Attending a basketball game is all about enjoying the sport, the atmosphere, and the camaraderie of fellow fans. By prioritizing comfort, showing your team spirit, and dressing appropriately for the venue, you’ll ensure a fantastic experience. Whether you’re cheering courtside or watching from the stands, the right outfit will help you fully immerse yourself in the game. So lace up those sneakers, don your favorite jersey, and get ready for an exciting night of basketball!
- What to Wear to a Basketball Game, From Denim Jackets to Court Sneakers
Ever panicked over what to wear to a basketball game? While you can never go wrong with rocking your favorite team’s merchandise, courtside fashion has taken on a much more stylish approach in recent years. Fans are no longer relegated to simply wearing a basketball jersey or sport’s cap; instead, attendees often use the occasion to go all out with street style-inspired ‘fits — think denim-on-denim looks, sporty bomber jackets, and court sneakers galore.
While the sidelines at WNBA and NBA games have long been a place for cool streetwear debuts, these past few seasons, stars have definitely upped the ante, with the floor appearing more and more like the front row at Fashion Week.
Athletes have also provided plenty of inspiration with their own pregame outfits; Kelsey Plum recently flashed her abs in a matching leather ensemble, while Caitlin Clark and fellow WNBA rookies like Angel Reese and Cameron Brink have transformed the WNBA tunnel into a full-on runway.
In short: basketball-game attire has never been hotter. In the spirit of that, we’ve curated a guide to the best basketball outfit ideas, with looks that are perfect for longtime fans and newbies alike. Whether you’re brainstorming what to wear to a WNBA game or just trying to perfect your courtside fashion in honor of the new NBA season, you can find the best basketball game ‘fits ahead.
A Basketball Pendant
Ailuor Fashion Basketball Pendant ($10)
Dressing up for a basketball game is fun, but if you’re looking for a simple way to honor the sport without having to go all out, we recommend adding a subtle accessory to your outfit — just like this sporty pendant. The golden accessory is shaped like a basketball and despite its luxe design, costs less than $15.
A Basketball-Shaped Crossbody
Lanpet Basketball-Shaped Crossbody ($19)
You’ll look the part of a basketball superstar with this stylish accessory in tow. The crossbody is made from a synthetic material that looks and feels just like a real basketball. It boasts a surprising amount of interior space, so you can easily carry around your cell phone, wallet, and emergency lipstick. FWIW: many basketball arenas and venues have dedicated bag guidelines, so you’ll want to verify the event’s rules before bringing this accessory with you; clear bag guidelines are standard nowadays.
A Tube Top
Forever 21 Los Angeles Lakers Sequin Tube Top ($24, originally $30)
As far as basketball-game outfits go, it doesn’t get much cuter (or more classic) than pairing a tube top with a high-waisted pair of jeans. The look is equal parts chic and sporty, with a styling versatility that can take you from pregame drinks to your courtside seats and beyond. And if you’re looking to cheer on a specific team, consider shopping out one of Forever 21’s many NBA-themed styles — like this sparkly top that’s so on trend, it looks like it’s part of an NBA cheer team’s uniform.
A Sporty Bucket Hat
Jordan Apex Bucket Hat ($29, originally $34)
With the Air Jordan logo positioned front and center on the bucket hat, this sporty accessory will complete any courtside outfit with a cool, athlete-approved flair. It’s a practical piece you can wear while playing or watching an intense basketball game — even better for outside competitions.
A Comfortable Tracksuit
2-Piece Velour Tracksuit ($29-$43)
We’ve seen countless celebrities and athletes roll up to basketball games in tracksuits — and for good reason. The temperature in basketball arenas can often be difficult to gauge. For longer games that last well into overtime, you’ll want a comfortable style that’ll keep you feeling warm and pulled together. This set is especially great because it’s available in over 30 different designs, so you can easily shop out an option that matches your team’s colors.
A Themed Jean Jacket
Ultra Game NBA Multi-Team Denim Patch Jean Jacket ($53-$70)
When it comes to figuring out what to wear to a basketball game, denim is always a huge hit. You can keep it casual with a classic jean jacket, baggy cargo jeans, or even a denim jumpsuit. But for those looking to dress with the event’s festivities in mind, consider investing in this team denim patch jacket from Amazon. It features NBA logo patches from all of the league teams, so you can wear it to truly any game.
A Cool Bomber Jacket
Aeropostale x Chicago Bulls Bomber Jacket ($65)
When in doubt on what to wear for a basketball game, keep it simple and opt for a classic bomber jacket. This unisex style is especially fun because it has a letterman-style vibe — minus the traditionally stiff fabric. Aeropostale has a number of styles like this that pay homage to different NBA teams and logos, so you can shop out your preferred piece.
A Pullover Hoodie
Team 13 Courtside Nike WNBA Pullover Hoodie ($70)
The WNBA has one of its most exciting rookie classes in recent memory, with breakout superstars like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, Cameron Brink, and more. Ahead of the season opener, stock up on cool WNBA merchandise like this comfy pullover, which features the league’s signature logo. Pair it with jeans and court sneakers for the ultimate basketball-game outfit or matching sweatpants while you tune into a game at home.
Classic Basketball Sneakers
Nike Air Force 1 ’07 Basketball Sneaker ($115)
Nike basketball sneakers are the most failsafe addition to any gameday ‘fit. They’re comfortable, cute, undeniably sporty, and oftentimes worn by athletes themselves in their pregame looks or tunnel style. Whether you’re wearing them with a denim-on-denim ensemble or trying to pull off a dress with sneakers, these comfortable shoes truly go with anything.
— Additional reporting by Yerin Kim and Sarah Wasilak
Kyley Warren is an award-winning writer, editor, and affiliate strategist with more than four years of experience in the publishing space. She currently works as an assistant editor on PS Shopping and is an expert on all things related to shopping and fashion. She previously worked with Entertainment Tonight as a style commerce writer, and her byline has appeared in publications globally.
Yerin Kim is the features editor at PS, where she helps shape the vision for special features and packages across the network. A graduate of Syracuse University’s Newhouse School, she has over five years of experience in the pop culture and women’s lifestyle spaces. She’s passionate about spreading cultural sensitivity through the lenses of lifestyle, entertainment, and style.
Sarah Wasilak is the associate director of Shopping at PS. With plenty of experience in the commerce market, a keen interest in SEO, and 10 years as an editor at the brand, she enjoys writing across the lifestyle and health-and-fitness categories. She has bylines at PS, InStyle, Elle, Refinery29, Who What Wear, Elite Daily, Byrdie, and The Quality Edit and aims to amplify minority voices in all her work.