Andrew Pace
The North Carolina Tar Heels' iconic basketball uniforms have undergone several changes over the years, with the most notable being the adoption of the argyle pattern. The design was the brainchild of legendary coach Dean Smith and fashion designer Alexander Julian, a University of North Carolina alumnus. Michael Jordan, a former UNC star and NBA All-Star, also played a role in endorsing the new look. The argyle pattern, which debuted during the 1991-92 season, not only gave the team a unique style but also became a symbol of UNC sports. The uniforms were previously sponsored by Converse, but with the switch to the argyle pattern, the school also transitioned to a deal with Nike, allowing for a broader showcase of the North Carolina basketball brand.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Nike |
| Design | Argyle pattern |
| Designer | Alexander Julian |
| Influencers | Michael Jordan, Dean Smith |
| Colour | Carolina blue |
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What You'll Learn
North Carolina basketball uniforms' argyle pattern
The argyle pattern on the North Carolina Tar Heels basketball uniforms was the brainchild of fashion designer and North Carolina alumnus Alexander Julian. In the late 1980s, Julian received a phone call from legendary coach Dean Smith, who wanted him to redesign the team's uniforms. Julian's suggested argyle pattern, inspired by the argyle sweater he wore when he won his first Coty Award, was selected after receiving the endorsement of Michael Jordan, who had expressed his love for the pattern. The argyle print along the sides of the uniforms made its debut during the 1991-92 season.
The new design gave the North Carolina basketball program a unique look, and it soon became a symbol of the team. The argyle pattern also played a role in the school's deal with Nike, helping to establish the North Carolina basketball brand on a bigger scale. Other Tar Heels teams, such as wrestling and lacrosse, have also incorporated the design into their uniforms.
In addition to the argyle pattern, Julian made several other contributions to the redesign of the uniforms. He created a new fabric that was less abrasive than the previous jersey material, allowing players to wear the uniforms without a t-shirt underneath. He also worked to rejuvenate the "Carolina blue" colour of the uniforms, creating a stronger and deeper shade that appeared brighter on television.
Julian's design has stood the test of time, becoming synonymous with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the Tar Heels' men's basketball team. More than three decades later, the argyle pattern is still recognised by fans as a distinctive feature of the university's athletic uniforms.
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Michael Jordan's influence on uniform design
Michael Jordan's influence on the North Carolina Tar Heels basketball uniform design is evident in the adoption of the argyle pattern. Jordan, a university icon and one of basketball's greatest players, expressed his love for the argyle design. This influenced the decision to incorporate the pattern into the team's uniforms in the early 1990s. The result was a unique look that set the program apart from any other in the country.
The argyle print along the sides of the basketball uniforms was the brainchild of fashion designer and Tar Heel alum Alexander Julian. The idea came about following conversations with Jordan and legendary coach Dean Smith, who had complete control over the uniforms. Smith wanted to shift from the existing design to something more stylish, and Jordan's endorsement of the argyle pattern played a pivotal role in this change.
The new uniforms made their debut during the 1991-92 season, and the argyle pattern quickly became a centerpiece of the North Carolina Tar Heels' identity. It was so distinctive that it caught the attention of Nike, leading to a deal that brought the North Carolina basketball brand and the argyle design to a bigger stage. This partnership provided shoes and gear for the entire sports program, showcasing the power of Jordan's influence in elevating the team's brand and style.
Jordan's influence on uniform design extended beyond the court as well. In the 1996 film "Space Jam," Jordan revealed that he wore his UNC basketball shorts under his NBA uniform in every game. This influenced a generation of players who emulated his style, leading to the trend of baggy basketball shorts. Jordan's influence on uniform design, both on and off the court, showcases his lasting impact on the game and its fashion.
Today, Jordan's legacy continues to be celebrated by fans and collectors alike. The Mitchell & Ness brand offers a Michael Jordan White North Carolina Tar Heels 1983-84 Alumni Authentic Jersey, allowing enthusiasts to own a piece of his unforgettable career. Jordan's influence on uniform design, from the iconic argyle pattern to his lucky UNC shorts, has left an indelible mark on the North Carolina Tar Heels and the sport of basketball as a whole.
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Dean Smith's role in the uniform change
Dean Smith, the legendary basketball coach at the University of North Carolina, played a pivotal role in the uniform change of the North Carolina Tar Heels basketball team in the early 1990s. Smith, who coached the team from 1961 to 1997, is renowned for transforming the program into one of the best in collegiate basketball, amassing 879 career victories, the most of any men's collegiate basketball coach at the time of his retirement.
