Simone Biles did not need to be asked twice.
When it came time to plan her outfit for the 2025 ESPY Awards, the seven-time Olympic gold medalist was approached to try something different: wear a custom gown made by activewear brand Athleta, which has sponsored her since 2021. Having the comfort of Athleta apparel in an outfit for a formal occasion was all Biles needed to hear to be on board. “Easy money,” Biles told Sports Illustrated.
Biles debuted the gown Wednesday evening on the red carpet in Los Angeles, a full-length navy blue silhouette with an open back and beaded accents, alongside husband and Chicago Bears safety Jonathan Owens. Biles’s gown was designed by Zac Posen, who has created red carpet looks for celebrities like Michelle Obama, Rihanna and Anne Hathaway. Posen currently oversees design for Gap Inc. brands, including Athleta.
When it came to the design, Biles left everything up to Posen, who she said would be her “coolest collab ever” for an outfit. Biles is usually not part of the design process for her red carpet looks, but enjoyed being the “canvas” and watching Posen’s team alter the gown in real-time—a process that started in May right after the 2025 Met Gala, where she was part of the host committee. “It was so exciting because I was like, ‘No way this is now a dress and you guys put this all together,’ ” Biles said. “It was a really cool process to watch, because that’s how dresses are made, and I’ve never been able to be a part of that process. So to be fully hands on and see this come to life was really neat and special for me.”
Posen took inspiration from Athleta’s Transcend Open Back Tee, which Biles calls one of her “favorite tops ever.” Choosing to use the Transcend material also brought stretch and comfort to the gown, a key element for Biles. But the question remained: How do you turn that into a dress? Biles is nominated for two awards at the 2025 ESPY Awards: Best Athlete – Women’s Sports and Best Championship Performance for her 2024 Olympics women’s all-around gold medal. She is no stranger to accolades since her Olympic performance, including being named the 2024 SI Sportsperson of the Year. As an ode to her Olympic accomplishments, it was important to Biles for her gown to be either red, white or blue—utlimately settling on classic navy.
From gymnastics leotards to red carpets and NFL game day looks supporting Owens, Biles says it is important that her clothing exude strength and personality. “I want to feel strong, beautiful, elegant, still an athlete, but going into the ‘fashion world,’ and I say that in quotations, but it’s changed over the course of years,” Biles said. “That’s what we also want to be a part of our personality, because you know what we look like on the floor, on the court, on the field—but then to show a different side of us and a little bit of our personality, that’s just super exciting for people to see and ways for us to just show our personality.”
Simone Biles Wows the Crowd at the 2025 ESPY Awards
There’s something magical about Simone Biles. The way she carries herself—on and off the mat—is nothing short of legendary. At the 2025 ESPY Awards, Biles did more than just show up. She owned the night, embracing strength, comfort, and style all at once. Let’s dive into how she stunned at the red carpet, what she wore, the statement she made, and why it resonated so powerfully with fans everywhere.
A Champion of More Than Just Gymnastics
The Evolution of Simone Biles’ Public Persona
We all know Simone Biles as the GOAT of gymnastics. But over the years, she’s evolved into so much more—a mental health advocate, a voice for women in sports, and now, a fashion icon redefining what it means to be powerful and feminine.
From Tumbling to Trailblazing
Biles has long been breaking boundaries, not just with her gravity-defying routines but also with her willingness to challenge expectations. At the 2025 ESPYs, she leaned fully into that spirit—this time, through her outfit and message.
Her 2025 ESPY Look: Strength Meets Softness
The Outfit That Broke the Internet
Simone stepped onto the red carpet wearing a custom look that blended athletic elegance with cozy chic. Think tailored lines paired with soft textures, bold colors mixed with gentle movement—it was the kind of outfit that made you feel something.
Comfort As A Statement
Unlike the restrictive, uncomfortable glam we often see at award shows, Biles’ look screamed, “I’m here to feel good.” And honestly? That’s a revolutionary statement in itself. She chose comfort, and it didn’t dull her shine—it amplified it.
