How are Gamblers Dressing?
In olden days the high rollers at a table were easy to spot. They were dressed to the 9s in suits, hats and all the old-time finery. Now a days, things are different. There is a wide range of poker fashion. Here are some of the people you’ll see if you venture to a professional game:
First there is the “suit.” This group is still around. They follow along with tradition and live up to the stereotypical view of a high-rolling poker player. James Bond films like “Casino Royale” add to the mystique of this player. He is a multi-million dollar Texas oil-man. Real-life players who follow this type of fashion direction are Sammy Farha, Phil Ivey, Phil Gordon, and Howard Lederer.
Then there is the casual poker player. These are the new group of players coming up. They include Peter Eastgate, Joe Cada– two people who are young and WSOP winners. Basically, this look consists of jeans, a t-shirt, and a backwards baseball cap. Most players who sport this attire are in their early 20’s, while a host of online poker players-turned live players love to dress like this too. An offshoot of this is the hooded-sweatshirt player. This style was popularized by Phil “The Unabomber” Laak; he is well known for pulling his hood over his head and tying the drawstrings. Now, plenty of other players are going with this look possibly as a way to conceal tells from opponents. Those who do this to conceal tells often wear sunglasses with their sweatshirt too.
Still another group of poker players are opting for sponsorship clothing. This is a great way to advertise themselves to the general public. Today, many casinos have their own branded wear. And one very popular way of spreading their brand is by having professional players wear their logos in televised tournaments. Of course some players go overboard with the logos, and have their clothes covered with a sponsor’s name. This phenomenon has given rise to a new look where sponsored players dedicate their attire to a certain poker room. Not only does this appear tacky, but it can also make one a target for opponents. Regardless of what type of “uniform” you decide to use when you are playing poker, remember that the basic of the game is that it’s supposed to be fun. Enjoy yourself and hopefully you can walk away with a win– regardless of what you are wearing.
Tags: clothing, fashion, high-roller, sponsor, suit
