NBA Players Redefining Menswear Style: How Fashion Brands Are Teaming Up with Sports Icons to Set New Trends

From Court to Closet: The Power of NBA Players as Modern Style Influencers and the Impact of Kith on Basketball Fashion

The New York Knicks team up with Kith, blending athletic prowess with elevated streetwear style. See how NBA players bring the brand's iconic designs to life on and off the court.


Basketball, a sport rich in history and influence, was invented in 1891 by Canadian physical education instructor Dr. James Naismith in Springfield, Massachusetts. Designed to keep students active indoors during the winter, the game quickly evolved, spreading across schools and communities. By 1946, the National Basketball Association (NBA) was founded in New York City, establishing a professional league that would grow into a global phenomenon, revered for its talented athletes, iconic rivalries, and cultural impact.

One of the NBA’s most storied teams, the New York Knicks, was founded just a year after the NBA itself, in 1946. Owned by Madison Square Garden Sports Corp., the Knicks have been a fixture in New York City, with an enduring fanbase that has stood by them through all the highs and lows. Last night’s game at Madison Square Garden on 11/10/24 was a thrilling display, with the Knicks pulling off a decisive win. Key moments, like made for an electrifying night that underscored why New York remains a hub of basketball passion.

In recent years, the intersection of sports and fashion has become a powerful avenue for brands to connect with wider audiences. Menswear brands, from luxury labels to streetwear giants, have tapped into the appeal of NBA athletes to communicate their brand DNA and expand market reach. This synergy provides fans with relatable and aspirational style icons, creating a bridge between sportswear and high fashion. NBA players, with their significant influence on social media and their status as trendsetters, are increasingly sought after by brands looking to merge athleticism with lifestyle appeal.

Kith, a New York-based brand known for blending streetwear with elevated design, is one such label making waves in the sports-fashion collaboration arena. Kith’s latest collection, which debuted on NBA players, stands out for its unique aesthetic that combines nostalgia, modern design, and luxury details. The brand’s headquarters in New York City reflects its deeply urban, fashion-forward roots. Owned by Ronnie Fieg, Kith caters to a demographic that appreciates versatile, high-quality pieces with a streetwise edge—men who value exclusivity, comfort, and style in equal measure. With offerings that range from statement jackets to athleisure essentials, Kith has become a fan favorite.

OG Anunoby wearing Kith

Five things men love about Kith are:

  1. High-quality materials with attention to craftsmanship.
  2. Versatile designs suitable for both casual and semi-formal occasions.
  3. Limited-edition collaborations that add exclusivity.
  4. A modern take on vintage-inspired silhouettes.
  5. The brand’s ability to balance luxury with accessibility.

The name “Kith” itself signifies “friends and community,” which is fitting given the brand’s strong culture of inclusivity and connection. NBA players outfitted in Kith often make as bold a statement as they do on the court. These athletes have become the modern equivalent of runway models, presenting looks that men across various age groups and backgrounds can connect with on a personal level.

In conclusion, NBA players are not only redefining what it means to be an athlete but also a style icon. Their partnerships with brands like Kith set a standard for authenticity and relatability in fashion, providing fans with both athletic and aesthetic inspiration. As NBA players continue to influence menswear trends and bridge the worlds of sports and fashion, they offer a style guide that is as dynamic and diverse as the sport they play.


About the Author:

Joseph DeAcetis is a visionary force in the world of fashion, celebrated as one of the finest wardrobe stylists and art directors of his generation. His expertise and creativity have earned him accolades throughout the industry, placing him at the forefront of fashion’s evolution. Joseph’s work seamlessly weaves together style, culture, art, and fashion, with a special focus on the shifting landscape of menswear.

Over the course of his distinguished career, Joseph has had the privilege of styling and even interviewing global icons such as Elon Musk, Justin Bieber, Richard Branson, Katy Perry, Tom Brady, and A$AP Rocky, to name just a few. His influence extends beyond styling, as he has also been a prolific writer, contributing award-winning columns to esteemed publications like Esquire, People Magazine, Robb Report, and Playboy. His deep insights and captivating storytelling have established him as a leading voice in fashion journalism.

Joseph most recently served as Creative Fashion Director at Forbes Media, where his dual role as critic and reporter allowed him to explore the intersection of technology and fashion, always championing the transformative power of style. As the founder and president of POTRO, the premier Latinx menswear brand, Joseph is redefining modern menswear with a commitment to celebrating Latinx heritage and craftsmanship.

With an authoritative yet relatable voice, Joseph DeAcetis continues to inspire and influence the world of fashion, setting new standards for success and innovation.

Comments, questions, or feedback? visit me at stylelujo.com


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