FASHION
YOUR SUMMER GAMES MOODBOARD: NICHE SPORTS EDITION
By Steven Potter, 29 July 2024
BREAKING
Debuting this year, breakdancing is finally getting the sporting recognition it deserves. Originating in the Bronx during the 1970s, breaking eventually became synonymous with a classic look – baggy silhouettes, lots of logos and sneakers. It grew from the need for incredible function to keep pace with the ever-evolving technicality of the dance moves – from the shape of a hat for head spins to the choice of fabric for floor slides. Compact and lightweight trainers are key: Nike Cortez and adidas Superstars are pro favourites.
GET THE LOOK
Nike Air graphic T-shirt, £32.99
COLLUSION pull on adjustable waist baggy skate pants, £39.99
CLIMBING
Climbing and the summer games became official in 2021, and for lovers of vintage, gorpcore and the occasional go at a climbing wall, this could be the event for you. A lot of climbing gear has a natural, weather-worn appearance. It's kind of scruffy, but in a cool way – think sun-bleached jersey teamed with sports bras and leggings shorts. The brands to watch for top-tier climbing style include Columbia, The North Face and Kavu.
GET THE LOOK
The North Face sports bra and shorts set, from £15
Carhartt WIP Georgia stone-dyed denim shirt, £150
SKATEBOARDING
This event has been part of the summer games since 2020 and has quickly become one of the favourites (shoutout to Team GB's Sky Brown, who's joined this year by Lola Tambling and Andy Macdonald). Rooted in the 1950s, it was in the 1980s that skateboarding took off and became a certified subculture. With that transition came the OG look: baggy jorts/chinos, and vulcanised-sole sneaks by brands like Vans, Etnies, DC and more – coupled with oversized skate-brand tees, check shirts and a penchant for punk music.
GET THE LOOK
Vans Easy-going back-print T-shirt, £30
Daisy Street denim relaxed jorts, £25
Vans Lowland comfycush trainers, £85
Pictures: ASOS
SURFING
Talking of board sports with a definitive ‘vibe’, coming in a close second to skateboarding is surfing. Even back in the 1920s, fans were asking for surfing to be added to the summer games, but it literally took a century for it to happen, in 2020. With the international teams competing on Tahiti for the games, you've got full permission to max out your surfer style refs: tie-dye swimwear, beaded jewellery and statement hues are totally acceptable and downright encouraged.
GET THE LOOK
Lisla & Bird tie-dye beach co-ord, from £25
Speedo solid foil multiway bikini top in pink, from £23
