Classic Band Shirts and NBA Jerseys are Relatives in Fashion
How 2 fashion statements dealing with 2 different worlds mirror each other more than you think.
Have you, a handsome and beautiful basketball fan, ever seen someone wear a Vince Carter Raptors jersey and thought, “Hey, that person and I should be friends?” Or maybe you were at Las Vegas Summer League and witnessed someone with a Stephon Marbury Beijing Ducks jersey and wanted to have a drink with them? It’s always felt like you connected with the person only through the power of sheer fabric. That’s the same feeling a music fan can get when they see somebody rocking a shirt of a band they enjoy. But when it comes to music fans, they will also be skeptical if you have even heard a single song from the artist appearing on your merchandise. And that skepticism is not without some merit. Band apparel, especially of the older groups, has become more of a fashion statement than a declaration of love for the music.
I’m not here to judge you on your music taste or what you wear to look as fresh as possible. The same way won’t judge you if you haven’t seen a single minute played by rookie Steve Nash as you rock a nice sunburst Phoenix jersey. I know that most of the time, it’s for the aesthetic of your sick ‘fit. Both of these fashion choices are mostly just that, and that should be okay with everyone. Sometimes you even see both of these instances in the same place. At the last music festival I was at in the B.C. (Before Covid) times, I saw someone rocking a sweet Ben Gordon Bulls jersey and another person with a Boban Marjanovic Pistons jersey while seeing The National and Paul McCartney on stage. I appreciated the love for these 2 non-star players but didn’t think to approach the people with questions about their favorite play from each player—a quick point and nod of acknowledgment when passing them by sufficed. And sometimes that’s the most anyone wearing these threads is looking for.
So please stop judging so hard, music fans. Embrace how cool it is that something you love has reached across the cultural lines. Even NBA players are in on the train! Sure Russell Westbrook has probably never heard a Slayer song, but he sure makes it look cool as hell. The same way Juelz Santana probably never saw Wes Unseld play, everyone still appreciated how great his outfit looked in the ‘Oh Boy’ video. Nothing was better than seeing rappers wear basketball jerseys in music videos, and I’m glad it’s making a slight comeback today. Let’s hope that it continues because jerseys can be so clean to look at in professional lighting. In the meantime, classic band apparel has had a similar journey to success in the fashion world. While it may not be as cool, it’s still been appropriated by people in the same way.
So what do these choices say about you when you wear them? Well, I think they can say a lot about someone, and I’m not just talking about what their favorite bands or teams or players are. They can tell me the type of person you are and what your whole vibes are letting out. So I’ve compiled a guide to what aura each basketball jersey and their band shirt counterpart can give off.
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AC/DC = Bulls Michael Jordan:
This one gives off a sense of self-awareness. You know you’re as basic as possible, and frankly, you don’t care. It’s admirable just how much you’re not really trying to impress anyone. You know that the person represented in your clothing is a legend in their own right, and you aspire to have their confidence and swagger. This is the type of clothing choice you’d see be used by TV Producers for the character they’ve written as “rock teen” or “sports jock guy.”
Nirvana = Sixers Allen Iverson:
When you wear either of these, you’re trying to let people know you’re not only cool and mainstream but down with the counterculture. You want people to think you’re a rebel from the 90s, even if you’re just a white parent from Virginia with 2 kids. But when you go out to the mall on the family trip, you can’t wait for that nod of acknowledgment you’ll get leaving Spencer’s Gifts. You may never have been as cool as the people on your clothes, but you always feel like it when you put either on. Even though you should be wearing a Foo Fighters shirt or Nuggets Allen Iverson jersey, you’ll hang on to that youth no matter what.
Led Zeppelin = Kobe Bryant:
So you’ve decided to be THAT person. You really want people to know that the one gracing your threads made you the basketball or music fan you are today. You don’t care that either of them mostly took from the ones who came before them. Every time you go out, you expect nothing short of praise for your choice. Going with the zeppelin or angel logo is as difficult a decision as going with the 8 or 24. Even with all that, you’ll never come short of coming across someone with the same outfit as you in the wild.
Slayer = Any European Team Jersey:
No one knows much about what you’re rocking. You want to seem like a mystery to others. Most of the time, when someone asks you about them, you admit you just liked the way it looked on you. Or you think it’ll get you a certain level of respect among either fanbase, but you never actually want them to ask too much about what you’re wearing. But whenever it’s someone who does know about what they’re wearing, they give off a sense of intimidation. Their confidence is palpable, and people aren’t sure if they can approach them. They have the power to name off any of Slayer’s deep cuts or the ability to rattle off the roster of any EuroLeague team. People are always careful around them, and they enjoy that more than anything.
