Before now, many poker enthusiasts never really paid attention to outfits when hitting the tables. But when the stakes are high enough, every factor counts. This is the very reason why pro poker players and even influencers are intentional about what they put on at poker tables.
There are quite a few solid reasons why fashion matters during poker rounds. Throughout this article, we’ll highlight the most profound reasons, as well as the most popular examples of what poker players wear.
What does fashion have to do with Poker?
Daniel Negreanu, Canadian poker player – “Poker is a game of image. You don’t just play the cards, you play the person—and sometimes the hat, the hoodie, or the sunglasses”.
A question many poker beginners would beg, how does fashion influence poker in any way? The answer is quite simple. As you may know, poker is not like slot games. It involves a lot of tact and human initiative. As such, how you show up to the casino contributes to your overall success, especially when going up against credible opposition.
Poker Wears for Success: How to dress to win at the gaming table
Phil Hellmuth, American Poker Pro – “When I walk in with the shades and the black hoodie, I want them to feel like the Poker Brat has arrived. It’s part of the brand.”
So, what do poker players wear for a successful time at the tables? There are quite a few options which are appropriate if you want to make an impression during poker. Without further ado, let’s explore the most stylish and efficient options.
Classic poker apparel: understanding player archetypes
Especially with professional players, fashion at the poker tables usually represents the individual’s archetypes. Below is a highlight of the most common personalities at the table.
The old school grinder: Remember the middle-aged man with a determined look at the tables? That is most likely the old-school grinder. This category of players prefer casual wear like polos and caps in an attempt to stay focused.
The professionals: These are the premium, bit comfortable outfitters. It could be a fitted hoodie and an expensive watch; these players always represent class.
The influencers: Always dressed to impress, the influencers always get noticed. With flashy attires, custom merch, this group always attracts all the attention.
Grinder uniforms: recognising regulars
As previously hinted, the grinder is the old-school player who has seen it all. This group usually considers poker a lifelong hobby or an additional stream of income. Here are a few common outlooks on the grinders
- Sweatpants
- Dull or neutral colored shirts
- Hoodies
- Joggers
Of course, this doesn’t hold for online casinos. When you play at Canadian casinos, selected on the CasinoCanada website, you won’t readily tell who the grinders are. Instead, look out for gaming patterns to recognise your competition at all times.
Fun Fact: Marcel Lüske, known as the “Flying Dutchman”, is recognised for his sharp dress sense and ever-present sunglasses, which he occasionally wears upside-down.
Beyond poker apparel: accessories and signals
As already hinted, dressing accessories can give away a lot about a player’s persona at the poker tables. Most accessories, like rings and wristwatches, are used as status symbols.
For instance, luxury watches may signify pro players or a high roller. As CasinoCanada experts note, “when playing at live-stream casinos like StoneVegas, players could wear customised accessories to create a recognisable persona.”
Poker accessories: the truth about headphones and sunglasses
Still on poker-style accessories, you may have noticed one too many sunglasses and headphones at the casinos. That is because they’re about the most iconic poker accessories. So why do players wear sunglasses? To reduce tells and conceal emotion.
Why do poker players wear headphones? Pretty much the same reasons as sunglasses. For increased focus and to reduce interaction. As you know, high-stakes poker requires as much tact and concentration as possible. As such, you are sure to meet reserved players at the tables with headphones and sunglasses.
However, some casinos have reservations about using headphones during poker games. So be sure to ascertain the stance of any casino establishments on these things at any point in time.
Fun Fact: Most casinos have no dress code for players. As such, casino players are free to style up with almost anything acceptable.
Conclusion
In the end, poker embodies way more than just dealing cards and playing hands. It involves finesse and allure, which encourage diverse fashion choices. Having explored the most popular fashion choices of pro players and influencers, dressing to fit the poker occasion shouldn’t require much.