In the early days of professional wrestling, attire was often basic. Men usually wore dark trunks or a singlet and black boots. Meanwhile, the women wore solid-color one-piece athletic bathing suits that prioritized coverage and freedom of movement. The focus in both cases was wearing what was needed to do their work in the ring and didn't restrict them from executing necessary athleticism. These early outfits were more about the basic requirements of professional wrestling, and less about character expression.
As wrestling grew in popularity and began to embrace showmanship elements, so too did the wrestlers' attire, with both male and female performers exploring new visual avenues. The wrestlers' personas and presentation became more important. This marked the beginning of wrestling attire as a form of self-expression, allowing wrestlers to develop unique looks that helped them stand out from the crowd and connect with the evolving expectations of the fanbase. Also, wrestlers began to understand that along with their appearance potentially being just as impactful as their in-ring skills in creating a connection with the audience, their attire could be used as another tool to develop unique identities.
Some wrestlers that were supposed to have a powerful presence wore leather or heavier fabrics, while those emphasizing speed & agility tended to wear spandex, which stretched and had a sheen. The introduction of more durable and decorative synthetics also enabled wrestlers to represent more complex concepts, with patterns and vibrant colors becoming increasingly common as a way to visually communicate their unique identities to the audience.
By the late 1990s and early 2000s, the emphasis on having a distinct and visually impactful look remained strong, while wrestlers started wearing revealing designs or attire that strongly reflected a wrestler's specific character and attitude. It was an era with its own unique style.
Today, flashy and distinctive ring gear is fundamental in professional wrestling. It can have bright colors and sparkle, but it also includes unique designs, high-fashion influences, character-specific elements, and even intentionally conservative but notable looks. Wrestlers use their gear as a key part of their branding.
It's worth mentioning that today, it's an established tradition in the Japanese wrestling scene for male rookie wrestlers to wear plain black trunks and black boots. This simple and uniform attire serves as a clear visual marker of their trainee status, emphasizing their need to focus on mastering the fundamentals of wrestling without any distractions of elaborate gear. It symbolizes discipline, humbleness, and respect for the traditions of puroresu and their seniors, highlighting that they must first prove their skills before earning the right to detailed and personalized ring attire as they progress in their careers. Meanwhile, female rookie wrestlers typically wear simpler and less fancy gear compared to more established wrestlers, instead wearing basic wrestling trunks or shorts and a simple top or singlet, with the main focus being on having gear that is comfortable and enables them to wrestle with a full range of motion. In both cases, they earn the right to more elaborate gear as they climb the ranks.
An example of this is Manami, whose wrestling gear showcases a clear change from a more traditional rookie style to a personalized presentation. When she began her career in Sendai Girls back in 2017, Manami wore a black & gold singlet.
Later, after winning the Sendai Girls Junior Championship, Manami began displaying a more individualized look, wearing different styles of attire that featured blue & black with eye-catching designs. This change suggests a growth in her character and confidence as a performer, reflected in a more elaborate and individualized ring presence.
The evolution of wrestling attire reflects changes in norms and fashion trends, impacting how both men and women presented themselves in the ring. As society became more accepting of diverse forms of self-expression, wrestling attire followed suit. Wrestlers began to push boundaries, experimenting with outfits. This evolution also saw the creation of specialized costume designers who catered specifically to the needs and creative visions of professional wrestlers. The best-known example is Sandra Gray, who has worked for both WWE and AEW during her career.
Wrestling attire is a diverse and dynamic landscape for all who step into the squared circle. From the classic trunks and boots, and the earlier athletic one-pieces, to the detailed costumes and accessories, wrestlers use their attire to express themselves, enhance their characters, and connect with their fans. It's a major part of the overall wrestling experience, a visual spectacle that adds another layer of excitement and entertainment to the matches. The evolution of wrestling attire is a testament to the creativity and artistry of the performers, a reflection of changing times, and a vital factor in the ongoing spectacle that is professional wrestling, a tapestry woven by the threads of countless individual styles and expressions.
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