Rush = James Harden:
This person wears their outfit with pride. But is it too much pride? You may seem like a fan of numbers, more than anything. And while you think everyone hates your favorite, the real ones know just how great they are. When people ask you about what you’re wearing, you could go on and on about it for days. You never miss out on an opportunity to convert a new fan, even if it’s all in jest.
Iron Maiden or Black Sabbath = Toronto Raptors Dinosaur Throwback:
The ones who wear these are both looking for the absolute flashiest and wildest styles there are. They want to be “in your face” while also earning the respect of the hardcore fans. They also expect someone to ask them about what they’re wearing. They crave for it. But it comes from a place of just wanting to connect with someone else. Even if they may come off a little desperate, it’s all for the love of the music or sport.
Bob Marley = Larry Bird:
Now, these types of people really want to get it across that they're the truest of true fans. They may not feel like their being very obvious, but they are. They feel like they're somewhat edgy, but really they’re as basic as the next person with the same get-up. If you spot them on the street, they are more than likely the whitest people you’ve ever seen.
Talking Heads or Wu-Tang shirt = Any obscure jersey you’d see at Summer League:
If you’re rocking this, you are most likely a skinny basketball/music nerd who wants to show off to your friends. You are announcing to the world that you’re proud of your nerdiness. While many of your friends truly love what you’re wearing, it’s no doubt that everyone else is judging you in some way. You can name all the members of either group and also name the Chicago Bulls Summer League roster in one breath, and you’re not even the least bit ashamed. I applaud you, and we are more than likely already friends.
Red Hot Chili Peppers = Magic Johnson:
You’re nostalgic for the old days of California. You’re a proud Californian and would fight anyone who dare besmirch it. If you ever see anyone wearing something similar, you make a connection only you 2 would understand. Though the people you represent’s best days are behind them, you’re happy that they’re still in the zeitgeist. You also definitely have at least a couple of tattoos about Cali.
My Chemical Romance or TOOL = Dennis Rodman:
People used to make fun of you for wearing these. “What’s with the weird number/satanic imagery? Why can’t you wear a Michael Jordan/Panic! at the Disco shirt like your friends?” You didn’t care. You persevered through it all because you stuck to your guns all the way. The ones who truly appreciate your get-up will be your friends for the long run. You’re also a big fan of dyed hair and piercings.
Rolling Stones mouth logo = LeBron James:
You decided you’re going to go with a classic. It’s hard to go wrong with either of these looks because they both show off how you respect the living legends. They always come through when it comes to getting noticed and never let you down. You also are more than likely to start an argument with someone wearing an MJ jersey/Beatles shirt. Both looks are iconic, and you still get the same amount of respect.
Metallica = ABA Jersey of NBA Legend:
There is more to your look than meets the eye. Sometimes this one is an aesthetic choice, but it can also be a genuine love for either one involved. You will always argue that the older days were much better than when they made it big. You’re an OG for the most part and will ride or die. The people who stop you in the street are mostly old guys that wear Oakleys backward and put paperclips in their dad hats.
Sonic Youth or R.E.M. = Sabonis Blazers jersey:
You’re from Portland.
Joy Division (Unknown Pleasures design) = Tim Duncan:
The person who reps the 2 legends doesn’t care about their outfit. The simplicity of the black and white matches their personality. While it may seem pretty basic to some, in their minds, they know that everything that needs to be said is being said in how they’re carrying themselves. The dads who secretly have back tattoos all applaud them when they come across. As a Mexican man, I can say that Mexicanos are the biggest fans of what you’re styling.
Ramones = Wilt Chamberlain or Bill Russell jersey:
You are either an old-timer or, more likely, want to show appreciation for the older legends. You overcompensate for this, but you’re fine with it. When out in the wild, you’ll probably induce an eye roll akin to Liz Lemon on 30 Rock, and that’s fine by you. You’re at the point in your life where you really don’t care. Go you.
U2 = Any Warriors Dynasty Jersey:
You seem like you’re a frontrunner, but maybe you liked them before they went mainstream. It was hard to wear your choice in public because you may get asked some very uncomfortable questions. But nowadays, you feel the freedom to go out there and remind everyone of the glory days since it’s a lot safer. Soon you’ll be seen as being a hipster once again. You can only hope so.
The Beatles = Any All-Star Jersey Post-2004:
You really don’t care. You might as well have bought something that says “sports” or “music band” on it. You gave up and grabbed whatever you saw first. Sure, you’re representing the best of the best but come on. Be just a little more creative.
Paramore = Alonzo Mourning Heat jersey:
You want to be my best friend for life.
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I hope you all enjoyed this quick run-through of sweet threads, and I’ll hopefully see you at a future Summer League with your favorite basketball jersey on.