How to Dress Sporty

Co-authored by Veronica Tharmalingam and Sophia Latorre

Last Updated: December 3, 2022 References

If you want to dress sporty, you only need a few basic items. Athletic gear like track pants, gym shorts, and workout shirts can be worn together or paired with other items like jeans and tanks. Choose clothing with athletic-inspired details and add sporty accessories to complete your look. If you follow a few basic tips, you’ll be able to dress sporty for any occasion.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Building a Sporty Wardrobe

1
Select clothing with a relaxed feel. Athletes need to be able to move around comfortably in their clothes, which means sporty clothes are often more casual than other garments. Stick with loose or stretchy items, rather than clothes that restrict your movement.^{[1]
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- For instance, opt for relaxed-fit jeans over tight skinny jeans.
2
Stock up on athletic gear. Basketball or gym shorts, workout or yoga pants, and tracksuits should be staples of your wardrobe. Workout tanks and T-shirts are also essential items, and you may want a few tennis skirts as well. You can wear an athletic outfit all together for a super sporty look, or pair athletic items with other garments to give just a hint of sportiness.^{[2]
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- For example, wear jeans and a T-shirt with an athletic company logo, then finish off the look with a track jacket and sunglasses.
- Alternatively, pair a tennis skirt with net booties and a trendy top.
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3
Choose garments with athletic details. Horizontal stripes, rugby shirts, raglan shirts (baseball-style tees with colored sleeves), racerbacks, and jersey-style details, like numbers, help to sport up your look. A jacket with a striped wrist cuff or a floral jersey-style top are great choices.^{[3]
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- For instance, opt for a bodycon dress with a racerback and pair it with sunglasses and sneakers.
- Or, pair a rugby shirt with jeans, boots, and a sporty watch.
4
Opt for items with athletic company logos. Skateboarding, surfing, and other sports brands literally advertise your sportiness. Stock up on T-shirts, tracksuits, sport shorts, or shoes with logos like O’Neill, Vans, Adidas, Nike, Volcom, Puma, Jordans, and Under Armour. Feel free to wear one brand from head to toe, or mix and match your favorite pieces.^{[4]
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- For instance, wear a button-down with jeans and Jordans.
- Alternatively, wear a graphic logo tee with a skirt and heels.
5
Wear clothing that advertises your favorite team. You can find clothing with logos of your favorite team, whether it’s a professional, college, or even high school sport. Or, you can opt for items in your favorite team’s colors. Choose caps, jerseys, T-shirts, sweaters, or jackets that display your love for your favorite teams.
- Look for merchandise stands at games, check your local department store, or order items online.
- For instance, wear a sports jersey with jeans and boots or opt for trousers paired with a sweater in your team’s colors.
6
Make hoodies a wardrobe staple. Nothing says athletic like a hoodie! Pick out several in your favorite colors or styles and toss one on any time it gets chilly.^{[5]
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Expert Source

Veronica Tharmalingam
Professional Stylist
Expert Interview. 6 April 2021.} You can even opt for hoodies that advertise your favorite athletic company or sports team.
- Wear a hoodie with track pants and a baseball cap for the ultimate sporty look.
- Or, pair a zip-front hoodie with jeans, a thermal shirt, boots, and a ball cap.
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Layer on a varsity-style jacket. Whether you wear your actual letter jacket or pick up a varsity-style jacket online or in a store, it’s the perfect cold-weather accessory for any outfit.^{[7]
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- Toss a varsity-style jacket on over jeans, a T-shirt, and sneakers. Add a cap and a gym bag to complete the look.
- Alternatively, wear a varsity-style jacket over a playful dress for a sporty chic vibe.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Adding Accessories

1
Stock up on sunglasses. Sunglasses are an essential accessory for a sporty look. Not only do they protect your eyes, some offer performance-enhancing lenses to help you excel at whichever sport you play. Choose a variety of styles, from aviators to wraparound sunglasses, so that you’ll have a pair for every occasion.
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Add a cap or visor. Nothing says sporty like a ball cap or visor.^{[8]
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Research source} Pick several with different colors and logos so you can top off every outfit. If you have long hair, consider looping it through the hole in the back of a ball cap for a super sporty style.
- For instance, pair a Titleist visor with a T-shirt and track pants when you’re out walking the dog or checking the mail.
3
Invest in several pairs of sneakers. Sneakers are a sporty staple. Pick several pairs in different colors and styles so you can coordinate them with any outfit.^{[9]
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Research source} Choose a simple pair, like black Nikes, as well as a pair that makes more of a statement, like patterned Vans.
4
Go for boat shoes or net booties when dressing up. Net or mesh booties add a sporty vibe to fancy footwear. Pair net booties with stretchy skinny jeans or a body-con dress.^{[10]
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Research source} Boat shoes are another shoe that you can easily pair with dressier items and still keep that sporty feel.^{[11]
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5
Add a fitness tracker or sporty watch. To tie your sporty outfit together, a fitness tracker or sporty watch is the perfect accessory. Choose one in a bright color to make it stand out, or opt for basic black for a more functional look.
6
Carry a gym or sports bag. Rather than carrying a traditional backpack to school, toss your books in a gym bag instead. Or, carry your phone, wallet, and other essentials in a drawstring sports bag on the weekends. Opt for a simple black bag, or pick one with an athletic company or sports team logo.

Community Q&A

Question

Could I just wear my cropped leggings, trainers, vest top and zip-up hoodie?

Community Answer

Yes, that sounds like a very cute, athletic look.
Question

What if I can't afford all that stuff? What could I do?

Katherine.smith.jones

Community Answer

You can use leggings, which usually aren't very expensive. If you are a girl you can tie your hair back in a ponytail. You can use transfer paper to put numbers on the back of some of your clothes. You can also make some caps or maybe do some DIY sunglasses.
Question

Do I need a certain hairstyle to look sporty?

Dani

Community Answer

There isn't a specific style, but generally having it up in some way is more traditionally sporty. So putting it in a bun, ponytail, braid, etc. should work.