Japanese-Haitian tennis star Naomi Osaka has recently garnered headlines for her pre-match outfits, including an NBA-inspired hoodie at the US Open and a kimono at Wimbledon. These fashion choices are part of a broader tradition among Black athletes who use style to express identity and defiance.
This approach to fashion in sport draws on a long-standing culture within many Black communities of "presenting" or "turning out," where elaborate or playful outfits are seen as a form of spectacle. This tradition has been observed throughout the current year of international sport, with examples such as the DR Congo's football team wearing leopard print sashes and Cabo Verde's team sporting intricate cornrows.
Historically, Black style has often involved circumventing rules, with fashion serving as a cultural battleground. This tradition of subversion and play finds a natural home in the sports world, which is characterized by rules and uniforms. For instance, Osaka's white kimono at Wimbledon adhered to the tournament's dress code while still making a statement.
Some athletes, like Serena Williams, have described their outfits as making them feel like a "warrior," while Osaka views her different outfits as akin to selecting different characters in a video game. This cultural expression in sport is complex, reflecting both a desire for self-expression and, for some, a response to historical attempts to suppress dignity.