World Snooker Tour has announced a new partnership with London tailor McCann Bespoke, to restyle referee attire and work with players on their clothing.
The new outfits for referees will be worn from the quarter-finals of the Masters onwards, while the work with players will begin afterwards with ‘style consultation’ on offer.
CEO and founder of McCann Bespoke, Neil McCann, mentioned the traditional dress code of suits, bow ties and waistcoats, but hinted at creating other outfits away from this.
‘Every player is a brand, and that can be enhanced by the way they dress. We want to help them to maximise their potential and the overall image of snooker – while keeping comfort and freedom as top priorities,’ said McCann.
‘The suit, bow tie and waistcoat are widely associated with snooker, but we also want to help players create outfits for tournaments which have a different dress code, as well as help them with their clothing off the table.’
WST Chairman Steve Dawson also looked forward to exploring ‘alternative dress codes’ at smaller events, saying: ‘At our biggest tournaments such as the World Championship, the smart attire of players is important as it reflects the heritage and reputation of those events.
‘Throughout the world, the elegant appearance of our players is one of our sport’s great assets – and it is something that young players aspire to. But at other tournaments such as the Home Nations Series and the Shoot Out there is scope for alternative dress codes. We look forward to working with McCann Bespoke and the players and listening to their views as we evolve and look to the future.’
Judd Trump, who has been outspoken on modernising dress codes in snooker, said: ‘For a player, having your outfit perfectly fitted helps you feel as smart as possible when you are out there competing. And it’s important to feel comfortable, in order to play well.
‘You can still look smart in other kind of ways it doesn’t have to be a tie and stuff all the time, it should be a part of snooker that everyone is as comfortable as possible as well, not just looking smart.’
Shaun Murphy added: ‘The way the players and officials look is part and parcel of the brand of snooker around the globe.
‘We hold high standards and that’s something that I’m proud of. Having clothes made to measure is vitally important for a player.’
MORE : Judd Trump blasts ‘ridiculous’ Masters dress code and lack of WST response to his ideas
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