NBA dress code

On October 17, 2005, National Basketball Association commissioner David Stern announced the implementation of a mandatory dress code for all NBA and NBA Development League players. This was especially noteworthy because the NBA became the first major professional sports league to implement such a rule, although National Hockey League rules state that a player is supposed to wear a jacket and tie to games and on charters if not told otherwise by the head coach or general manager.[1] The dress code went into effect at the start of the 2005–06 NBA season.[2]

Details of the dress code

Stern's 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 new dress code banned fashions most often associated with hip-hop culture, specifically: jerseys, jeans, hats, do-rags, T-shirts, large jewelry, sneakers and Timberland style boots.[3]

This particular clothing is 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 or the NBDL. Violators of the dress code are fined and may be suspended with repeat offenses.[4] The dress code was developed with the intention of combating image problems that have plagued the NBA in recent history.

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 a sport coat is required for coaches,[3] but a necktie is not required.

Supporting arguments

The league's image was in bad shape following the Pacers–Pistons brawl in 2004.[5] Supporters also claim that most businesses require their employees to adhere to a dress code of some kind so the NBA is not making any unusual demands. Moreover, the NBA was not requiring players to wear a suit and tie, as had been rumored initially. Further, many NBA teams already had dress codes, as dictated by coaches or general managers. Penalties for non-compliance usually involved fines such as having to pay for one's own airfare to wherever the team was going, rather than flying on the team charter.

Opposing arguments

Critics such as Allen Iverson, Stephen Jackson and Paul Pierce claim that the dress code will not change a person's character regardless of what type of clothing they wear, and that associating hip-hop style of dress with crime or a bad image is racist.[6][7] Iverson was also quoted to say, "the dress code is not who I am and doesn't allow me to express myself."[8]

Many NBA and non-NBA sports figures also claim that it targets young black males and is a slap against hip-hop culture.[9][10] Most NBA players are sponsored by companies such as Nike, Adidas, Puma and Converse.


Writing for Rolling Stone, 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 on the process."[11]


  1. Scott BurnsideNHLFollowArchive (2005-10-20). "Dress code suits NHLers just fine - NHL - ESPN". Retrieved 2012-08-22.
  2. "NBA adopts 'business casual' dress code - NBA - ESPN". 2005-10-18. Retrieved 2012-08-22.
  3. 1 2 "Stern sure players will comply with dress code - NBA - ESPN". 2005-10-20. Retrieved 2012-08-22.
  4. "NBA Fines and Suspensions". Retrieved 2012-08-22.
  5. "Artest, Jackson charge Palace stands - NBA - ESPN". 2004-11-21. Retrieved 2012-08-22.
  6. "Richardson says dress code targets black players". Associated Press. October 19, 2005. Retrieved February 1, 2014.
  7. "NBA notebook: Dress code targets blacks, says Jackson". Seattle Times. October 20, 2005. Retrieved February 1, 2014.
  8. Sawyer, Jameel (October 13, 2010). "Allen Iverson: Last of a Dying Breed". Bleacher Report. Retrieved February 1, 2014.
  9. Wise, Mike (October 23, 2005). "Opinions on the NBA's Dress Code Are Far From Uniform". Washington Post. Retrieved February 1, 2014.
  10. Taylor, Phil (October 12, 2005). "Balancing act". Retrieved February 1, 2014.
  11. Zack Graham (4 November 2016). "How David Stern's NBA Dress Code Changed Men's Fashion". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 7 November 2016.