hometown team so you can cheer them on. And, if you find a new team to support or just want a spontaneous night out, you’ll need a basketball game outfit to wear.

It’s quite common to see our favorite celebrities sitting courtside at a basketball game. For example, Drake is a massive fan of the Toronto Raptors.

Plus, he’s actually been given the title of the team’s ambassador. This makes him responsible for drawing public attention to the Canadian team, which he does through merchandise, social media posts, and even in his lyrics.

History of Basketball

The sport of basketball was founded in 1891. In the beginning, the game was played with one ball and two peach baskets (totally vintage).

In Massachusetts, James Naismith wanted to discover a sport that was safer than American football. So the Canadian physical educator invented the game of basketball.

This sport involves less physical contact between players than football does. And since there’s no hard and aggressive tackling in basketball (unlike football), basketball players are much less likely to get injured.

The 31-year-old, as requested by his boss, created the game to keep athletes indoors during the winters, but still allow them stay active and physically conditioned.

Naismith divided his class into two teams and explained his thirteen rules of the game. The main objective was to throw the soccer-style ball into the fruit baskets that were hung above the gym.

Each time a basket was scored, the game was stopped and the janitor had to be called to retrieve the ball with a ladder. Eventually, the bottom of the baskets was cut out to save the janitors a bit of work.

From there, the game grew quickly in America throughout the 20th century and expanded much further. The sport was first established and adopted by American colleges for collegiate teams. In 1946, the National Basketball Association (NBA) was founded and is currently an integral part of American culture.

Since then, there have been many international basketball players, which has helped grow the game a lot over the years.

These international players have also caught the attention of many people worldwide, which has revolutionized the sport. Athletes like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and many others are praised as the faces of this sport.

When it comes to what to wear to a basketball game fashion, dressing casual is key. The sporting event doesn’t require a full glam look.

What to wear to a basketball game for girls is commonly a reliable pair of denim pants and a casual top—whether it’s a cropped top or graphic tee of any length.

Footwear is usually a clean pair of basketball sneakers (you know to match the players running up and down the courts). But, a pair of heels are always welcome for our glamorous queens.

But never settle when it comes to fashion. We know some of our style addicts like to be the center of attention. So play around with adventurous prints or bold colors in your clothing or accessories.

4 Women’s Outfit Ideas for Basketball Games

Bella Hadid met our chic casual requirements when she attended a New York Knicks game. We recommend following her lead when thinking about what to wear to an NBA game. Her high-waisted mom jeans are trendy and relaxed, letting her easily jump from her seat to cheer. The low-cut, white crop top hugs her figure and matches her clean sneakers.

This outfit can be found hanging in anyone’s closet and this idea proves it. Whether you’re a model icon or an everyday fashionista, cute basketball game outfits aren’t hard to find.

Your favorite pair of denim jeans are a perfect choice. Pair them with your brand new sneakers and jewelry, and let your high energy be the focal point.

This model shows us how to dress up the casual look of jeans, which is a great option when deciding what to wear to a basketball game. The black tones against the light-wash denim leave her looking bold and polished.

She plays with texture by choosing a long sleeve silk blouse for a luxurious feel. She enhances the look by adding designer accessories (a Gucci belt and purse).

Just like the previous example, this look can also be found in just about anyone’s closet. Instead of searching through your drawers for a lowkey shirt, head over to the formal section of your wardrobe. Elevate your outfit by choosing heels over sneakers, wearing playful textures, and adding designer accessories.

Kendall Jenner is a huge basketball fan—after all, she’s dating Phoenix Suns’ hunk, Devin Booker. If you search for what to wear to a basketball game, this model will be all over your screen.

Again, her cutoff mom jeans look casual. But, in this case, wearing basic heels makes the look more feminine and classy.

This what to wear to a basketball game female outfit idea is an option you should consider. Wearing a graphic tee is one way to make the fit playful and colorful without going too over the top.