The uniform change came about through a collaboration between Smith, former Tar Heels player and NBA icon Michael Jordan, and fashion designer and Tar Heel alum Alexander Julian. The distinctive argyle pattern, which debuted during the 1991-92 season, was the brainchild of Smith, who sought to give the team a unique and stylish look. The idea originated from a phone call that Smith made to Julian in the spring of 1990, expressing his desire to revamp the team's uniforms.
According to the men's basketball director of communications, Steve Kirschner, Smith had the final say on all uniform decisions. The argyle pattern, coupled with the team's signature Carolina blue, not only made the jerseys instantly recognisable but also helped establish the North Carolina basketball brand on a national scale. The design became so popular that it eventually became a key part of the school's deal with Nike, elevating the visibility of the program even further.
Smith's influence extended beyond the basketball court and into the lives of his players. He was known for his commitment to racial integration and was one of the first white coaches in the South to recruit African American players in the 1960s. Additionally, more than 95% of his players earned college degrees, with many of them, including Jordan and James Worthy, going on to have successful NBA careers. Smith's impact on the game and his players earned him numerous accolades, including induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1983 and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2013.
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The shift from Converse to Nike sponsorship
The University of North Carolina's basketball team, the Tar Heels, has long been associated with iconic uniforms. In the early 1990s, the program underwent a significant shift in its sponsorship and uniform design, transitioning from Converse to Nike. This change not only altered the team's appearance but also played a strategic role in elevating the North Carolina basketball brand.
The catalyst for this transformation was the influential endorsement of legendary coach Dean Smith and basketball superstar Michael Jordan. Smith, known for his meticulous attention to uniform details, sought to give the Tar Heels a unique and stylish look. He enlisted the talents of fashion designer and Tar Heel alum Alexander Julian, who had already made a name for himself in professional sports with the creation of the Charlotte Hornets' iconic jerseys.
Julian's creative process began with addressing the fabric. He crafted a new material that eliminated the need for players to wear t-shirts under their uniforms due to the abrasiveness of the previous jersey material. Additionally, Julian focused on revitalizing the team's signature blue colour, ensuring it appeared vibrant and true to the classic Carolina blue on television.
Among various design experiments, Julian's iconic argyle pattern stood out. This design element held personal significance for Jordan, who had expressed his love for the pattern. The argyle print, featured along the sides of the basketball uniforms, debuted during the 1991-92 season. Its inclusion was a collaborative decision influenced by Smith, Jordan, and Julian. The argyle not only enhanced the team's visual identity but also became a symbol of good fortune for the Tar Heels.
The collaboration between Dean Smith, Michael Jordan, and Alexander Julian resulted in a uniform design that has become synonymous with the University of North Carolina's basketball team. The distinctive argyle pattern, coupled with the iconic Carolina blue, has endured as a timeless symbol of the Tar Heels' excellence and tradition in college basketball.
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Alexander Julian's fabric and design choices
Alexander Julian, a renowned American fashion designer and alumnus of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, played a pivotal role in redesigning the university's basketball uniforms. His fabric and design choices were influenced by a desire to create a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing uniform that would become synonymous with the university's athletic programme.
Julian's first step in the redesign process was addressing the fabric. He recognised the need for a softer and more supple material as the existing jerseys were abrasive, often requiring players to wear t-shirts underneath. Julian's innovative fabric not only provided a more comfortable wearing experience but also set the foundation for the uniform's visual appeal.
The designer then focused on colour. He reinstated the original Carolina blue, which had been altered in the early days of colour television to appear more grey. By restoring the true Carolina blue, Julian enhanced the visual impact of the uniforms, ensuring they stood out on the court.
Julian also introduced argyle print along the sides of the basketball uniforms. This design element was inspired by conversations with legendary coach Dean Smith and basketball icon Michael Jordan, who expressed his love for the pattern. The argyle print not only added a unique stylistic touch but also became a recognisable trademark of the university's athletic programme.
In addition to these signature design choices, Julian experimented with various ideas. He considered adding a collar and short sleeves to the jerseys, reminiscent of tennis players, but ultimately rejected this concept. He also designed warm-up jackets made of faded denim with copper basketball snaps, showcasing his attention to detail and desire to elevate every aspect of the team's attire.
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Frequently asked questions
Alexander Julian, a Carolina alumnus, designed the university's basketball uniforms.
The uniforms feature an argyle pattern, which was selected after conversations between Julian, legendary coach Dean Smith, and Michael Jordan.
Michael Jordan, a former UNC star, expressed his love for the argyle pattern. The pattern was also what earned Julian his first fashion award years before.
Julian first created a new fabric for the uniforms as the old jersey material was abrasive and forced players to wear t-shirts underneath.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill basketball team's uniforms are sponsored by Nike.
