3 Style Takeaways from Muhammad Ali’ The Greatest

Muhammad Ali was the world heavyweight boxing champion, an Olympic gold medalist, philanthropist, and a fierce advocate for civil rights.

He was the first fighter to win the world heavyweight championship on three separate occasions and regarded as one of the greatest athletes of the 20th century.

He was a highly politicized figure and a member of the Nation of Islam with Malcolm X as a mentor. Cassius Clay is his government name and part of his legacy was showing his African roots beyond just racism and civil unrest.

He said: “I am America. I am the part you won’t recognize. But get used to me. Black, confident, cocky; my name, not yours; my religion, not yours; my goals, my own; get used to me.” That statement is what we think governs his style.

Standing at 6 feet 3 inches  Ali had a great and deliberate command of his presence. The style lesson is simple, be bold because all eyes will be on you anyway, might as well give them a show.

The champ was not only known to be a social activist, or for his unique fighting style in the ring but he was also known for his elegant style and swagger outside of the ring as well.

Muhammad Ali could be spotted rocking anything from a crisp suit during the week or a dapper robe on the weekend.

He was known for bowler hats, flower lapels, custom-tailored suits, and those infamous Wayfarer sunglasses.

Here are 3 of Muhammad Ali’s most memorable looks starting with a classic suit and tie.

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1. Our favorite suited looks

Designer Nikhil Mehra described Ali as always ahead of his time saying  “Muhammad Ali always wore dapper suits. He had rhythm in and out of the ring,” says . “I remember Ali making style statements in colorful, immaculately-designed boxing robes,” says designer Anand Bhushan.

2. The Muhammad Ali Robes

Every man needs a great robe! Something comfortable for right out of the shower, taking business calls on a Sunday, the day after a date night, pick your poison. The key to a comfortable robe is functionality as well as comfort.

Muhammad Ali was known for his robe choice, but the iconic picture below was one of our favorites. Probably not a robe we would pick off a rack but looking at this picture one we would choose without batting an eye after seeing Ali rock it effortlessly.

Here, Muhammad Ali relaxes at home before his last fight with Larry Holmes, August 3, 1980, Los Angeles, California.

Photo by Paul Harris/Getty Images

There’s definitely a certain amount of swag and confidence you need to pull this one-off. Here Ali is pictured in a simple classic white robe but when worn by Ali, it is now a part of history.

3. Keeping it casual

Casual wear isn’t the same for every man, some black men prefer, basketball shorts and t-shirts, some prefer jeans and a button-up, just depends on your mood and the occasion.

If you are an older guy or if you think back to what your father or grandfather would wear casually, it was probably something similar to what Muhammad Ali wore while playing pool.

A button-up shirt with two pockets, a belt, and comfortable pants.

Photo by Paul Harris/Getty Images

Below, Ali opted for a collard button up again with a single pocket.

Your old man will tell you that he needs a pocket so that he can put his pen or a small note pad for those Saturdays he head’s out to the betting shop. Either way, it’s a classic style that has never really gone away.

Muhammad Ali died at the young age of 74 on June 3, 2016, in Phoenix, Arizona, after being hospitalized for what was reported as a respiratory issue.  He had been suffering from Parkinson’s disease and spinal stenosis.

If he were alive and well, we would still be taking style cues from the man who refused to ever dim his light in the ring and show off his style outside of the ring.

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