The Deeper Message Behind Her Fashion
Body Positivity and Athletic Empowerment
By choosing a fit that celebrated her strength rather than hiding it, Biles gave a powerful nod to body positivity. She showed young women everywhere that muscle is beautiful, that comfort isn’t a compromise, and that your body is something to embrace, not shrink.
Defying Beauty Norms with Confidence
Simone didn’t just break the mold—she tossed it aside. Her confident stance, radiant smile, and effortless grace made it clear: this was her definition of beauty, and she’s not asking for anyone’s approval.
Social Media Erupts in Praise
Fans Call Her Look “Unstoppable”
It didn’t take long for Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok to explode with reactions. Fans applauded Simone for staying true to herself, for being bold, and for proving that comfort and fashion aren’t mutually exclusive.
“Simone Biles is a VIBE. Strong. Comfortable. Confident. ICON.”
– One viral tweet with over 50k likes.
Celebs and Fellow Athletes Show Support
Even A-listers took notice. Serena Williams, Megan Rapinoe, and Zendaya reposted Simone’s photos, praising her authenticity and style. When powerful women uplift each other? That’s the real flex.
What This Means for Future Red Carpets
A Shift Toward Intentional Fashion
Biles’ ESPYs appearance might be the beginning of a new red carpet trend—one that values meaning over excess, comfort over constraint, and personal expression over societal pressure.
Style That Tells a Story
More celebs are embracing looks that say something, and Biles just raised the bar. She reminded us that fashion isn’t just about trends—it’s about power, voice, and purpose.
How Simone Biles Continues to Inspire
Beyond Medals—Leaving a Legacy
Biles’ ESPY presence wasn’t just about looking good. It was about feeling good and using her platform to empower others. She’s proving that strength comes in many forms—and every one of them is beautiful.
Mental Health and Authenticity
Let’s not forget: Simone Biles was one of the first elite athletes to put mental health front and center. Her appearance at the ESPYs was another chapter in her story of showing up authentically, no matter the arena.
Reactions From the ESPY Stage
Her Acceptance Speech Left Everyone Emotional
During her brief but heartfelt speech, Biles touched on resilience, gratitude, and the importance of showing up fully—both mentally and emotionally. It wasn’t flashy. It was real.
“You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be you.”
– Simone Biles, 2025 ESPY Awards
Biles’ Influence on Gen Z and Young Athletes
A Role Model Like No Other
In a world full of filtered perfection, Biles is a breath of fresh air. She’s setting the standard for how athletes, especially women, can embrace their whole selves—flaws, strengths, and everything in between.
Embracing Strength Without Apology
Her ESPY look was a masterclass in unapologetic self-love. It told young athletes, “You don’t have to shrink to fit in. Stand tall, take up space, and do it on your own terms.”
Behind The Scenes: Who Styled Simone Biles?
A Creative Team With a Purpose
Simone worked with a small, intentional styling team focused on empowerment over extravagance. Think soft fabrics, strong silhouettes, and a color palette that felt earthy and bold.
Sustainability in Style
Bonus points: Her look was eco-conscious. Recycled materials, ethical brands, and zero-waste practices made it as smart as it was stunning.
Why This Moment Will Be Remembered
Simone Biles didn’t just attend an award show—she made a statement. One that will echo long after the flashbulbs fade.
She reminded us that style isn’t about squeezing into someone else’s expectations. It’s about making your own rules. And doing it with power, grace, and a little sparkle.
Conclusion: Simone Biles Is Setting a New Standard
At the 2025 ESPYs, Simone Biles was more than just a gymnast. She was a symbol of modern strength—of choosing yourself, embracing authenticity, and shining in your own way.
She didn’t just walk the red carpet—she redefined it.
Let her moment be a reminder to all of us: Power doesn’t have to be loud to be heard. Sometimes, it just has to be real.
