Major League Soccer players are known for their creativity and flair on the pitch. But MLS stars are also increasingly making statements with their fashion sense off the field. Players’ personal styles and collaborations with brands are inspiring and influencing wider trends.
Let’s explore how MLS players are impacting fashion, from setting catwalk trends to boosting streetwear brands.
Defining Personal Style
Top MLS stars put thought into expressing their individuality through fashion. Their outfits showcase personality and set them apart from peers.
LAFC’s Carlos Vela keeps his look sleek yet bold. His trademark skinny jeans and leather jackets project understated cool. Vela’s minimalist style lets his sharp fits do the talking.
Meanwhile, Atlanta United’s Josef Martinez sports a more adventurous look full of color. Loud prints, daring colors and aviator shades are staples of his flamboyant outfits. Martinez uses fashion to bring fun flair.
Other players like Alejandro Bedoya blend stylish with laidback. His nonchalant mix of sweatshorts, vintage tees, and snapbacks emanates effortless California chill.
MLS stars thoughtfully curate looks that feel authentic to their roots and spirit. Their joy in looking and feeling good translates to influencing fans.
Industry Collaborations
Top MLS players’ rising profiles have caught the attention of major clothing and lifestyle brands. Companies recognize collaborating with players boosts visibility and cultural cachet.
In 2019, LA Galaxy’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic signed a deal with sportswear giant Nike to receive custom kits and launch co-designed products. As Ibrahimovic mused, “Who would not want to collaborate with a brand that shares my love of sport?”
Portland’s Diego Valeri partnered with Adidas to unveil his own signature Predator boot in vibrant hues echoing his Argentine heritage. The deal gave Adidas inroads with the large Hispanic MLS fanbase.
LAFC goalkeeper Kenneth Vermeer joined Body Armor’s athlete sponsor roster alongside sports stars like Naomi Osaka and Trae Young. The endorsement connected Vermeer with fans beyond just the soccer sphere.
By aligning with top brands, MLS stars boost their platform and influence way beyond the pitch.
Merchandise Hypebeasts
One way MLS stars inspire fashion trends is through their collaborations on co-branded merchandise. Exclusive streetwear and accessories drive demand among hypebeasts.
In 2020, Inter Miami’s Rodolfo Pizarro teamed up with cutting-edge label A-Cold-Wall* to create a capsule collection of tees, jerseys and accessories. The line’s minimalist color-blocking sold out instantly.
David Beckham brought the best of his two worlds together through co-designed Adidas Predator soccer cleats drawing inspiration from his time with Manchester United and LA Galaxy. The iconic red, white and black colorway was an instant collectible.
Carlos Vela’s custom Los Angeles FC x Undefeated hoodies and jerseys he designed sold out in hours. The success reflected his influence with streetwear fans beyond soccer diehards.
By putting their own spin on gear, players turn merchandise into coveted fashion statements.
Fan Style Inspiration
MLS stars also inspire style trends among fans wishing to emulate their idols. Supporters incorporate players’ signature looks into their own game day outfits and everyday wardrobes.
Fans channel Josef Martinez’s flamboyant look through colorfully printed Atlanta United shirts paired with black skinny jeans and white sneakers. Meanwhile, LAFC supporters sport Carlos Vela-approved skinny black jeans with their jerseys.
Portland Timbers fans take inspiration from Diego Valeri’s laidback Northwest style by coupling their jerseys with rugged heritage boots and lumberjack-style plaid shirts.
Players serve as conduits helping fans express team passion through fashion. Their sense of style permeates supporters’ clothing choices.
Driving Trends
MLS players are increasingly gracing catwalks, editorials and red carpets. Their involvement in major fashion events expands their influence as tastemakers.
In 2019, Alejandro Bedoya and Jozy Altidore walked runway shows during New York Fashion Week to showcase menswear brands’ MLS-inspired collections. MLS also held its own fashion show with players modeling the league’s new jersey designs.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s presence in Milan during his LA Galaxy stint had the fashion industry buzzing. He brought MLS flair to elite European style circles.
LAFC’s Adama Diomande and Latif Blessing stunned in Times Square billboards for clothing retailer Finish Line. Their larger-than-life modeling boosted MLS’s profile in the apparel space.
On biggest stages, MLS stars represent the league as ambassadors of its vibrant style and culture.
Streetwear Credibility
The athletic streetwear boom has aligned perfectly with MLS stars’ fashion instincts. Players work with the hottest urban labels to achieve cutting-edge looks.
Chicago Fire goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina’s off-duty outfits regularly feature brands like Rhude, Enfants Riches Déprimés, and Advisory Board Crystals. His high-fashion yet understated style has garnered magazine features.
D.C. United’s Paul Arriola mixes standout pieces from Fear of God Essentials, Yeezy and Rick Owens for outfits that turn heads. His bold layering demonstrates MLS players’ deep connections to streetwear culture.
By associating with street style pioneers, MLS players shape wider trends in culturally relevant fashion realms beyond the pitch.
Style Evolution
How MLS stars approach fashion has matured along with the league. While flash and opulence marked its early days, style has become more sophisticated and subtle.
David Beckham’s suits and Jason Kreis’ leather jackets embodied MLS 1.0 bravado. Now, a minimalist, tailored aesthetic has risen to prominence through trendsetters like Carlos Vela.
Over time, players have leveraged fashion as cultural capital off the field. Style provides a creative outlet and platform for identity beyond soccer skills.
In the future, expect players to engage even more in the style space through collaborations, events, and creative direction roles.
Team Fashion Directors
Some MLS clubs now have in-house fashion directors specifically to elevate players’ style. Clubs realize fashion is pivotal to brand-building off the field.
Los Angeles FC has Damari Saville as style director to ensure players exude the club’s bold, cutting-edge ethos at public appearances. Saville outfits stars for shoes, galas and other high-profile occasions.
Atlanta United appointed noted designer Joe LaPuma in the newly created role of executive style director. Lapuma works hands-on with players to develop their personal brands through stylistic mentorship.
These club fashion chiefs help players own their style identity. Their guidance projects team culture through coordinated, thoughtful looks.
Fashion-First Events
The fashion industry’s growing interest in MLS has spawned player-centric events integrating soccer skill with style.
New York City FC hosted a “Soccer & Style” clinic in 2020 featuring players demonstrating drills and tricks in the newest Adidas kit drops. Attendees received early access to the limited-edition product.
During 2022 All-Star Week, the league held its first MLS Skills Challenge presented by AT&T. Players dazzled in personalized Adidas pregame tracksuits while competing in contests combining skills with style and flair.
These fashion-forward events celebrate players’ creativity across multiple mediums. Fusing style and soccer through unique experiences engages fans creatively.
Lasting Impact
Through their diverse fashion profiles, MLS players are expanding ideas of sports style trends. They represent the modern athlete equally at home on the pitch and front row.
Ultimately, capitalizing on MLS stars’ style prominence benefits the entire league. Looking good showcases creativity and confidence – values that build the MLS brand beyond just wins and losses.
When players bring passion and authenticity to fashion like they do soccer, it resonates culturally. Fusing sports and style spotlights MLS as part of broader conversations among young fans.
That cultural influence seems only likely to grow as MLS players intertwine leagues and runways. Their style leaves a lasting impact on and off the field.
