In an unexpected twist, Kyle Kuzma says goodbye to the NBA’s tunnel fashion scene, as the Washington Wizards forward famed for his eye-catching pre-game outfits has declared he’s stepping away from the fashion spotlight. Known for his flamboyant and daring looks, Kuzma says he’s had enough of the “ludicrous” expectations surrounding NBA tunnel fashion.
Kyle Kuzma Says Goodbye to NBA Tunnel Fashion – Here’s Why He’s Done
In an exclusive chat with Vogue’s Leah Faye Cooper, Kuzma laid bare his decision to retire from the high-stakes fashion game. “I don’t want to be part of that community where you feel pressured to put on a fit,” Kuzma said, hinting at the intense—and at times, absurd—standards for NBA players to one-up each other in the style arena. The 29-year-old forward is now content to ditch the fashion theatrics, opting for a simpler approach.
Reflecting on his younger days, Kuzma recalled the mindset of constantly needing fresh outfits to avoid the dreaded “repeat offense.” For young NBA players, this habit can quickly spiral into a money pit, where clothes are bought for one-time appearances, designed to impress crowds rather than embrace personal style. Kuzma now finds this approach “ludicrous,” saying that many are merely dressing up to please others or make a splash. His message? “Be yourself, even if it means rocking the same fit twice.” Wise words, indeed.
Kuzma’s fashion evolution also serves as a testament to the NBA’s journey from strict dress codes to full-on expression. When Commissioner David Stern implemented a business-casual dress code in 2005, players had limited ways to express themselves off the court. Since then, the NBA tunnel has transformed into a fashion runway, where players use style to communicate personality, status, and flair.
Kuzma’s pivot from flashy fits is a bold statement in a league where fashion has become as competitive as the game itself. But his stats speak louder than any outfit: last season, he hit career highs with an average of 22.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. Now in his fourth season with the Wizards and his eighth in the NBA, Kuzma appears focused on growth, not glamour.
His words should resonate across a league increasingly fixated on appearance. Kuzma’s choice to dial back on fashion may just spark a trend of its own—one where players wear what they want, not what others expect. After all, it’s only fitting that a player known for breaking the mold would make such a revolutionary move.
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