Social media trends come and go, but one particular tradition has stayed within the hockey community, and that is the WAGS (Wives and Girlfriends) jackets. Fans and fashion analysts look forward to the Stanley Cup Playoffs each year, not only to support their favorite team but also to eye the fashion statements that emerge on social platforms from the players’ partners. In this year’s first and foremost edition, fans were quick to spotlight the newest wave of WAGS jackets making appearances both in arenas and across Instagram and TikTok.
How the Tradition Started
About a decade ago, it’s wild to think WAG jackets didn’t exist in the NHL. In the 2017 Postseason, the tradition of the jackets was created by Lauren Oshie, wife of former Washington Capitals forward T.J. Oshie, as a way to show support for her spouse. The jackets originally started as a jean jacket, with patches and numbers dedicated to their partners, children, and pets.
Since then, each of the 16 NHL playoff teams has received its own custom jacket through collaborations with a variety of different designers. Each design reflects the identity of both the team and the city it represents. The collaborations have helped merge fashion and hockey culture in a way that feels modern and community-driven.
Behind the 2026 Playoffs Kings WAG Jackets
One particular team that stood out is the Los Angeles Kings’ WAGS jackets, created by locally based designer Tiny Turnip. For the 2026 Playoffs, a modern black leather jacket with bold monochromatic detailing with custom embroidery, star accents with sleek black-and-silver tones was influenced by the team’s legacy.
I had the pleasure of speaking with the founder and CEO, Rachel Luzi about the inspiration behind the jackets, the creative collaboration behind their design, and the connection between fashion and hockey culture today.
Please note that the interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.
At the core of the collection is a focus on storytelling through design and team identity. The jackets aren’t just team merchandise; they’re sketched and created to reflect the energy, color scheme, and personality of the Kings during a playoff run. From an array of colors to detailing, the pieces are meant to feel both rooted in the team’s history and aligned with a fashion-conscious mindset.
To understand the vision behind the special project, I spoke with Rachel, who offered value and insight into the inspiration behind the designs and how the collaboration came together.
Over a delightful phone conversation, Rachel informed me that at the forefront of every collaboration is the importance of building a community and a relationship first. This process did not have the feel of a business transaction but rather women supporting one another while creating pieces designed for other women and children to enjoy and genuinely connect with. As part of the tradition of creating a playoff jacket, the lead WAG (typically the captain’s partner or one of the longest-tenured wives or girlfriends on the team) is chosen to oversee the design and coordination process. This year, that role was taken on by Ines Kopitar, the wife of former Kings captain Anze Kopitar.
The design process drew inspiration from the team’s historic logo and signature colors. The brand was built through the strong relationships between the Kings’ families and the athletes, since everyone comes together like one community. She noted that social media gives people access to things they would not have been able to see before, helping the brand grow and connect with more families and athletes.
Creativity, Family, and Teamwork
One question often seen on the Kings’ social media channels is about the star on the sleeve of the jacket. I had the opportunity to ask Rachel about the meaning behind it, and she explained that the design came from a collaborative sketching process. The team first pulled inspiration from the identity and culture of Los Angeles to create a unique piece. They also looked at vintage jerseys to help inspire the new design and give it a classic sports fashion feel.
Rachel also shared advice for anyone interested in working in design and fashion. She acknowledged that relationships are one of the most important parts of the industry because the people around you help shape who you are and support your brand and journey. As our conversation slowly came to an end, she emphasized the importance of being willing to collaborate, having the proper licenses, and, most importantly, having fun and enjoying the journey.
She believes that sports fashion will become even more creative over the next five years because people are looking for connection, personality, and a human touch in clothing and brands. Fans want to feel included and connected to something bigger than just fashion itself. Through art, fashion, and community, Tiny Turnip continues to create meaningful connections between fans and athletes while cultivating creativity, collaboration, and a sense of belonging.
Rachel’s creative work across Major League Baseball (MLB) and the NHL can be found here and here.
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