Would you consider yourself a basketball fan if you don’t have lots of trinkets and merch scattered about your home? We didn’t think so. How could your resist though? Seeing your favourite basketball team’s jersey is perhaps the most tempting sight you’ll ever come across. And it doesn’t stop there either – there are lots of clothing items and souvenirs you just can’t wait to get your hands on.
But see, the sheer number of options and possibilities can oftentimes make choosing the one you like most. What happens when you like more than one piece of merchandise? Do you buy everything you see? If only it were that easy. Since not all of us have the resources to splurge on new basketball equipment every few months, we need to be careful with our choices. To help you keep your priorities straight, we’ll be laying down a checklist of basketball essentials for you to enjoy.
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Stock Up on Your Favourite Basketball Clothes
First thing’s first, we need to do a deep dive into all the clothes you might want to lay your hands on. For many years, basketball clothing has been a staple of modern streetwear fashion and it doesn’t look like it’ll be slowing down anytime soon.
Basketball Tops
Here we have basically anything you can imagine – from tank tops and T-shirts to hoodies and sports jackets, all of which proudly carry the crest of your favourite basketball team. The lightweight design of each shirt and tank top makes them perfect to wear while you’re shooting a few hoops in the summer heat. On the other hand, warm and cosy hoodies and jackets are the best way to fight the cold during wintertime.
Let’s be honest, who could miss out on the opportunity to wear branded basketball attire? You’d definitely get a sense of accomplishment and a boost in confidence if you have your favourite player’s name engraved on the back of your shirt. After all, there’s no better way to pay your respects than that.
Basketball Bottoms
Now it’s time to build on the top part of your body with a few fashionable bottoms to complete the look. Wearing branded merchandise from head to toe doesn’t sound half as bad, don’t you think? To be more precise, by bottoms here we mean authentic shorts for basketball. But how do you choose the right basketball shorts?
The first thing you need to know is that it’s always a good idea to match the tops to your bottoms. While mismatching is a new trend in recent years, it doesn’t always have the desired effect. Besides, it’s much more satisfying when you’re wearing complementary tank tops and shorts for basketball. You have to work on that cohesion, you know?
In terms of their build, basketball shorts are somewhat longer and roomier in comparison to your regular gym shorts. When it comes to the materials, most models are made up of either cotton, polyester or a combination of the two. Put these two things together and you inherently get shorts that are breathable and easy to wear, without limiting your movement in any way. In other words, they’re supposed to make you feel fresh and comfortable regardless of how long you’re wearing them because there’s no sweat build-up.
Generally speaking, these types of shorts usually have an adjustable drawstring waistband which means you can easily customise it to suit your needs. Plus, some models even feature spacious pockets for you to store all of your bare necessities. And thanks to their laid-back and casual appearance, basketball shorts blend in seamlessly with all your other everyday clothing pieces. Sounds like the perfect scenario, don’t you think?
Get the Right Footwear
If you’re a beginner, you probably won’t have to go all out when buying basketball shoes. Most people wouldn’t notice a difference anyway. Instead, getting a regular pair of comfortable sneakers for men should do just fine.
Many basketball players opt for high top sneakers because they provide adequate ankle support and protect against injuries. Their specific design wraps entirely around your ankle without limiting your flexibility and freedom of movement. Here’s a pro tip – it’s a good idea to do an evening shopping session rather than a morning one because that’s when your feet are a tad bit swollen from all the walking you’ve done during the day. When you do this, you’ll know exactly what each pair will feel like on your feet when you’ve been wearing it for hours on end. Just make sure you’re wearing the right type of socks for the occasion.
The best part about these sneakers is their sheer diversity and versatility. You’ll find lots of different-coloured models and design patterns, all of which are supposed to add the finishing touches to your overall look.
These days, high top sneakers are heavily popularized in the hip hop and skater culture. This means that if you decide to get these types of sneakers for men, you’ll be equipping yourself with a pair that is both functional and stylish. You don’t have to limit yourself to wearing them during your basketball sessions only. Instead, feel free to strut your stuff in them on all kinds of informal social outings.
Top It Off with Headwear
Last but not least, you should look into some hats to wrap everything up nicely. Whether you decide to go with the classic snapback or a casual beanie, you’ll have the freedom to experiment with lots of different models to let your creativity thrive in the best way possible.