As a basketball player for the LSU Tigers, Angel Reese was a dominant force both on and off the court. As she gradually solidified her role as a vital part of the LSU roster, she earned herself a new nickname for her fierce looks— “Bayou Barbie.” Now, Reese has surged to popularity as a fashion icon, but reaching that status seems to have required significant mental resilience.

As a 22-year-old Maryland native standing 1.91 meters tall, Reese, often found herself struggling with fit issues. During the latest episode of her podcast, ‘Unapologetically Angel’, she teamed up with stylist Law Roach to discuss her experiences with body image. “I think I’ve had some crazy experiences, especially when trying something on,” shared the Chicago Sky sensation.

“I have a butt, and my legs are long, so it’s really hard for me to find dresses, especially from designers who use fabrics that aren’t stretchy and don’t fit over [my shape],” she added. The 22-year-old reveals, she thus needs most of her dresses customised, that is best for her. This has left her surprised over how others are able to fit into ready-to-wear.

“I be like, these BBL girls, how the hell are they even fitting in these dresses? There is no way they have that are not custom.” 

via Imago

Well, she might have not understood the way “BBL girls” fit into dresses, but she definitely has found a way to overcome these fashion struggles.

In fact, she’s making the cash out of it. For instance, she recently inked a deal with the popular fashion brand UGG, best known for their sheepskin boots.

The $24.53 billion-valued brand offered Reese a partnership opportunity that could potentially ease her financial stress. She even attended the 2024 CFDA Fashion Awards for the first time last month.

Dressed in a strapless Simkhai Emma gown with a slit, the Sky forward channeled a Marilyn Monroe vibe, pairing it with a fur coat and her blonde hair. What else would you expect? She strutted down the red carpet alongside Hollywood stars like Blake Lively, Kylie Jenner, and more. Despite being as glamorous as the others, Reese shared her biggest fashion regret.

Angel Reese has faced fashion challenges with her stature, she’s using it to her advantage now

In a recent interview with ‘Harper’s Bazaar’, Reese revealed that heels weren’t her choice growing up, mostly because of her tall frame. But, with time, she started experimenting with her style and now feels “super confident” about her height and is open to “switching things up.” The Chi-Town Barbie is also open to deals that complement her height now.

“Even though I am 6’3″ it is okay to be 6’5″ 6’6″ even when I wear heels,” she says beaming with confidence. But that hasn’t solved her problem of not finding the clothes that fit her right. “It’s really hard for me to find clothes because I am so tall… So whoever wants to sponsor me for being a tall girl,” she offered.

Her confidence has already gotten her more than a few deals and she wouldn’t mind welcoming a few more. The WNBA’s fashion icon previously shared that her league earnings alone aren’t enough to cover her rent.

“I don’t even think that pays one of my bills….I just hope y’all know the WNBA don’t pay my bills at all,” she said during an Instagram live. Yes, it’s true. She lives in an ultra-luxury apartment in Chicago and pays $8,000 a month. While her WNBA salary is $73,439, her annual housing costs are approximately $96,000—quite evidently more than her entire yearly earnings. “I’m living beyond my means,” she joked.

And that’s where her confidence in her body and her brand deals come into play, helping her live beyond her means.