Sports brands as fashion seems odd in the West, but it doesn’t have to be.
The domestic convergence between professional sports franchises and Western fashion labels have rarely been released to mass appeal.
However, that’s not to say that they never can or never will.
As Asia has proven, bridging the gap between these two worlds creates a cultural synergy that North America could benefit from.
Right now both professional sports and streetwear are experiencing some headwinds.
It might be time to take some risks.
Fashionable in sports – look good, feel good, play good
Back in my baseball days — 2018 — I used to tell my teammates every gameday: “Look good, feel good, play good.”
I believed that uniforming ourselves with the latest and greatest gear was the true key to success. No, not the hard work like Coach wanted us to think.
Most guys bought into what I was saying, which for better or worse quickly translated off the field.
Long after my playing days, “look good, feel good, play good” remains integrated in every aspect of my life.
Honestly, it’s the reason I pursued a career in the streetwear industry.
As I’ve now immersed myself within this environment, I’ve seen that athletics and fashion actually compliment each other quite well.
I’m just not seeing it here in North America.
When fashion and sports are referenced together domestically, most people envision the athletes who’ve crossed over into the fashion world.
Less discussion is on how fashion-forward branding could affect a franchise or even an entire league’s identity.
In terms of appealing to a broader audience, giving the masses both a reason to be interested, and the ability to be interested, should be at the forefront of every professional sports league.
How they currently convey each of their unique identities — from design to the actual act of getting goods into people’s hands —…
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