Basketball shorts are part of the basketball uniform. This includes the standard uniform worn by all professional basketball players, to normal attire for playing basketball in urban settings. In the 1970s and 80s, shorts were usually tight fitting and short. When Michael Jordan entered the league, however, he asked for longer shorts, and popularized the move towards longer, baggier shorts, which are now standard in the NBA. The rise of hip hop culture in the 1990s also helped influence the basketball uniform, particularly the shorts.
Why They Help Performance
Almost all basketball shorts are made with fabric that has moisture-wicking properties. This helps to remove sweat from the body, keeping the player cool and dry. Comfort is especially important in a sport like basketball which involves a significant amount of running.
What are They Made of?
Basketball shorts are usually made of the same material as gym shorts are. They should be comfortable and provide ventilation, because you will get sweaty while you play. Nylon is a common fabric as it allows for both ease and comfort. Other popular fabrics include cotton and polyester.
Washing and Care Instructions
Basketball shorts can get dirty very quickly, mainly from sweat stains, although they could get grass stains or other dirt on them if you are playing outside in a park or playground. Sweating into your shorts will also cause them to emit an odor, which can get nasty very quickly. Thus, washing your shorts frequently is important. You do not want to ruin them in the wash, however, so there are several steps you should take. Soak your shorts in a bucket of warm water mixed with vinegar for about half an hour. If your shorts are made from cotton, you can wash them and dry them on the hottest settings. For any tech fabrics, however, you should use cool or room temperature water and then hang them to dry. Avoid hanging your shorts directly in the sun, though, because this could cause the colors to fade. This should ensure that your basketball shorts remain clean but also in excellent condition.
Who Makes Them?
Since you can wear almost any pair of gym shorts while you play basketball, you can pretty much choose any brand you want. Nike, Reebok, and Adidas are some of the major brands that make basketball shorts, with many different models and variations. Adidas is the official manufacturer of the NBA uniform, and thus provides every team and player with shorts. Under Armor is another popular brand, thanks in large part to the dry fit technology used in their clothing.
Price Range
Typically, basketball shorts range from $30 to $60, depending on the brand. Nike shorts may cost over $60, while Reebok tends to be a little less expensive. Official NBA shorts may run over $100, a number which could go even higher if they were worn during a game or autographed by a certain player. Under Armor, which is one of the most popular brands, has a range of shorts that cost as little as $20 and as much as $80 depending on the model. You may be able to find basketball shorts for cheaper from online retailers which often offer free shipping if you spend more than a specified amount of money. You can also find basketball shorts for cheaper from sites such as eBay or Amazon.