Makeup is another great tool to elevate a style once you’ve decided what to wear to a basketball game. A bold lip or edgy liquid eyeliner can have a dramatic effect.

Baddie basketball game outfits are another option you can choose. So take things up a notch and have the whole stadium captivated by your look.

This outfit features flared pants with a game-stopping cheetah print. To keep the statement piece as the focal point, the rest of the outfit is black. The leather jacket breaks up the look by adding a fresh texture.

As we mentioned, wearing a playful print is the best way to stand out from the crowd. This way, you’re still dressing casual but also maintaining your trendsetter status.

3 Men’s Outfit Ideas for Basketball Games

This is our personal go-to when thinking about what to wear to a basketball game for guys. It’s so popular that even the professional players show up to their games in variations of this casual outfit.

He chooses to layer a jersey over his hoodie, and the team logo and other details stand out against the clean white layers.

This outfit idea is a way to mix both fashion and fandom. Supporting your favorite NBA team or honoring an iconic player adds a personal touch to your look. As we always say, styling your personality into an outfit is a must.

This is a fantastic option for when you’re considering what to wear to a basketball game in the warmer months or climate. This guy’s basketball shorts and crew socks fit the athletic style.

The accessories, including the trendy glasses and chain, add a classy touch. The black and white tones of the outfit are truly a modern, minimalist design.

Just like the rest of our what to wear to a basketball game ideas, we make it easy for you to find the attire in your closet or at your local malls. If you’re looking to amplify this basic urban fit, play around with vibrant colors.

This guy fits in at the basketball courts with his retro, matching tracksuit. The color-blocked detailing on his tracksuit matches the tones found in his crisp sneakers. Leaving the jacket open creates a looser, casual feel.

He made the smart decision to layer a basic tee underneath his jacket so his outfit doesn’t seem overcrowded. The tiny pops of color throughout the nylon fit will give him a unique flair.

This guy proves that choosing what to wear to a basketball game doesn’t have to be complicated. His look is so simple but leaves him looking put together.

The vintage vibes are definitely on trend the past few seasons. These matching sets can be bought at your favorite sports stores, including Adidas, Reebok, or Nike.

What Type of Basketball Game Outfits Can You Get?

There are different types of basketball outfits you can wear depending on the style you’re aiming for. When you’re pondering what to wear to a basketball game, there are lots of denim, jerseys, jackets, and shirts to consider.

Options for styles of jeans are not limited. You can wear high waisted skinny jeans for a classic, polished look. If you want to continue the relaxed vibe of the night, the loosened fit of a mom or dad jean may be your first pick.

If you already have or plan on choosing a favorite professional team, browse through the jersey selections to add to your game-day wardrobe. Teams offer home and away jerseys that have distinct colors or special edition retro designs.

But, even if you don’t have a number one team, we still encourage you to look through the thirty NBA teams’ jerseys. One of them may stick out to you and appeal to your personal sense of style. So when choosing a jersey, pay attention to the colors and graphics.

Any footwear can be bought and worn to the game. Traditional basketball shoes with exciting colors are a popular choice. And basic sneakers like Converse or casual Air Force Ones are welcomed too. Of course, if you want to kick it up a notch, wear a feminine pair of heels.

How to Choose The Best Basketball Game Outfits

If you’re wondering how to choose the best basketball game outfit, it’s good to consider the price and quality of your clothes. After all, you’ll probably want your basketball attire to last.

When purchasing denim you definitely shouldn’t settle. A good pair of jeans can go a long way. The durable material has the potential to last a long time if it’s made from good-quality fabric.

Many stores constantly offer sales or deals on their denim and most are traditionally priced between $60 – $80. Buying denim within that price range will usually ensure a reliable purchase.

When styling the upper half of your outfit there are lots more options. If you’re buying tops at a cheaper cost, the fabric may not be as long-lasting as you’d like. Good-quality tops usually aren’t considered cheap.

But the dollars are worth it since it will typically be made of better material. And the higher quality items you buy, the less often you need to spend on clothes.

