It seems as though athletes and sports stars have not usually been associated with fashion. In fact, some people would argue that the world of sports often mixes strange wardrobes including odd styles. During recent years this trend has started to change with such people as Tiger Woods, Gabriela Sabatini, and Anna Kournikova being photographed in fine fashion. The two lady tennis stars have gathered a stable of fans due to their athleticism, modeling, and fashion sense. The golf star is often considered a fashion icon and he is usually seen in public looking like a male fashion model himself.

Football quarterback Tom Brady has been successful in combining fashion with financial gain. He has recently endorsed a fashion company. He had a GQ photo shoot which has all resulted in business and dollar signs. Others, such as British soccer star David Beckham embraces fashion “from the heart.” He has a fondness for fashion which has resulted in him designing a menswear line. The Miami Heat’s Dwyane Wade is proud and fashionable in his flawless Gucci and Louis Vuitton outfits.

Athletes from all area of sports are definitely becoming trendsetters and icons in the world of fashion. Once they leave their sport on the court or on the field they can be seen in famous name-brand three-piece suits or in t-shirts by a designer brand. Aside from Beckham there are other athletes who do designing as a sideline. Tennis great Venus Williams loves to design clothing as does tennis star Maria Sharapova.

Many sports stars and athletes are finding that stylish can pay big dividends. This is happening as a result of name brands sponsoring these giants for marketing. They are also seeing a change from the ’80′s and ’90′s when big jewelry, six-button suits, and other extreme wear proved to be more gangster than fashionable. Today there is a trend leaning toward preppy and tailored classic.

Today the world of sports has opened the door to fashion. Many athletes have walked through the door and either accepted an endorsement for monetary gain, or realized that dressing fashionably in designer clothes can offer a rewarding and worthwhile feeling. They understand that it is nice to appear in public, with thousands of adoring fans, looking as great as they can.