James Bond is obviously the go-to casino fashion icon. No one has ever looked as effortlessly cool as Bond sitting at the poker table, but that shouldn’t stop you from trying. Casinos have loosened up their restrictions and dress codes over the years, so there’s more freedom than ever about what you can wear at the tables.
Star poker players aren’t just known for their card playing skills. Once they enter the spotlight, they also become known for their outsized personalities. They might not always be the most fashionable, but many poker stars have one or two iconic styles or accessories.
Here are our suggestions for casino fashion that you can adopt based on the looks of some of the poker world’s biggest stars.
Sunglasses
It’s almost become a stereotype that poker players wear sunglasses all the time. They can be a great way to hide a tell or mask emotions. Mirrored sunglasses can even unsettle your opponents as they watch themselves, but they also have the drawback of reflecting the faces of your cards. They can also make you look like a pretentious loser if you can’t pull them off.
If you’re set on wearing sunglasses, however, consider not wearing darkly tinted ones. These can protect your eyes and give you a bit of an edge without going all the way. Aviators are also such a classic look that they can be worn in most situations.
Hats
Up until very recently, a hat was considered an essential part of a man’s wardrobe. While they can still sometimes be seen as a bit eccentric, thankfully hats are coming back into style. There are several famous poker players who are well known for their headwear.
Baseball caps are particularly popular and are worn by many players. Fedoras have a lot of fans too, including John Hesp. There’s also the cowboy hat, made famous at the poker table by all-time great Doyle Brunson.
One thing to consider when selecting a hat is that not every style of hat will suit every person and hats need to be sized, just like all your other clothes. If the first fedora you try on looks goofy, for example, try one in a different size, with a wider brim, or made from a different material. With a bit of trial and error, you can find your perfect hat.
Blazers
Wearing a full tuxedo or suit can feel a bit stuffy for the casino nowadays. Wearing a blazer, however, is a great way to bring a casual outfit to the next level. They can be worn with button-down shirts or t-shirts, depending on the material and pattern of the blazer.
The purple velvet blazer has become an iconic part of the poker world since it is awarded to the winner of the Poker Masters tournament. Wearing a similar jacket might make you seem like a poseur, but there are plenty of other options.
A plain black jacket is always a classic. If you want to add a bit of flair but not too much, velvet lapels or lapels in a different colour are a nice addition. Poker star Daniel Negreanu has made the classic blazer his staple when playing. One of his favourite looks is to emphasize texture over pattern. Wool and tweed are both great for winter, while linen is the perfect fabric for a spring or summer blazer.
Blazers are one area where you can have a lot of fun if you want. Women aren’t the only ones who get to play with patterns these days. Brocade lets you have a pattern while still using traditional fabric. A cotton blazer with a wild pattern — we’re talking comic book characters, Pokémon or flowers — might not be the height of fashion, however, it can be a fun way to display your personality or at the very least distract your opponents.
It can sometimes take a while to feel comfortable in a new look. As any poker player knows, even the smallest discomfort can throw you off your game. Playing at an online casino, such as Skycity Casino, is a great way to try out a look without all the pressure of being out in a crowd.
Even if you’re not trying out a new style or accessories, playing poker at an online casino can be a great way to hone your skills. You don’t have the same distractions as you do at a land-based casino, but you can still play against talented players.
