Professional wrestling is as much about spectacle and persona as it is about athleticism. Wrestlers, beyond being athletes, are entertainers who command the spotlight with their over-the-top personas, frequently expressed through the distinct clothing they wear into the ring. Whether it’s over-the-top outfits or signature looks, the best-dressed wrestlers have always played a big role in the industry, and it is difficult to forget their in-ring work outfits.
Evolution of Wrestling Attire
Pro wrestling gear has come a long way over the years. Wrestlers generally wore plain trunks or singlets in the early days. However, as the sport became more popular, so did the experimentation on wrestlers’ costumes. The ’80s and ’90s were a decade of excess, with colourful wrestlers like Randy Savage and Ric Flair paving the way. Savage’s flashy bandanas, shades, and sequined robes radiated excess. In contrast, Flair’s tailored robes were a celebration of his “Nature Boy” identity. Back in the day, these guys were sometimes complimented with words such as “he looking like a million bucks” or “dressed like a lottery winner.”
Iconic Wrestlers & Their Looks
A number of wrestlers have come to be identified with their signature looks:
- Hulk Hogan: The red and yellow gear used to be iconic in the peak days of Hulkamania. As simple as they were audacious, the colours came to stand for his hero persona and spoke to fans globally.
- The Undertaker: The Undertaker was undeniably dark and broody. His all-black attire with a trench coat and hat feigned his mortician character.
- Shawn Michaels: The self-titled “Heartbreak Kid” dazzled fans with his flashy outfits, especially his all-white ensemble at WrestleMania XXV, a nice contrast to the Undertaker’s drab appearance.
Wrestling Attire is one of the first things that we notice when we get to the ring
Wrestling attire is one of the most important components of any wrestler’s character and, in turn, their in-ring storytelling. In addition to creating a visual identity for their character, it also provides a voice of emotion to engage the audience. Take Goldust, for example, whose skin-tight gold costume and face paint gave him an air of mystery that drew the fans in. Much in the same vein, Bret Hart’s pink and black gear was so specific to him that it cemented his legacy as one of the greats in wrestling.
Current Trends in Wrestling Fashion
Modern wrestlers still challenge the envelope where clothing is concerned. Most now work with fashion designers to develop custom outfits that embody their essences yet also align with their storylines. Wrestlers such as Bianca Belair, who designs much of her own gear, are melding fashion and function with their looks. Not only does this trend promote their performance, but it also helps them to rise above a very competitive landscape.
Conclusion
Not everything revolves around titles and credibility in professional wrestling. Still, the best-dressed wrestlers of all time have reshaped how we see ring gear. Those looks have helped define their careers and cement their places in the annals of sports entertainment history. As wrestling continues to evolve, so will its fashion choices, making sure attire plays a pivotal part in the spectacle, enthralling audiences worldwide.
