In 1992, a group of college freshmen from the University of Michigan stepped onto the basketball court wearing baggy shorts and black shoes with short socks. Almost overnight, the group known as the Fab Five single-handedly changed the look of the game. However, basketball’s look hasn’t changed much since.

When two of the nation’s top college teams competed in the NCAA Tournament in the U.S. — also known as March Madness — they were dressed in Nike’s new System of Dress, a sleek, high-performance look designed to shake up the game with equal parts form and function.

The more streamlined silhouette is a result of the evolving look within hip-hop culture as well as the recent NBA dress code. “When hip-hop artists began wearing big, baggy clothes, NBA players emulated the look,” explained Nike Apparel Director Hans George. Now, however, the prevailing hip-hop style code leans more towards projecting a polished, clean business image, and once again, NBA stars are likewise beginning to slowly adapt this look. “The culture was growing off the court, but it hadn’t translated onto the court yet,” said George. “We saw that as an opportunity.”

Nike's System of Dress replaces baggy jerseys with sleeker, more fitted ones that leave opponents little to grab during a game. Rounding out the look are classic baggy shorts for a loose, lightweight fit for easy movement on court. Ultimately, Nike's System of Dress is a visually striking look based on innovation, sports performance and considered design.

View Presskit