TheNational Basketball Association's (NBA) dress code was introduced on October 17, 2005, under NBAcommissionerDavid Stern. Thedress code was mandatory for all NBA andNBA Development League players, making the NBA only the secondmajor professional sports league to have a dress code, after theNational Hockey League.[1] The dress code went into effect at the start of the2005–06 NBA season.[2] It was significantly relaxed shortly before the2020 NBA Bubble.[3]
The dress code stated that all players must dress in business or conservative attire while arriving and departing during a scheduled game, on the bench while injured, and when conducting official NBA business (press interviews,charity events, etc.). The first dress code banned fashions most often associated withhip-hop culture, specifically: jerseys,jeans, hats,durags, T-shirts, largejewelry, sneakers andhiking boots (specifically,Timberland-type boots).[4] Under current NBA dress regulations, if a player does not dress to participate in a game, he must dress in a manner suitable for a coach.
In the NBA, a suit or asport coat used to be required for coaches, as well as anecktie, however starting with the2020 NBA Bubble coaches were permitted to wear team-issued polos, quarter-zips, sweatpants, or jogging pants.[4][5][3]
Banned clothing was not allowed to be worn by players to interviews, games (on and off the bench), charity events, or any other occasion affiliated with the NBA and its developmental league. Violators of the dress code were to be fined or suspended upon repeat offenses.[6]
With Stern stepping down andAdam Silver becoming commissioner of the NBA in 2014, the dress code became more lenient, allowing players to be more expressive with what they wear.[7]
The dress code was announced as a direct consequence of theMalice at the Palace, as the NBA sought to undo its image problems, which were hurting its business.[8] In 2019, Stern said that theNational Basketball Players Association (NBPA), thelabor union representing NBA players, originally supported the idea of a dress code, although the NBPA then attacked Stern after he announced the dress code.[9]Charles Barkley, in a 2005 interview onThe Tonight Show with Jay Leno, conceded that there were racial overtones with the new dress code, but he generally supported it. Barkley said that bosses at all businesses are entitled to enact dress codes, and that athletes influence young fans.[10]
Writing forRolling Stone in 2016, Zack Graham said that although players were initially critical of the dress code, "Over the years, NBA players accepted, then embraced and eventually began to have fun with the new dress code, changing men's fashion in the process." This was also seen as a business opportunity, as NBA superstars often wanted to be the first to sport the newest fashion trends, with some collaborating with fashion houses create collections. Consequently numerous official NBA events including press conferences were being viewed ascatwalks.[11] Younger players, however, disliked the pressure to wear similarly expensive fashions as top players.[12]
Critics such asAllen Iverson,Stephen Jackson andPaul Pierce claimed that the dress code would not change a person'scharacter regardless of what type of clothing they wore, and that associating hip-hop style of dress withcrime or a bad image isracist.[13][14] Allen Iverson, well-known for his tattoos, du-rags, and chains was seen as the main target in the change in dress code.[15] Iverson said, "the dress code is not who I am and doesn't allow me to express myself."[16]Rod Benson wrote that, as a prospect in theD-League in 2006, the dress code created a financial burden for him.[12]
Many NBA and non-NBA sports figures also claimed that it targeted young black males andhip-hop culture.[17][18] Many NBA players are sponsored by rappers and casual wear brands such asNike,Adidas,Puma andConverse.
Following the input of the NBA dress code, SLAM[19] reached out to the NBA regarding the new rule. Specifically asking, "There's lots of conversation in our office this am, as well on social media, about whether or not the NBA still has an official dress code. Is there any official word from the League?"[19] In response to SLAM's question, the NBA replied after a long six hours, simply stating, "Yes, we have a dress code."[19]
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