Welcome to TBT, a look back at the epic style moves from decades past. Up today: One of the greatest tennis players of all time, a man who succeeded at mashing up sportswear and hair-band trends to become the ’90s’ reigning tennis heartthrob.
Who: Andre Agassi
When: 1988
Where: Flushing, NY
Why: Andre Agassi hadn't hit peak stardom when he competed in the 1988 U.S. Open in Queens, New York, but he certainly made an impression on everyone watching. The athlete was first known for his wild hair, before subsequently shaving it off. Aside from his elaborate mane, in 1988 Agassi did what no other world-renowned tennis player had ever done before or since: He showed up to play in the U.S. Open wearing tiny denim shorts. The jorts were made by Nike, Agassi's sponsor, in a very of-that-moment acid wash. What's remarkable about the style choice is that he was actually able to compete in such a restrictive fabric—this was, after all, before stretch denim became the norm. Jeans were stiff as hell, not to mention the lack of airflow in such a tight weave—not exactly the sweat-wicking techno-fabrics we're used to today. Agassi's shorts had to be extremely short so as not to hamper his hip rotation or his winning stride. But seriously, kudos to Agassi for dressing like the Axl Rose of tennis, essentially pushing the sport (if only a tiny bit) out of its conservative and stuffy comfort zone.
Take that, rich grandpas and fancy ladies in hats!
Agassi preparing his jorts for the serve.
As far as we're concerned, the man is a style icon. Still, we're glad these shorts have been retired.