How to Style a Basketball Game Outfit

Now you have the fashion skills you need to pick your basketball attire for a game. And since you know what to wear to a basketball game, let’s go back to the drawing board and figure out how to style the outfit.

The easiest method is to start with the basics. Pick out your favorite pair of jeans and a basic tee. Then, figure out the vibe that you’re hoping to achieve. If it’s a glamorous feel, consider layering with an edgy leather jacket and wearing heels. If you want to blend into the sporting crowd, throw on a jersey or windbreaker over top.

If you have some extra time on the clock, play around with colors and textures to find the best outfit for you.

Fashion Tips to Avoid With Basketball Game Outfits

Just like the rules in basketball, there are a few fashion rules to follow when styling your basketball game outfit.

Keep in mind the theme of the event. It is a basketball game so sporting events don’t require an over the top fashion statement. Rather than going fully formal, try adding formal touches to a casual outfit. This could mean silky textures, pairing basic heels with denim, or wearing funky prints.
Be aware of the colors you’re wearing. Whether it’s hues throughout your clothing or details in your sneakers, try to match the colors together for a cohesive look. If you forget to pay attention to the colors, your outfit may look overwhelming and crowded.
Pick your vibe and stick with it. If you’re eager to wear a new pair of heels, then execute the luxurious style throughout the rest of your outfit. For example, sweatpants might not look trendy with stilettos. The same applies for vice versa. If you’re wearing a loud print or glamorous texture, sneakers might not be the best decision.

Always trust in your fashion instincts. Plus it’s a good idea to stick with the trends you’re comfortable wearing that reflect your inner self the best.

How to Take Care Of Basketball Game Outfits

Most athletic wear requires special attention on laundry day. If your basketball outfit consists of durable spandex leggings or a nylon jacket, there are some special instructions you’ll need to follow for your clothing to have the longest career.

Don’t wash your athleisure in hot water since it may lead to shrinkage. Washing these items in cold water on the gentle washing cycle is the best choice.

Turning your clothing inside out is a pro tip to help keep the sensitive fabric in good shape. By doing so, it lessens the chance of the material getting caught onto other clothing in the machine.

Again, avoiding heat is important. Don’t put your athletic clothing in the dryer because excessive tumbling can destroy the fabric and cause your gameday fits to shrink. Instead, air dry the clothes. The breathable material won’t take long to air dry so you’ll be ready for the game in no time.

If you’re still wondering what to wear to a basketball game, denim seems to be a fan favorite. Although jeans are made from a heavy, durable fabric, they also need to be washed in a gentle cycle with cold water. Cold water will also ensure your denim doesn’t fade.

As always, our best coaching advice is to follow the washing instructions on the tags of your clothing carefully.

Best Places to Buy Basketball Game Outfits

If you’re wondering where to score your games outfits, we’ve got you covered with a bench full of options. If you’re aiming for that urban style made from reliable material and a reputation for good quality, shop online or in-store at:

Urban Outfitters
H&M
PacSun
American Eagle Outfitters (great for jeans!)
Tillys
ASOS

If you’re not in a rush and want to shoot a great deal, there are a handful of online brands that have an overwhelming amount of options. These brands also have constant sales to keep their customers and their bank accounts smiling. If you want to look ballin’ on a budget, check out:

Fashion Nova
Shein
Pretty Little Thing
Boohoo
Nasty Gal
Missguided

Final Thoughts

By now you should know exactly what to wear to a basketball game. Whether it’s a casual night in the stands or an exciting weekend getaway, you’ll know how to dress for the event.

A classic pair of denim is a fitting choice or reppin’ the colors of your new favorite team is a great idea—but, as always, the ball is in your court.

Take your fashion game to the next level by checking out some of our other articles:

What To Wear With Brown Pants

What To Wear To An Indian Wedding

What To Wear To A Massage

What to Wear to a Basketball Game - Read This First (2024)

Josie Costigan

What is Basketball?

History of Basketball