
Basketball players have been rolling their shorts' waistbands for various reasons, including making the shorts shorter, stylistic preferences, and to prevent them from falling down. This practice has sparked discussions among players, with some seeing it as an expression of style and a practical solution for ill-fitting shorts. The National Federation of High School Associations (NFHS) initially had rules against rolling shorts, but eventually allowed it, provided that only one manufacturer's logo was displayed. This trend in basketball fashion has led to players experimenting with different ways to roll their shorts, either for functionality or aesthetic purposes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for rolling shorts | To make the shorts shorter, for style, and to prevent them from falling down |
| Rules | No shorts may be turned over with exposed strings to the outside |
| Rule changes | A note was added to Rule 3-5-5 to permit folding or rolling the shorts at the natural waistband seam |
| Rolling technique | Fold the shorts in half vertically, then roll the bottom of the legs up toward the top of the shorts and tuck the roll into the waistband |
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What You'll Learn

Why basketball players roll their shorts
Rolling shorts has become a trend in basketball fashion. Many basketball players, from high school to college, have been seen rolling their shorts' waistbands. There are several reasons why basketball players do this.
Firstly, it is a practical solution to prevent their shorts from falling down. By rolling the waistband, players can achieve a more secure fit, especially if their shorts are too big or too long. This practice also helps reduce the bagginess in the crotch area, making the shorts more comfortable to move around in. Additionally, some players find that the trim fabric on the edges of their shorts can be irritating to the skin, and rolling the waistband helps alleviate this discomfort.
Secondly, it is a stylistic choice. Some players prefer the look of shorter shorts, and rolling the waistband is an easy way to achieve that desired length. It also gives the shorts a unique, personalised touch, making them stand out from the traditional uniform.
Moreover, in some cases, rolling the waistband can expose the manufacturer's logo on the inner band. This may be a way for players to subtly display their affiliation with a particular brand or simply to showcase their fashion sense.
While some organisations, like the National Federation of High School Associations (NFHS), have tried to disallow players from rolling their shorts by including rules in the basketball rule book, many players continue to advocate for their preference to roll their shorts. They argue that rolling their shorts is a way to personalise their uniform and make it more comfortable and functional for them.
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How to roll basketball shorts for packing
Rolling your basketball shorts when packing for a trip is a great way to save space and prevent wrinkles. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to roll your basketball shorts for packing:
Step 1: Prepare the Shorts
Start by laying the shorts on a flat surface. If your shorts have an elastic waist or a drawstring, undo the string and flatten it out. You can tie the drawstring in a loose knot to keep it in place. Smooth out any pockets by inserting your hands into the pocket holes.
Step 2: Initial Folds
Fold the shorts in half vertically, aligning the legs. This will help create a neat base for rolling. You can also fold the waistband down about 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) over the front of the shorts. This step is especially useful if you want to prevent wrinkles on the waistband.
Step 3: Roll the Shorts
Now, start rolling the shorts tightly from the bottom towards the waistband. Make sure to smooth out any bumps or creases as you roll to keep the roll compact and wrinkle-free. Keep rolling until you reach the top of the waistband.
Step 4: Secure the Roll
Once you've finished rolling, grab the remaining waistband flap and fold it over the rolled shorts to secure them. This will help keep the roll intact and prevent it from unravelling.
Step 5: Packing
After your basketball shorts are neatly rolled, you can place them in your suitcase or packing cubes. Rolling your shorts allows for more efficient packing, as the uniform rolls can be tucked together, utilising more of your interior baggage space.
Remember, the key to successful rolling is to keep the roll tight and smooth, removing any air pockets as you go. This will help maximise space and minimise wrinkles during your travels.
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Rules around rolling basketball shorts
For years, basketball shorts have been getting longer and longer. However, in 2014, a new trend emerged in basketball fashion: rolling waistbands. Players started rolling their shorts' waistbands to make them shorter and achieve a preferred fit and style. This trend, known as "band-rolling", has sparked debates about the length of basketball shorts and the reasons behind the practice. Some players prefer the look and feel of shorter shorts, while others find that rolling their waistbands helps keep their shorts from falling down.
