10 Most Iconic Fashion Statements in NBA History

Over time, the fashion statement has become a part of the NBA culture. 

There was a time when it wasn't really paid attention to. Back then, some of the more flamboyant players became noted for their attire. Later, others became known for their style. 

Here, in chronological order, are 10 of the most iconic fashion statements in NBA history. I imagine some people are going to charge (quite accurately) that this is a little heavy on recent history. There are two reasons for that. 

First, it's something that's grown over the course of NBA history. People pay more attention to style now than they did during the 1950s. Second, the pictures are more available. Ergo, not having been born until 1967 and therefore having zero memory for—and zero access to—how players dressed in the 50s, you're not going to find any on there. 

Obviously, the more recent players are going to be both easier to access via memory and research. They're more prominent on this list for the simple reason that they're more accessible, both by research and by memory. 

Wilt Chamberlain

Wilt Chamberlain was suave. He was the NBA version of Shaft. He was so smooth that when he snored, it sounded like soft jazz music.

Chamberlain embraced publicity. In an era when it wasn't popular to do so, he also embraced his ethnicity and heritage. That rubbed some people the wrong way. 

Chamberlain was a partier and a playboy, and that rubbed more people the wrong way.  

Whatever he did, though, you can bet he looked good doing it. 

Walt "Clyde" Frazier

To call Walt Frazier's style "unusual" would be to give too much credit to the word unusual. I mean, it's one thing to wear a "Holstein Suit" or whatever that thing is. It's quite another to make it look good.

That's the most amazing thing about Frazier. It's not just what he wears, but also his ability to make outfits that have no business looking good look good. 

So while you might be errin' in what you're wearin', whatever he's flauntin', Frazier won't leave you wantin'. Even dressed like a cow, he'll make you say wow!

Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan was always GQ and still is. Whenever you see him, whether it's rocking the golf gear, dressed casual or spruced up, he's always looking good. I'm not sure if I remember this correctly, but my memory is telling me he's the first NBA start to start the earring look as well.

Jordan made you want to be like him. They even wrote a song about it. 

Jordan was such a star he could have worn anything and made it popular. 

Dennis Rodman

Dennis Rodman was a fashion icon, head to toe. Whether that meant dying his hair or wearing high heeled shoes, one thing was certain about Rodman, he was going to look unique any time you saw him. 

The "Prince" inspired outfit he wore to his Hall of Fame induction was surprisingly appropriate, but still Rodmanesque. One thing I'll bet Rodman has never heard in his life, "You remind me of someone I know." 

Allen Iverson

Whether it was his cornrows or his street style of dress, Allen Iverson never tried to be a fashion icon, so he became one. His tattoos, bling, hoodies and overall "street" style made him a favorite of urban fans.

Whether you loved or hated Iverson, there was one thing that no one could argue with—he was absolutely genuine and true to himself. He never tried to be anything but who he was. 

Kobe Bryant

Kobe Bryant is so cool that he never has to drink a cold beer. If you hand him a warm one, it will be cold by the time the can touches his lips—because he's cool like that. 

And Kobe Bryant dresses cool, whether he's dressed up or dressed down. His style is very much like his personality, cool, crisp and confident. Whatever he's wearing, you know two things are true—you can't afford it and you wouldn't look as good in it. 

Dwyane Wade

Dwyane Wade always looks good when he's not on the court. Pretty much any list you find of best dressed NBA players, he'll be at the top of or near the top of. He has a true sense of style, combining a unique flair without being outlandish in the process. 

Wade doesn't just dress well, he wears clothes well, which is an entirely other manner. He has the kind of physique and posture that make the clothes look even better. I'm betting half the male models that model the clothes he wears wish they looked as good in them. 

Amare Stoudemire

Amare Stoudemire is not only a wearer of the clothes, he's also participated in designing them. He, in collaboration with Rachel Ray, has his own line of clothing. Stoudemire has his own unique fashion sense, and has mastered the art of making things that should not work together, work together.

Some of his outfits make you think they should clash, but they don't. 

Some of the guys on this list are creative dressers, such as Wilt Chamberlain and Dennis Rodman. Others are just flat out well-dressed, like Kobe, MJ, and D-Wade. STAT brings both styles together. He has a way of being completely unique and suave at the same time. 

Joakim Noah

First off, how many players in the league could even begin to look like Krusty the Klown? Second, how many could look cool doing it?

Joakim Noah's style is as unique as Joakim Noah. There's no danger of imitators with Noah because no one else could or would imitate his style. In the words of Rodney Dangerfiled, "It works for you, though!"

Kevin Durant

Talk about understated!

Kevin Durant manages to make himself look like he's just a college student between classes at the post-game press conference.  It's the apropos accessory for the megastar with a humble attitude. The only thing not understated about Durant is the way he breaks to the hoop and dunks with outright animosity for the rim.