There are many reasons why some basketball players choose to wear a shirt under their jersey.
Some players wear them for purely aesthetic reasons. Others players wear a shirt under their jersey for performance and medical reasons.
Lets take a look at pros and cons of wearing an undershirt while playing basketball, and how wearing compression undershirts can potentially improve your game.
The Top 5 Reasons Why Basketball Players Wear A T-Shirt Under Their Basketball Jersey
- To protect skin from heat, sweat and irritation. Some jerseys can create uncomfortable friction due to the way they are manufactured or when wet from sweat. Wearing a jersey can reduce this friction and help wick away sweat.
- High quality under jersey compression shirts help regulate the body's temperature. They keep players cool and comfortable in warm climates. They keep players warm in cold climates.
- These shirts provide additional protection in the event of a collision or fall on the court. Some shirts even come with in-built padding designed for basketball players who like to take it hard in the paint. Basketball compression knee pads and compression arm pads/sleeves can also be worn to add protection on the court.
- Compression shirts may promote recovery, enhance performance and reduce muscle fatigue. Some studies have shown that wearing compression gear improves sport performannce.
- To cover tatoos and skin conditions. Some players have nasty skin conditions or offensive tattoos that they may want to cover up before taking to the court.
Are NBA Players Allowed To Wear Anything Under Their Jerseys?
Yes, NBA players wear compression t-shirts and sleeves under their jerseys if they are approved by the league.
NBA players started wearing compression sleeves in the early 2000s.
The trend has continued to grow.
Often a medical exemption is needed to be approved to wear a shirt under the jersey.
For example, Anthony Davis was approved to wear a t-shirt under his jersey after recovering from shoulder surgery. His team argued that the shirt would provide support and promote recovery of the muscles surrounding his shoulder joint.
Davis stated in an interview with ESPN that "it's really helped out a lot. Just being able to recuperate faster, being fresh for the games."
NBA players cannot wear loose-fitting T-shirts, as it is against the NBA dress code.
In the 90's players started to wear baggy t-shirts as it was the popular hip hop fashion of the era.
The league quickly stamped down on this practice.
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Which Current NBA Players Wear A Shirt Under Their Jersey?
Compression shirts are not required by the NBA, but most players prefer to use them.
LeBron James is one example of a strong advocate for compression shirts. He wears a short sleeve compression shirt under his jersey each and every time he plays.
It is just another thing he can do to help lenghten his career alongside other things like diet and recovery. Check out Lebron James diet plan.
Most NBA players now wear some form of compression gear. He are just a few current NBA players who wear compression shirts under their jersey:
- Ja Morant
- Jason Tatum
- Luca Doncic
- Draymond Green
- Bam Adebayo
What Are The Different Types Of Undershirts and Which Is Best For Basketball Players?
Here are the most popular undershirt options for basketball players:
- Compression vest/singlet > shop best sellers here
- Short sleeve compression t-shirt > shop best sellers here
- Long sleeve compression shirt > shop best sellers here
- Padded compression shirt > shop best sellers here
Related F.A.Q
NCAA's lenient dress code is the main reason college basketball players wear tshirts underneath their jerseys. NCAA rules allow players to wear tee-shirts under their jerseys as long as they don't reveal any logos or symbols.
The dominant Georgetown Hoya Patrick Ewing started this tradition. In the 1980s, Ewing was playing for Georgetown. It was quite cold on the court. Ewing wore a t-shirt underneath his jersey to keep warm.
Ewing stated that "We began playing in these large arenas, and it would freeze in there,"
You can see college players wearing t-shirts underneath their jerseys, regardless of the weather. While the NCAA dress code is the primary reason, players claim it gives them an advantage over the rest.
The basketball singlet, also known by vests, is tight-fitting so it doesn't interfere with the player's movement.
Jumping and running must be quick and agile. They must also be able to jump high and shoot accurately over long distances.
Singlets are made of stretchy, breathable fabric which allows players to move freely while remaining cool during intense games.
Officials can easily identify players by wearing a singlet. Officials can easily identify each player by their unique number and singlet color.
Most referees expect all players to keep their shirt down during games.
Players must wear their jerseys at all levels of play. If they don't, they could be charged with a violation.
The NBA rules state that if a player's jersey falls off as they enter the court, it will be considered a delay in play infraction. The opposition will be penalized with a technical foul if the same infraction occurs again.
It is also a sign that you are professional.
It is a sign that the player takes the game seriously and wants to be seen in the best light by pulling their shirt up.
A shirt can also be tucked in to help players avoid being caught while playing.
A player's shirt hanging out can cause it to catch on the backboard, or another player's jersey. This can be prevented by tucking your shirt in.
Athletes often wear undershirts because they act as a barrier between their skin and the clothing.
Most undershirts are made from a breathable, stretchy material such as spandex or polyester. They trap sweat away and help keep skin dry.
It's important to take off your clothes when you sweat a lot. Sweating is also linked to hair fall.
Without a moisture-wicking fabric, sweat can make the undershirt heavy and uncomfortable. It's important to choose a moisture-wicking undershirt so sweat can evaporate quickly.
To protect their skin from the sunlight, athletes also wear undershirts. The majority of undershirts are at least 30 SPF, which helps protect skin from the sun's harmful UV rays.
Athletes often wear undershirts because they act as a barrier between their skin and the clothing.
Most undershirts are made from a breathable, stretchy material such as spandex or polyester. They trap sweat away and help keep skin dry.
It's important to take off your clothes when you sweat a lot. Sweating is also linked to hair fall.
Without a moisture-wicking fabric, sweat can make the undershirt heavy and uncomfortable. It's important to choose a moisture-wicking undershirt so sweat can evaporate quickly.
To protect their skin from the sunlight, athletes also wear undershirts. The majority of undershirts are at least 30 SPF, which helps protect skin from the sun's harmful UV rays.
NBA players wear shirts on the bench for a number of reasons. Firstly, a shirt helps keep players warm while waiting on the bench to get subbed into the game.
Secondly, they must follow the NBA's rules. To maintain a professional image and unity, the NBA has established a dress code.
Summary Of Benefits Of Wearing A Compression T-Shirt Under Your Basketball Jersey
Now you know exactly why basketball players wear shirts underneath their jerseys. As you can see, compression t-shirts offer many advantages to basketball players. Do you wear a shirt under your jersey while you play ball? Tell us why you choose to wear a shirt below.
