Cesar Hernandez Nov 10, 2026, 10:30 AM ET Few things are as American in professional sports as the pure aura and vibes conveyed through a pregame tunnel fit. Blending the lines between sports, fashion and culture, these fits are regularly showcased in runway-like photoshoots and videos that immediately grab attention on social media. Through sleek, fresh clothing, high-profile athletes have the chance to present another side to the public, one not defined by what they do during games.
And in recent years, women's soccer has also fully bought in and embraced this trend. While most European leagues typically have matching tracksuits and outfits ahead of matches, the U.S.-based NWSL is unique in the women's soccer scene for the number of teams that allow their players to experiment with individual pregame clothing. Before making statements on the pitch, NWSL players are able to do the same ahead of the opening whistle.
Whether you want to feel confident, whether you want to feel badass, said Angel City FC's Sarah Gorden. They let us just express ourselves in a way that we obviously can't on the field. In order to be fearless for 90-plus minutes, it helps to have an outfit that inspires those emotions.
Gotham FC's Mandy Freeman, who describes her fashion style as bold, eclectic, and playful, highlighted that a vibrant tunnel fit can push her to step out of comfort zones before games. I experiment a lot with different silhouettes, colors. I love print.
I love bold colors, Freeman said. Seeking to mix sports and fashion, Freeman noted that NBA legend Allen Iverson is one of her sources of inspiration for pregame fits. As for the Washington Spirit's Gabrielle Carle, the Canada international brought up actress Dakota Johnson when discussing celebrity influences.
I will actively look at her looks and be like, OK, how can I recreate this, Carle said. When asked to describe her own style -- clean, sophisticated, and fun -- the player briefly rushed over to teammate Paige Metayer during the interview to help answer the question. We bounce ideas off each other when we get dressed for tunnel fits, and I really like her style too, Carle added.
Clearly, these fits can help teammates connect. NWSL rookie Carolyn Calzada quickly recognized that these pregame outfits can be used as a vehicle to boost squad morale. They let us just express ourselves in a way that we obviously can't on the field.
You see a little bit of everybody's personality through their outfits, said the Portland Thorns FC player, whose style is Southern, girly, and confident. [We] see each other's outfits and hype each other up. Since she arrived in NWSL in 2025 from Europe, France international Kenza Dali hasn't taken any of this for granted. Having played for numerous teams abroad, she said she was dismayed to always have to wear matching outfits.
The same tracksuits when you go to a game and the same jumper, the San Diego Wave FC player said. It really impacts my mood. I need to feel good in my clothes, like truly...
I'm so happy that I don't have to wear the same shoes and the same pants and the same T-shirt. That said, she hasn't forgotten her roots. With a style that's described as comfortable, proportion[al], and aesthetic, Dali had this to say about what message she wants to send about her eye-catching outfits.
She's definitely French, Dali said with a laugh. Personal branding and business opportunities It's no secret that mainstream interest in women's sports is skyrocketing. Women's soccer, in particular, is expected to be a top-five global sport by 2030.
In the NWSL, club valuations continue to soar to record highs. It makes sense, then, that when a player gets attention for their off-the-field personality, off-the-field ventures can also come through. So many brands have already...
Source: ESPN Soccer · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing