Angel Reese’s Signature One-Legged Sleeve: Fashion, Function, or Both?

Every great athlete has their own quirks—those unique habits, routines, or accessories that set them apart. Michael Jordan famously wore his University of North Carolina shorts under his Bulls uniform. Dan Hurley, the University of Connecticut Huskies head coach, swears by his lucky dragon-themed underwear.

For WNBA star Angel Reese, her defining look is the one-legged sleeve. But is it purely a style choice, or is there a deeper story behind it?

More Than Just a Fashion Statement

Reese’s one-legged sleeve isn’t about superstition—nor is it just a bold fashion move. Instead, it stems from a personal history of perseverance. During her freshman year at the University of Maryland, Reese suffered a Jones fracture, an injury that required surgery and the insertion of a rod in her leg.

Addressing speculation, Reese once clarified, “I’ve used it to cover my scar. I had surgery two years ago on my shin. I have a rod in my leg. Many people don’t know that.”

While the sleeve initially served a functional purpose—to cover her scar—it soon became part of her signature look. As her popularity soared, fans began emulating her style, turning the purple sleeve she sported at LSU into a trend of its own.

Inspired by the Greats

Interestingly, Reese isn’t the first basketball star to embrace the leg sleeve. She once cited WNBA standouts Te’a Cooper and A’ja Wilson as inspirations, noting that both players incorporated the sleeve into their game-day outfits.

Wilson, who has continued to wear it in the pros, explained its practical benefits: “I use it to keep myself warm and ready for games, especially with the way I have to move up and down the court.”

Beyond its protective function, Wilson and Reese have both embraced the leg sleeve as a key part of their aesthetic—proving that in basketball, fashion and function often go hand in hand.

A Symbol of Strength

What started as a necessity has become a defining part of Reese’s image, symbolizing resilience and confidence. Her fans have followed suit, adopting the look as a tribute to both her style and skills.

So, whether it’s a personal trademark or a new fashion wave in basketball, Angel Reese’s one-legged sleeve is here to stay—blurring the lines between necessity, influence, and self-expression.

Which athlete’s style or game-day ritual do you admire the most? Let us know in the comments!