Pope Leo XIV has been included in Vanity Fair's first best-dressed list in a decade, recognized for his unique style choices including Nike trainers and vintage accessories.
Key facts
- •Vanity Fair's 2026 best-dressed list features 70 people, with Pope Leo XIV categorized under "originals."
- •The pope's Nike trainers were identified by fans as a discontinued retro tennis-style shoe originally sold in the 1970s.
- •In June 2025, the pope wore a White Sox baseball cap over his papal cap during an audience in St Peter’s Square.
- •The pope utilizes Italian designer Filippo Sorcinelli for formal liturgical vestments.
- •The pope was previously named one of the New York Times' 67 Most Stylish People of 2025.
Vanity Fair has released its first best-dressed list in ten years, featuring 70 individuals identified as the most fashionable people of 2026. Among the list's "originals" category is Pope Leo XIV, the 70-year-old head of the Catholic Church. The magazine praised the pontiff for taking papal style to "heavenly heights," specifically highlighting his frequent use of Nike trainers paired with his traditional white cassock.
A Distinctive Papal Aesthetic
Pope Leo XIV, who was born in Chicago, has developed a style noted for blending bespoke vestments with vintage accessories. Beyond his preference for trainers, he often wears simple black oxford shoes instead of traditional red papal slippers. His wardrobe choices have included carrying a battered briefcase and wearing a White Sox baseball cap over his papal cap during a June 2025 general audience in St Peter’s Square. For formal events, he utilizes the services of Italian designer Filippo Sorcinelli.
Cultural Impact and Reception
The inclusion of the pope in the list is viewed as aligning with the papacy's efforts to position itself as a modern power. Vanity Fair style correspondent José Criales-Unzueta noted the team was impressed by the "innate Americanness" of the pope's style. The pontiff's fashion choices, particularly his Nike trainers, gained significant attention after appearing in the Vatican-produced documentary 'Leone a Roma' in May 2025. This look was frequently compared to a viral AI-generated image of Pope Francis in a puffer jacket, though the pope's footwear was confirmed as a real, discontinued retro tennis shoe.
Broader Recognition
This is not the pope's first appearance in fashion rankings; he was previously featured in Vogue’s best-dressed list alongside A$AP Rocky and Bad Bunny, and was named one of the New York Times' 67 Most Stylish People of 2025. Experts suggest his style choices, such as the trainers, signal approachability and a readiness to move quickly. Academic observers note that his fashion sense, combined with his public stances on issues like AI and peace, has resonated with Generation Z.
Timeline
- May 2025Pope Leo XIV was spotted wearing Nike trainers in the documentary 'Leone a Roma'.
- June 2025The pope wore a White Sox baseball cap over his papal cap during a general audience.
- 2026Vanity Fair included the pope in its first best-dressed list in a decade.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by The Guardian Fashion.