While band-rolling has become popular among basketball players, it has also faced some opposition from sports authorities. In particular, the National Federation of High School Associations (NFHS) in the United States has had conflicting stances on the practice. Before the 2016-17 season, the NFHS emphasized a rule stating that "no shorts may be turned over with exposed strings to the outside. NO EXCEPTIONS." This rule was put in place to prevent the display of more than one logo from the manufacturer, which is regulated by the National Federation of State High School Associations' basketball rule book.
However, the band-rolling trend sparked a movement among high school basketball players, with multiple Change.org petitions seeking support to allow them to roll their shorts. The petitions argued that rolling shorts was a matter of style and also a practical solution to ensure that ill-fitting shorts stayed up. The movement gained significant traction, with over 10,000 signatures on the petitions.
Ultimately, the NFHS lifted the ban on rolling shorts for the 2018-19 season. A note was added to Rule 3-5-5 to permit folding or rolling the shorts at the natural waistband seam, as long as it complied with Rule 3-4-5, which restricts uniforms to displaying only one visible manufacturer's logo. This change was well-received by players, modernizing the rule and allowing them to adjust their shorts without harming the integrity of the game.
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The history of the trend
The trend of rolling basketball shorts gained prominence in 2018 when high school basketball players across the United States started a movement to roll their shorts. This trend was both a stylistic choice and a practical solution to ill-fitting shorts. Players would roll their shorts to prevent them from falling down, as they were often handed shorts that were too big.
The movement faced opposition from the National Federation of High School Associations (NFHS), which emphasized a rule before the 2016-17 season that prohibited rolling shorts with exposed strings on the outside. Despite the resistance, players continued to advocate for their right to roll their shorts, with Change.org petitions representing at least five states garnering over 10,000 signatures.
The NFHS eventually relented, and in the 2018-19 season, a note was added to Rule 3-5-5 to permit folding or rolling shorts at the natural waistband seam. This change was made to modernize the rule and allow players to adjust their shorts in a way that caused no harm to the game or its integrity.
The shorts still had to comply with Rule 3-4-5, which restricted the display of more than one manufacturer's logo, trademark, or reference. This rule was in place to prevent the exposure of multiple logos from the manufacturer, which was beyond the control of the NFHS.
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Rolling shorts for style
Rolling basketball shorts has become a trend among players, who do it for a combination of stylistic, practical, and comfort reasons. Some players roll their shorts to make them shorter, while others like the way it looks and the way it makes the waistband feel thicker and more supportive. It can also be a practical solution to prevent shorts from falling down or being too big.
If you want to roll your basketball shorts for style, there are a few methods you can try. One way is to fold your shorts in half vertically, lining up the central seam and the legs. Then, fold the fly of your shorts, and roll them towards the waistband from the bottom. Make sure your rolls are tight and smooth out any air from the shorts as you go. Once you reach the top, grab the remaining waistband and fold it over the rolled shorts to secure them.
Another method is to first roll the waistband of your shorts down about 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) over the front. Then, fold the shorts in half vertically, and finally, roll the bottom of the legs up towards the top of the shorts. You can then tuck the roll into the waistband to secure it. This method is also great for packing your shorts to save space and prevent wrinkles.
Keep in mind that while rolling your shorts can be a style choice, it has been a subject of debate in some basketball associations. Some associations, like the National Federation of High School Associations (NFHS), had rules against rolling shorts with exposed strings or multiple visible manufacturer's logos. However, rules have been updated to permit rolling at the natural waistband seam, as long as it complies with restrictions on visible logos.
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Frequently asked questions
Players roll their shorts for a variety of reasons. Some roll them to make their shorts shorter, while others like the way it looks and that it makes the waistband thicker and more supportive. It can also be used to prevent shorts from falling down.
To roll basketball shorts, first fold them in half vertically. Then, fold them in half horizontally, lining up the waistband and the bottom of the legs. Next, roll the bottom of the legs up towards the top of the shorts and tuck the roll into the waistband.
Rolling shorts was not allowed in basketball until 2019 when a note was added to Rule 3-5-5 to permit it. The rule states that shorts must comply with Rule 3-4-5, which restricts uniforms to one visible manufacturer's logo.
Another way to roll shorts is to first roll them up towards the waistband from the bottom. Make sure the rolls are tight and smooth out any air. Keep rolling until you reach the top of the waistband. Then, grab the remaining folded flap of the waistband and fold it over the rolled shorts to secure them.











































