NBA Fashion Icon Retires From Tunnel Outfits

Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma has decided to step back from the flashy tunnel outfits that once made him a leading figure in NBA fashion. Known for his daring pregame outfits, like the oversized pink sweater that went viral a few years ago, Kuzma has long been a trendsetter in the league’s tunnel fashion. However, with the start of the 2024-25 NBA season, Kuzma announced his “retirement” from tunnel fits, opting for a more understated approach. Kuzma’s stats have disappointed to start the season, but now NBA fashion junkies are disappointed as well, as Kuzma’s pregamw outfits will no longer be. 

NBA Fashion Icon Retires From Tunnel Outfits

Kuzma’s Vogue Interview 

Action figure Kuz 🤣

Great answer from Kyle Kuzma on his pink sweater bobblehead night. pic.twitter.com/loYecgZnRT

— NBA (@NBA) January 14, 2023

Kuzma entered the season opener against the Boston Celtics dressed in a basic gray sweatsuit, symbolizing a new era of simplicity in his game-day style. His change in attitude marks a conscious decision to distance himself from the commercialized, highly curated fashion culture that has taken over the NBA tunnel in recent years.

In past seasons, Kuzma was often one of the most talked-about athletes for his outfits. Every game, his clothes would make a bold statement. Kuzma’s recent comments in an interview with Vogue magazine reflect his discontent with how the tunnel fashion scene has evolved.

“The tunnel used to be a way to express yourself, but now everything is so monetized and commercialized,” he said. “People have stylists; people are buying clothes to wear once, or brands are sending clothes. Where’s the individuality in that?”

NBA Fashion Became Too Much

This new era of Kuzma’s fashion will be back to the basics. The NBA star recently ended his deal with Puma and has since been spotted sporting customized Kobe sneakers. He has subtly concealed the Nike swoosh logo. Kuzma’s decision to forego high-profile brand partnerships reflects his changing view on fashion. He told Vogue,

“It’s gotten a lot more sophisticated. I feel like I’ve truly made my own aesthetic, and I feel true to myself. That takes time.”

Kuzma’s decision to exit the tunnel fashion scene is part of the growing sentiment among some NBA players who feel that the excessive focus on wardrobe has become too much. WNBA star A’ja Wilson has also voiced similar concerns. 

Kuzma is retiring his tunnel fits, per @voguemagazine

He cites the pressure he and some young players have faced to always “buy something new” and says buying clothes to impress people or stand out is “ludicrous” pic.twitter.com/FOH9cQTScw

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 26, 2024

Earlier this year, Wilson took a step back from her headline-making outfits, choosing instead to stick with a simple white tee and black shorts for her games. Her decision also aligned with her desire to focus more intently on her performance. Her season resulted in her winning her third WNBA MVP award. 

Kyle Kuzma Stats Disappoint to Start Year

As Kuzma enters his eighth season in the NBA, he’s deciding to focus a little bit less on fashion and a little bit more on basketball. His Washington Wizards project to be one of the worst teams in the league once again. A focused Kuzma this season could help lead the young Wizards up from the bottom of the standings. 

Unfortunately, the Wizards and Kuzma haven’t started the season strong. The Wizards are 0-2, and Kuzma has yet to score 15 points in a game. Last season, he averaged 22.2 points per game. Kuzma will look to turn things around sooner rather than later, but if he can’t start making a flash on the court, he may need to return to making a flash off the court with his fashion.