Dressing Like a Million Bucks: How Looking Good Can Affect Your Poker Game

When you walk into a room, one of the first things that people tend to notice is how you’re dressed. Looking sharp and well groomed will give you an instant confidence boost and guarantee your welcome in almost any room. In the world of poker, this is no different. In our article on ‘How to Achieve 'Understated Elegance' in 3 Simple Steps’, we describe how going for simple and classic clothes that fit you well is guaranteed to hit the mark. Less is also more when it comes to accessories as well as hair and grooming. With these tips in mind, you’ll help ensure that you’re physically and mentally ready for your next poker game.

While poker used to be a casual pastime often enjoyed at home via online platforms, many of the high profile tournaments nowadays are very much glamorous social events held in the very best gaming establishments across the world. Yahoo’s article on ‘How PPPoker is Bringing a New Social Dynamic to Poker’ outlines how the game has increased in popularity throughout the years due to a combination of community-based technologies and high-profile major events. In more ways than one, this trend has encouraged some players to be more conscious about how they look, act, and dress.

Over time, clothing trends have come and gone. Men’s Fashion Magazine describes how the cowboy look was popular in poker games in the past due to the game being “dominated by strong manly types from the Southwest”. More recently, sports jerseys, football caps, and comfortable outfits have become the norm due to the long hours players have stay at the tables. On the other hand, more stylish types choose to wear blazers or smart casual outfits, including business suits with sharp shoes and a tie. Other accessories include oversized headphones, which can also help keep your head in the game. The typical poker pro tends to wear sunglasses, baseball hats, hoodies, or masks and facial hair to hide much of their facial expressions. Alternatively, others who are more disruptive want to dress a little off-kilter to strategically confuse their opponents.

However, dressing well can eventually land you a sponsorship deal and help you become a part of the big leagues. In Forbes’ article on ‘How to Get to The World Series of Poker Final Table’, Chad Holloway, 2013 WSOP bracelet winner, states that getting to the final table means that apart from players winning seven-figures in prize money, “many become poker celebrities and are considered big names for years to come. There are also sponsorship opportunities (much less than in years past though),” which means that as well as upping your game, you should try to dress well to catch a sponsor’s eye.

Finally, no matter how you decide to dress for your next poker game, always make sure you’re comfortable in your own skin. Inc mentions the concept of thin-slicing, which is defined as the process of analyzing visual details instantaneously. The first impression you make when you sit down at that poker table will instantly affect how other players view you, so it’s up to you to project a confident and cool exterior to match your game.

FASHIONADO