In pro sports today, some athletes turn up looking like they just rolled out of bed. That is not the case for Cardinal’s pitcher Miles Mikolas. He’s not only old school when it comes to tradition, but his dapper style stands out. When it comes to fashion, everyone else is playing for the bronze medal. Styles with Miles has a flare many envy but few can duplicate.
When did you start really paying attention to fashion?
Probably when I came back from Japan. I had a little more coin in my pocket, and I wanted to look really nice coming back to the States. Even if it’s a little bit an antiquated thought, I wanted to look the part of a big leaguer. Dressing and looking nice while traveling feels good even if nobody really sees you.
Who were some of the players that gave your fashion inspo?
When I broke into the major leagues in San Diego, we had a more strict dress code. There were suites on almost all of the flights, and Huston Street would wear nice three-piece suits. He was the guy that ended up buying all of the rookies their suits my rookie year. Luke Gregeron made a lasting impression on me. They told us we dress casually for a flight, which really just meant no tie. I wasn’t great at tying ties, so I was excited. I was getting ready to leave the locker room with no tie on, and Gregeron stops me and asks where my tie is. I say we don’t have to wear one, and he looks me right in the eyes and says, “But don’t you want to look like a big leaguer?” I turned right around and put my tie on. I still wear one on most flights. Even when I was with Texas before I went over to Japan, guys like Adrián Beltré and Alex Ríos who have been in the league for a long time always dressed really nice, too.
Do you still see the veterans taking care of the young guys?
I bought suits for four guys while we were in Los Angeles. I also did suits and a shirt for all of the non-arbitration eligible pitchers. The general thought is that if you make it to arbitration you’re probably making around $1 million. You should be able to go out and buy yourself a decent suit.
What sport has the best dressed athletes?
I think it’s so much more of an individual thing these days. In every league, you’ve got guys who dress very casually to those who go over the top, like Cam Newton. It’s not my style, but I love the effort.
Should there be more of a dress code?
I think so. It goes back to an older way of thinking, but if you watch anything made before the 1970s, people are walking around in suits and ties everywhere they go. I’m not saying that it’s the downfall of society, but looking unkempt is more acceptable. In a lot of ways, high fashion has changed, and younger players may be following that. You could be wearing $5,000 sweatpants, but they’re still just sweatpants. The amount of money you pay doesn’t change that. I think some kind of reasonable dress code would be OK.
What are some of the fashion essentials every man should have in his closet?
You need a couple suits—your blue, black and gray and then maybe a patterned one. A couple good ties, blue and white shirts, brown shoes, black shoes, brown belt, black belt are the dress essentials. If you want to get fancy, some pocket squares and lapel pins can add a little color here and there.
What’s a trend you would never hop on?
The Ed Hardy stuff. I went to school down in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. I might have bought a knockoff for cheap at the Sawgrass Mills mall and wore it once before realizing it was not for me. It was a trend I just didn’t get into. That and the real tight jeans and shirts were never for me. I did wear things a lot baggier when I was in middle and high school—the basketball shorts and long tees. I like things a little more fitted now.
When traveling, you often dress to match the destination. Do you have a favorite theme?
I really like Texas. Sometimes, that means not a full suit. This spring, I got some really nice sports coats that have the suede patches on the shoulders and elbows. Pairing those with nice jeans, a belt buckle, button down, bolo tie and cowboy hat is a clean casual look. I like getting flashier on California trips and coming to Miami in a nice tan suit with a straw hat.
How many hats do you have?
Six. I’m always looking for a good hat. With my hair as long as it is and my head being on the larger side, it can be hard to find ones that fit.
If someone wants to look better, what’s the one piece of advice you’d give them?
I think it starts with grooming. Pick a style, whether it’s a beard, mustache or clean shaven. Line it up and start from the top down. When you meet someone, they look at your face first. I think a clean look with not too many colors or patterns is always a safe bet.
