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The one-legged sleeve or tights look in basketball was popularized by A'ja Wilson, who plays for the Las Vegas Aces in the WNBA. Wilson started wearing the leg sleeve during her rookie year in 2018 due to pain from training camp. She explained that she cut off the other sleeve because she wasn't used to wearing sleeves and hated the feeling. Wilson's signature accessory has since been adopted by other basketball players, including Angel Reese and even NBA champion LeBron James. The one-leg sleeve provides both functional benefits, such as support and increased blood flow for injured or recovering players, and stylistic advantages, allowing players to stand out and express their personal fashion sense on the court.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | A'ja Wilson |
| Team | Las Vegas Aces |
| Position | Center |
| Year the trend started | 2018 |
| Year the trend was spotted | 2019 |
| Reason for starting the trend | Pain from training camp |
| Reason for cutting the sleeve | Didn't like the feel of wearing sleeves |
| Other reasons for wearing the sleeve | Style, comfort, support, compression, warmth, covering a scar, honouring basketball idols |
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What You'll Learn
A'ja Wilson's influence on the trend
A'ja Wilson, the Las Vegas Aces star, is credited with starting the one-leg sleeve trend in the WNBA. Wilson, a two-time MVP, first wore the single leg sleeve during her rookie year in 2018 due to pain in her left leg from training camp. Wilson's signature accessory look has since become a defining feature of the WNBA, with 24 players across the league adopting the trend.
Wilson's influence on the trend is undeniable, with Nike set to release a collection inspired by her on-court gear, including leggings with a pre-snipped sleeve. Wilson's popularity has further fuelled the trend, with her signature style providing a way for fans to emulate their role model.
The single-leg sleeve trend in the WNBA is also influenced by practical considerations. Many players opt for the sleeve to protect themselves from leg injuries, with the compression aiding in recovery and performance. Additionally, the asymmetrical style created by the single-leg sleeve makes a powerful statement, combining performance-enhancing functionality with a tight, form-fitting aesthetic.
While Wilson is credited with starting the trend in the WNBA, it is worth noting that the single-leg sleeve look has extended beyond basketball. For instance, Florence Griffith Joyner, an Olympic track star, famously ran in one-legged catsuits, coining the term "one-leggers".
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Compression and injury recovery
The one-legged sleeve or tights look in basketball was popularised by A'ja Wilson, a two-time MVP and centre for the Las Vegas Aces. Wilson first wore the look in 2018, and since then, it has become a defining accessory of the WNBA.
Compression garments are also an important part of injury recovery in basketball. The sport involves short, quick bursts of activity, sudden stops and starts, and jumping, which can lead to many injuries. Some of the most common basketball injuries include ankle sprains, knee injuries, foot fractures, deep thigh bruising, jumper's knee, patellar tendonitis, and Achilles tendonitis.
When it comes to injury recovery, rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) are often used, along with physical therapy and, in some cases, surgery. Compression sleeves can be particularly helpful in reducing the effects of contusions or thigh bruising, which are common in basketball. They can also be used to treat ankle sprains and knee injuries, such as jumper's knee, by providing support and improving blood flow to the injured area.
In addition to compression, other recovery methods in basketball include sleep, nutrition, hydration, cold-water immersion, massage, acupuncture, mindfulness, and red-light irradiation. An individualised approach is often best, and recovery should be programmed as an integral component of training regimens. Off-court stress, such as frequent air travel, can also impact a player's recovery, so it is important to consider ways to optimise recovery and minimise negative impacts on performance.
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Expression of personal style
The one-legged sleeve or tights look in basketball is an expression of personal style for many players. While some players wear it for functional or medical reasons, others adopt it as a fashion statement to stand out and express themselves on the court.
Las Vegas Aces star A'ja Wilson is widely credited with starting the one-leg sleeve trend in the WNBA. Wilson, a two-time MVP, began wearing the sleeve during her rookie year in 2018 due to left leg pain. She explained that she cut off one sleeve because she wasn't used to wearing sleeves and preferred the feel of having just one. Wilson's signature accessory has since become a fashion staple in the WNBA, with many players emulating her unique look.
For some players, the one-leg sleeve serves both functional and stylistic purposes. The sleeve provides mild compression and pressure to the lower body, aiding in injury recovery and improving circulation. It can also offer additional protection by minimising direct abrasion to the skin during rough play. Additionally, the sleeve helps keep the leg warm, which is especially beneficial in colder gyms.
