In a first for Major League Soccer, D.C. United is opening their season with a new look — a bespoke tailoring collection by designer Camille Tanoh of The Proper Label. Dubbed “Tailored for Champions,” the collection is a first-of-its-kind partnership for professional soccer in the United States, elevating the pre-match tunnel walk to a runway-worthy moment and sports marketing boon.
“This is about more than tailoring. It’s about identity, presence and the legacy of champions,” said Tanoh, founder and creative director of The Proper Label. “D.C. United’s players embody strength and determination on the field. Their off-field attire should reflect that same energy, commanding timeless elegance.”
That tunnel-walk moment, when cameras capture athletes at their most poised and most styled, has taken the simple pre-game arrival routine and transformed it into a powerful statement of identity. European players have long understood the branding potential of these moments, with teams like Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, and Manchester City establishing sartorial identities through designer collaborations. Now, MLS is catching up.
Tanoh brings considerable fashion credibility to the partnership, having worked with Balenciaga under Nicolas Ghesquière, as well as with Paul Smith, and Pierre Hardy.
The collection reflects the unique demands of athletes’ bodies and lifestyles. Each suit is handsewn in Portugal, ensuring fit, structure, and fluidity in movement. The fabrics have been engineered with a specially formulated weave, incorporating antimicrobial, antibacterial, and moisture-wicking finishes for enhanced comfort.
“The Proper Label is about longevity, responsibility and elegance. This collaboration with D.C. United is just the beginning,” said Tanoh.
As D.C. United prepares for a season of renewal with MLS all-stars Christian Benteke and Aaron Herrera, alongside new signings Kim Joon Hong, João Peglow and Kye Rowles, the team is making clear that their ambitions extend beyond the pitch.
Danita Johnson, president of business operations at D.C. United, said the collaboration is “a bold statement that reflects our ambition, confidence and commitment to excellence.”
