As the world witnesses Michael Jordan’s story unfold through ESPN’s The Last Dance docuseries, we take a deeper look at the cultural relevance of MJ as a style icon. 

Dorm Fit, 1983 
Young Michael Jordan was probably unaware of the outfit he had on or the fact that this photograph, taken during his three years at the University of North Carolina, would be eternalized on the internet. Wearing skinny jeans before the days of his baggy suits, a simple (and probably economical) collared shirt with crisp white sneakers, it’s the accessories that make this memorable. Headphones running all the way back to the stereo and a Gucci-esque umbrella tie the whole moment together.

Mom and MJ, 1989 
As part of Jordan’s signature line with Nike, apparel collections were released to tie into the sneaker offering. A full look warmup from the Air Jordan 3 collection showcases elephant print on the sides of the jacket and pants, while red Nike and Jumpman logos accent the look. A rare glimpse of MJ not wearing Jordans is always fun to see, like this shot of him in the Air Alpha Force Low.

Sniff Brothers, 1992 
So many things going on in this photo, but the main thing to notice (beyond the vanity plate on the Ferrari) is Jordan in a fresh monochrome look, with crisp white shirt and socks, black shades and loafers. A custom fitted grey suit ties everything together, but the true MVP here is perhaps the bright yellow security jackets of the Sniff Brothers, MJ’s personal bodyguards.

MJ in Barcelona, 1992 
During his time off the court, Jordan loved to play golf. His outfits ranged from classic golf attire to a simple ensemble of shorts and a tee. During the era of the Air Jordan 7, MJ is seen here with a bold Nike graphic tee and shorts from the AJ7 apparel offering. White Nike golf shoes and a white golf hat complete the fresh summertime look.

Canadian Tux, 1993 
Head-to-toe denim doesn’t stop Michael Jordan from delivering a perfect first pitch. Before the boot-cut jeans became favored, it would appear both the shirt and jeans are custom tailored to MJ’s specifications. The full suede brown shoes should be clashing, but with MJ, it just works.

Star Studded, 1995 
The epitome of an off-court look, MJ somehow manages to pull together black trousers, white canvas Nike GTS, and a studded leather jacket (which was rumored to be the inspiration behind the Supreme x Air Jordan 14 Retro). Endorsing Oakley back in the day, he favored some of their sleek sunglasses looks and tied this outfit together with an Oakley logo cap.&nbsp;

Air Jordan 11 Retro 'Concord' 2018

The Rise of the Boot Cut, 1996 
Cementing his fourth NBA ring, MJ and the Bulls celebrate during the championship parade in Chicago. With a white graphic tee that proclaimed, ‘THE BEST EVER. ANYWHERE.,’ MJ proudly holds up the trophy, in what is now, his signature jean: the boot cut. Rounding out the look is an Air Jordan 11 Concord Low, which was a Player Exclusive version back in 1996, before becoming an official retro release in 2013.

L’air Jordan, 1997 
This photograph contains two international icons: Michael Jordan in a classic 1998 Chicago Bulls warmup with a beret to top off the look, and also the Eiffel Tower. No one made Chicago gear more relevant than MJ during his tenure, putting the midwestern city on the map and making everyone clamor for anything with a Bulls logo.

Air Jordan 13 Retro 'He Got Game' 2018

Heir Jordan, 1998 
Even in practice gear, MJ always made any fit effortlessly cool. A black Bulls tee, Nike warmup pants and fresh out of the box Air Jordan 13s match perfectly in a bonding moment with his son. Jeffrey Jordan was already coming into his own as well, with an oversized collared shirt and backwards cap.

Air Jordan 1 High 'Chicago' 1985

The Garden, 1998 
We all know and love MJ in classic Chicago Bulls uniforms; red road uniforms and home whites paired with whatever Air Jordan was available that season. But in 1998, MJ broke out something special for his final game in New York City. With the alternate black Bulls jersey in rotation, MJ found an old pair of Air Jordan 1s in his closet and decided to sport them for his last game at the famed Madison Square Garden. A full size too small, MJ still dropped 42 points despite his foot bleeding throughout the game.&nbsp;

Writer: ALEX WANG
Photos: GETTY IMAGES

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