Beyond its practical benefits, the one-leg sleeve has become a powerful statement of personal style and self-expression for many players. New York Liberty player Michaela Onyenwere, for example, started wearing the sleeve after a minor knee injury in college. Although her injury healed, she continued to wear the sleeve as it became a part of her on-court style. Onyenwere highlights the importance of standing out and branding oneself, especially when everyone on the team wears the same uniform.
The one-leg sleeve trend in basketball has also influenced fashion beyond the sport. It has been featured in collaborations such as Drake's NOCTA with Nike and Kim Kardashian's SKIMS, further popularising the look.
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Olympic track star Florence Griffith Joyner's influence
The one-legged sleeve or tights look in basketball has been influenced by Olympic track star Florence Griffith Joyner, also known as Flo-Jo. Griffith Joyner was known for her eclectic personal style and record-setting athleticism during her career in the 1980s. She designed many of her outfits herself and preferred looks that were not conventional.
In 1988, Griffith Joyner started wearing a running suit with one leg cut off, which she called the "one-legger". The suit had bold colours, such as lime green and purple, with white bikini bottoms and was embellished with lightning bolts. Her nails also garnered attention for their length and designs. She had four-inch nails with tiger stripes at the 1988 Olympic trials, and for the Olympic games, she sported six-inch nails painted in red, white, blue, and gold.
Griffith Joyner's one-legged look was not only fashionable but also emphasised the strength of her dominant leg. Her influence on the one-legged sleeve in basketball can be seen in recent collaborations between athletes and fashion brands. For example, A'ja Wilson, a basketball player known for popularising the one-legged sleeve look in the WNBA, collaborated with Nike to release a version of the accessory in 2024.
While the one-legged sleeve has become a popular accessory in basketball, it is important to note that players have various reasons for adopting this style. Some players wear the sleeve for compression or to optimise blood flow, while others use it to cover up scars from injuries. Additionally, the single leg sleeve can help with leg warmth and keeping the leg ready for games.
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The asymmetrical style statement
The one-legged sleeve or tights look in basketball is a style statement that has become increasingly popular in the WNBA. The trend is believed to have been started by A'ja Wilson, the Las Vegas Aces centre, who first wore a single leg sleeve during her rookie year in 2018. Wilson, a self-described fashion guru, is known for her distinctive style, including her memorable outfits off the court and her signature accessory, the leg sleeve, on it.
Wilson's decision to wear a single leg sleeve was initially driven by comfort and functionality. During her rookie year, Wilson experienced pain in her left leg, and she tried wearing a sleeve on that leg. However, as she was not used to wearing sleeves, she cut off the other sleeve because she "hated it". This created her now-famous look, which has since been emulated by other players, including Angel Reese, Te'a Cooper, and even NBA champion LeBron James.
The single-leg sleeve trend in basketball is not just about style; it also serves functional purposes for many players. The tight sleeve can provide support, increase blood flow to injured or rehabilitated areas, and help regulate temperature, keeping muscles warm. Additionally, in the case of Angel Reese, the sleeve helps cover a scar from a previous injury.
Beyond its practical benefits, the one-legged sleeve has become a powerful statement of performance-enhancing strength and fashion. It allows players to stand out, make themselves known, and brand themselves on the court, as noted by New York Liberty player Michaela Onyenwere. The asymmetrical look creates a unique and eye-catching appearance, with some players even choosing specific colours or styles to create a striking contrast with their jerseys.
The popularity of the one-legged sleeve in the WNBA has also influenced fashion beyond the basketball court. For example, the look has been featured in collaborations by Drake's NOCTA x Nike and Kim Kardashian's SKIMS lines, further extending the influence of this on-court fashion statement.
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Frequently asked questions
A'ja Wilson is credited with starting the one-leg sleeve trend in the WNBA. She began wearing the sleeve during her rookie year with the Las Vegas Aces in 2018.
Wilson started wearing a sleeve on one leg due to pain in her left leg during training camp. She said, "I tried the sleeve, but I cut the other one off because I wasn't used to wearing sleeves and I hated it."
Other players who have worn a single leg sleeve include Angel Reese, Tiffany Mitchell, DiJonai Carrington, Veronica Burton, and Alanna Smith.
While there is not strong scientific evidence that compression sleeves can prevent muscular or joint injuries, they can provide support and increase blood flow to rehabbed or previously injured areas. They can also provide an additional layer of protection to help minimise abrasion during rough play.
