In the macho world of sports these preening princes of the sports courts and athletic fields stand out. Concerned as much about sartorial style as box scores, these “styletes” are just as likely to be primping in front of the mirror as hitting the practice field.

David Beckham – Soccer

David Beckham could be considered the poster boy for the metrosexual male. The way the press carries on, you’d think Beckham was the first athlete turned fashion icon, but Posh’s pretty boy follows in the footsteps of a long line of sports dandies.

Joe Namath – Football

Becks who? Gridiron legend Joe Namath was sporting natty leisure suits and lighting up the action on a real football field, while baby Beckham was still soiling his nappies.  Never one to shy away from boldness, whether he was predicting a Superbowl win or rocking a pimped-out shearling on the sidelines, Broadway Joe was a certified 70s Dandy. That joie de vivre continues as evidenced by his infamous on-air solicitation for a makeout session from sports reporter, Suzy Kolber.

Ernie Schlegel – Bowling

Unfortunately for Joe, a team sport like football requires matching uniforms to maintain a cohesive unit.  Individual sports have no such restrictions. With more sequins than a Vegas showgirl, action bowler turned pr0fessional Kingpin, Ernie Schlegel lit up the lanes in the late 70s and early 80s with his flamboyant fashions. In an unparalleled dedication to style – Schlegel bowled the entire championship match of 1981 PBA Finals wearing his purple-tinted aviator shades.

Payne Stewart – Golf

Whether he was sporting argyles, plaid knickers or both, golfer Payne Stewart never shied away from color. The exuberance he brought to the links in both style and performance was legendary. Sadly, the life of golf’s most dapper dresser ended early, when he was involved in an unfortunate plane mishap in 1993.   Somewhere out there, we are sure, a gilded halo with a jaunty tam-o-shanter looks down over Torrey Pines.

Andre Agassi – Tennis

Embracing Eighties excess,  Andres Agassi’s court style eschewed the staid look of tennis whites in favor of acid washed denim and neon spandex.  His crowning glory, a legendary mullet the heights of which may never be seen on courts of clay nor grass again.

Oscar de La Hoya – Boxing

Oscar de La Hoya is no doubt one of the prettiest pugilists ever to take a pounding in the ring. While always known for his smooth style in the ring and out, these 2007 images suggest de la Hoya is possibly the fanciest Nancy Boy in the history of the sweet science.