Basketball shorts for Black Friday

Why the basketball short is long and loose

The basketball short hasn't always been long. Until the 1980s, players wore very short and fitted shorts. Everything changed in 1991 when the Fab Five, a group of five recruits from the University of Michigan led by Chris Webber and Jalen Rose, adopted loose shorts that came down below the knee, with black socks: professional basketball followed suit, and the long style became the norm. Today, match shorts generally fall just above the knee, wide enough to allow freedom of movement in jumps and defensive moves. The Joma Nobel, in its long version, keeps the spirit of the 1990s.

The rest of basketball

Basketball on Black Friday also includes:

• Jerseys.
• Shoes.
• NBA.
• Balls.

All basketball items are gathered on the basketball page.

Club kit: matching shorts and jerseys

In clubs, the short is ordered with the jersey from the same range, for a consistent look across the team. Spalding Hustle and Legacy, Macron Oxide, Puma teamJaws, Kappa and Proact offer matching shorts and jerseys in coordinating colours, made from lightweight breathable polyester mesh that dries quickly between quarters. A number can be printed on the leg of the short, depending on the club's preferences. The reversible Spalding short has two colours in one piece: during training, it can simply be turned inside out to form two teams, without needing vests. The women's models Spalding Jam, designed to fit the hips, complete the range.

Paris Basketball, Real Madrid, Lakers, Spurs: supporter shorts

Supporters have their own range. The Paris Basketball short, a club founded in 2018 that has quickly established itself among the strongholds of French basketball, comes in home and away versions. The Real Madrid short features the white of the club's basketball section, one of the most prestigious in Europe. In the NBA, the Los Angeles Lakers, originally based in Minneapolis in 1947 before moving to California in 1960, sport their gold and purple, including a faded version. The San Antonio Spurs, based in Texas since 1973, showcase their black and silver on a mesh short with an embroidered logo.

Size, waistband and care for mesh shorts

The basketball short is worn loose: you keep your usual size, with the elastic waistband and inner drawstring providing support without being tight. If unsure between two sizes, the larger one gives the typical basketball silhouette without hindering movement. Women's models, which are shorter and fitted at the hips, follow their own size chart. The mesh, a holey fabric that allows for ventilation, should be washed inside out at thirty degrees, without fabric softener, and air-dried to preserve the heat-pressed logos and printed numbers. The tumble dryer is too hot and can cause the prints to come off and the waistband to lose its shape.

Frequently asked questions

Is a basketball short suitable for weightlifting?

Yes, its loose cut and lightweight mesh allow for free leg movement during squats and lunges. However, be cautious around cable machines and bars, where very wide shorts might catch: a shorter model is better suited.

How do you print a number on a basketball short?

The number is placed on the leg, either at the front or on the side depending on the club, using heat-applied transfer. Either consult a professional or follow the temperature instructions for the transfer, then wait two days before the first wash.

How to wear a basketball short outside the court?

With a loose t-shirt, it creates a playground outfit true to the culture of basketball. A short in the colours of an NBA franchise or a European club shows off your team every day, both in summer and at the gym.

What size short for a young basketball player?

Choose the size based on the child's stature rather than their age, favouring a model with a drawstring waist that adjusts to size. The short should cover the tops of the knees without going lower, to avoid hindering movement.

What short to buy for an NBA fan?

A short in the colours of their favourite franchise, like the Lakers or the Spurs, makes for a safe gift. Check their usual size and opt for a loose fit: fans wearing them at the playground or watching games on TV will be equally at home.