Adam Sandler is a Hollywood legend, but when it comes to red carpet fashion, he might as well be a fan in the stands. The actor turned heads—and sparked a firestorm—when he showed up to his wife Jackie Sandler's movie premiere looking like he just rolled out of bed. But just days later, he proved he can actually dress better, as long as it's for a WNBA game.
Let's rewind. Earlier this month, Sandler attended the premiere of Office Romance, a Jennifer Lopez film starring his wife Jackie. The comedian, known for his signature baggy hoodies, long shorts, and basketball sneakers, didn't deviate from his norm. He wore an oversized orange hoodie, barely combed his hair, and looked every bit the slacker character he's played on screen.
The internet had a field day. Some fans defended Sandler, arguing that his wife doesn't mind his casual style and that it's his trademark. "The guy is a supportive husband, so you have to go after how he's dressed just to get clicks. If she doesn't have a problem with it, who cares?" one fan wrote on social media. Another added, "He's always dressed like a slob—it's his trademark. His wife knew that marrying him."
But not everyone was so forgiving. "I feel like it's one thing when he's promoting his own projects, but for his wife's work, you think he could throw on some khakis and a golf shirt at least," one critic chimed in. The debate raged on, with some calling the outfit inappropriate for a red carpet event.
Then came the WNBA game. On Sunday afternoon, Sandler attended the matchup between the Las Vegas Aces and the Golden State Valkyries. And this time, he looked a bit more put together. While still casual, his outfit—likely a step up from the hoodie—drew attention for being slightly sharper. The WNBA itself even shared a photo of Sandler and his wife at the game, captioning it, "Take another look at superstars Adam Sandler and Jackie Sandler."
The contrast was hard to miss. At the premiere, Sandler looked like he was heading to a pickup game. At the WNBA game, he looked like he was ready for a date night. Fans couldn't help but notice the difference, with many joking that he dresses better for basketball than for Hollywood.
This isn't the first time Sandler's fashion choices have made headlines. His hoodie at his wife's premiere sparked outrage once again, reigniting the debate over whether celebrities should dress to impress at public events. But Sandler seems unfazed, sticking to his laid-back style no matter the occasion.
The Aces, meanwhile, dominated the Valkyries on Sunday, blowing them out in a game that Sandler likely enjoyed from his courtside seat. For the actor, it's clear that comfort and basketball fandom trump red carpet expectations—even if his wife's movie premiere might deserve a little more effort.
So, what's the takeaway? Adam Sandler can dress better when he wants to—just not for a movie premiere. For the WNBA, he's willing to step it up. And honestly, that might be the most relatable thing about him.
