August’s Tunnel ‘Fits we can’t stop thinking about

Welcome back to Tunnel Fits, where we recap our favorite things worn by some of our favorite athletes. As summer winds down and we wait for the first brisk chill of fall on the East Coast to get good fits off finally, we recount looks from the NFL preseason, the WNBA, as well as the U.S. Open. Surprisingly (or maybe not), Labubus make an appearance on the list not once, but twice, and so does my apparent affinity for blue button-down striped shirts.

Keep scrolling to see our favorites from the likes of Venus Williams, Candace Parker, as well as Darrynton Evans and Ty Johnson. Be sure to check back next month, as we’re sure to have goodies from New York Fashion Week and the official start of the National Football League’s season.

Naomi Osaka

Naomi Osaka gave herself roses for her first US Open match on Aug. 26 at Louis Armstrong Stadium in Queens, N.Y. She donned a headful at the base of her stitch-braid ponytail, highlighting the red Nike Tennis embellished jacket and red Nike bubble skirt. Of course, she wore Nike’s GP Challenge I “Naomi Osaka” sneakers. But the real standout was along for the ride on her duffle bag: a red crystal Labubu named Billie Jean Bling, a nod to women’s tennis legend Billie Jean King.

Venus Williams

And speaking of legendary tennis players, Venus Williams returned to the US Open at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York on Aug. 26 wearing tennis whites designed to honor Althea Gibson, the first Black person to win a tennis Grand Slam. Williams collaborated with stylist Ronald Burton III to design a custom white polo by ERL, a unisex luxury brand based in Los Angeles, along with a matching pleated skirt and a visor. Her racket cover was an ERL shearling tennis bag, mimicking a tennis ball.

Candace Parker

Not quite a tunnel fit per se, but former WNBA great Candace Parker had her jersey retired during halftime of the Chicago Sky’s game against the Las Vegas Aces this week. Parker wore an oversized blue button-down shirt with jeans featuring photos of herself throughout her career. Now, that is how you do memorabilia.

Rickea Jackson

We have covered enough of Los Angeles Sparks forward Rickea Jackson’s tunnel fits by now to know that she looks good in whatever she wears, including this long-sleeved shoulder shrug worn over a sports bra. It’s paired with matching pants with exposed seams, and Givenchy shark boots and bag. I want to say she’s channeling X Men’s Storm’s hair. At the very least, she’s a tall glass of something, or as she captioned her Instagram video of her walking into the tunnel, “he need some milk.”

Angel Reese

Courtside looks so cute on Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese. She cheered her teammates on against the Washington Mystics in what can best be described as “docking my yacht to explore Capri, Italy, to procure more wine.” Her striped blue button-down coordinates nicely with her yellow printed headscarf without being matchy-matchy, while the Dior Saddle belt bag over the white flowing pants cinched the look together. 

Darrynton Evans and Ty Johnson

Ahead of their preseason game against the Chicago Bears, Buffalo Bills running backs Darrynton Evans and Ty Johnson showed some love to the Windy City’s women’s basketball team, each in a Chicago Sky jersey. Evans supported Angel Reese (5), and Johnson repped for Hailey Van Lith (2). Now, the Bears beat the Bills 38-0, but the jerseys were a solid win for women’s sports.

Skylar Diggins

Leave it to Seattle Storm guard Skylar Diggins to showcase innovative suiting for both men and women. She walked into the arena to play against the Atlanta Dream on Aug. 15 wearing an oversized blazer by Keta Gutamane Trompe l’Oeil, made in Japan. The garment is entirely composed of recycled plastic water bottles. She completed the look with slouchy leather pants, pointed-toe black stilettos and carried a black leather bag.

Von Miller

Naomi Osaka wasn’t the only athlete showing love to their Labubu on game day this month. Washington Commanders linebacker Von Miller walked into the stadium for his preseason game, showing off his Labubu collection on his Louis Vuitton Speedy. He seems like fun, no?

Michelle Alozie

While National Women’s Soccer League club Houston Dash forward Michelle Alozie’s striped blue shirt (noticing a theme yet?) with its asymmetric hemline added structure to her playful black denim skirt and high split, the real gem is her Women’s Africa Cup of Nations gold medal draped over her Christian Dior bag. The WAFCON determines the continent’s champion as well as who qualifies for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Temi Fagbenle

There is something to be said about the way Golden State Valkyries center Temi Fagbenle showcases her cultural dress in her Tunnel Fits without making the outfits feel costume-y. Oh, and the socks with the heels are fun and fashion-forward, too.