Makazole Mapimpi, a two-time Rugby World Cup winner with the Springboks, has built a reputation as one of South African rugby's best-dressed players. The 36-year-old winger's love of fashion traces back to his childhood in the Eastern Cape. Mapimpi's journey to stardom began in Tsholomnqa, where he grew up and carved a path through Border Bulldogs, the Southern Kings, and the Free State Cheetahs before breaking through with the Sharks.
Mapimpi's approach to dressing is hard to miss, with a wardrobe that spans colourful casual pieces, tailored suits, knitwear, statement footwear, and jewellery. His looks range from orange gingham shorts paired with a black polo and loafers to a cream suit finished with a gold chain and dark sunglasses. A lime-green cardigan has also featured, showing just how comfortable he is experimenting with colour.
What makes Mapimpi's relationship with fashion interesting is where it started. As a youngster, he reportedly owned just one pair of jeans, which he would wash, dry, and iron before styling differently with various T-shirts and hoodies to create a fresh look each time. That early resourcefulness shaped a fashion identity that is less about expensive labels and more about confidence and personality.
Mapimpi's profile in fashion has grown steadily. He appeared on the cover of GQ South Africa in 2022, photographed in a suit, sunglasses, and a gold chain. More recently, he featured on the cover of GQ Style's 2026 issue, produced in collaboration with Tommy Hilfiger, which positioned him not simply as a rugby player but as someone with a distinct personal style rooted in his journey from the Eastern Cape to the global stage.
The Tommy Hilfiger partnership marked his first formal fashion collaboration outside performance sportswear. This significant step beyond the rugby field showcases Mapimpi's growing influence in the fashion world. His ability to blend sports and fashion has made him a unique figure in both industries.
In March 2026, Mapimpi took his interest a step further by launching elevè, his own men's clothing label focused on casual apparel. The name, meaning "elevated," is a direct nod to his personal journey from very little to the top of world rugby. Springbok teammates Jesse Kriel and Damian Willemse have both identified him as one of the best-dressed players in the camp.
The boy who once found creative ways to restyle a single pair of jeans is now designing clothes of his own, and that story is what sets his fashion journey apart from the rest. With a successful rugby career and a growing fashion brand, Makazole Mapimpi continues to make a name for himself both on and off the field.
Key points
- Makazole Mapimpi's fashion journey began with limited means, owning just one pair of jeans as a youngster.
- He has launched his own men's clothing label, elevè, and collaborated with Tommy Hilfiger.
- Mapimpi is considered one of the best-dressed players in the Springbok camp.
