Black Women Athletes Making Strides In Fashion

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Black women athletes are well known for their strength and otherworldly talents — but beneath the sweat, stats, and breaking records, they are also putting the world on notice when it comes to their fashion.

The legendary Florence Griffith Joyner, also known as Flo Jo, was one of the first instances of successfully merging the worlds of sports and fashion together, courtesy of her custom made one-legged tracksuits, camera-ready makeup looks, and her signature long, and carefully shaped acrylic nails.

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In the decades since, Black women athletes have used fan-filed arenas and red carpet events to showcase their personal sense of style — and a new generation is currently making serious sartorial waves.

Simone Biles

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In between cementing her legacy as the most decorated gymnast in history, seven-time Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles showcases her fashion sense both on and off the mat. Gracing the covers of magazines like Vogue, walking the red carpet at industry events, and sitting in the stands at NFL games cheering on her husband allows the gymnastics GOAT to share her winning combination of flirty and feminine aesthetic with an emphasis on comfort.

Angel Reese

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With just one season in the WNBA under her belt, Chicago Sky star Angel Reese has quickly become a style inspiration to a new generation of the league’s fans. Attending her first Met Gala in 2023 showed the world that she could easily be walking the fashion runways due to her modelesque figure. With the nickname “Bayou Barbie,” Reese never misses an opportunity to alternate between sporty chic looks and full-on glam moments that make her a top trending topic.

Sha’Carri Richardson 

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Track star and Olympian Sha’Carri Richardson is known for going against the grain on the track field and for her urban chic fashion vibes. Easily dabbling in fashion and beauty looks that rival the current crop of female hip hop stars, Richardson has also stunned fans with more demure fashion takes that aid in her style chameleon vibes.

Jordan Chiles

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Like her fellow Team USA member Simone Biles, Olympic gold medalist Jordan Chiles has tons of fun with her fashion and beauty looks. Refusing to let size and beauty standards limit her style choices, Chiles is very vocal about embracing her femininity and curves. Favoring looks that enhance her hourglass figure without appearing too fussy, she leans into looks reminiscent of the 90s streetwear aesthetic along with the comfy vibes of current athleisure trends.

Gabby Thomas

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Also doing her part to continue to close the gap between sports and fashion is gold medal Olympic track star Gabby Thomas— who cemented her fashion girl status alongside Angel Reese when the two were selected to cover Vogue’s Winter 2025 issue. While always at home in the sport looks of crop tops and fitted shorts, Thomas proves she can switch it up with ease and opt for impressive glam moments as well.

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