Depending on when you became an NBA or basketball fan in general, the types of clothes that basketball coaches wore may have differed drastically from one another. The league has gone through a number of phases when it comes to coach (and player) attire because it has tried to find a middle ground of enhancing the perceived image of the league while also allowing players to be comfortable and express themselves.
Below, we are going to discuss if coaches are required to wear suits, what the rules have been in the past, and some sentiment on what attire regulations.
Do Basketball Coaches Have To Wear Suits?
Until about 2020 (during the NBA Bubble season), coaches and players alike were required to wear “business or conservative attire”. This dress code was implemented by former NBA commissioner David Stern during the 2005 season. It was applicable for any situation where an NBA player or coach was involved in some kind of league-affiliated event, like during games (whether playing in them or not), charity events, and press interviews.
Ever since Adam Silver took over as NBA commissioner in 2014, the dress code enforcement has become more lenient; this has allowed coaches to wear team-branded attire such as quarter-zips or polos along with sneakers. For players, as long as the clothing they were is acceptable by their coach, they are typically given the green light.
After the NBA Bubble season, the league’s management has continued to allow coaches to dress down, which has been well-received by coaches like Miami’s Eric Spoelstra and Phoenix’s Monty Williams.
Reasons Why Coaches Still Wear Suits
So if suits are no longer required, then why do we still see coaches on the court all dressed up? It could be for a number of reasons, which we’ve listed below.
- Authority – many coaches want to ensure that they get the respect and attention from their players that is needed when trying to coach a successful basketball game. Wearing a suit can help a coach distinguish himself / herself and appear as the authoritative figure.
- Comfortability – although the testaments from above show that some coaches prefer a more leisurely look, others may enjoy dressing up. It is possible to look professional while feeling good, and if you’ve spent a lot of money on professional attire, you may as well wear it.
- Distinction – often times, you will be able to point out a coach on the court simply based on what they are wearing. This makes it easy for fans, referees, and others identify who is in charge in case something is required of them.