Beyond the Arc (1/5): From Tunnel Fits to Your Exam Day Fits

"Beyond the Arc" chronicles my recent trip to the 2025 WNBA All-Star Weekend (July 18-19) in Indianapolis. This five-part series blends the excitement of All-Star Weekend and the celebration of women’s basketball with practical bar exam tips, advice, and strategies. Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it's that there are bar exam lessons everywhere. From fan experiences to game-day energy, each post offers quick takeaways to keep you motivated and focused on your bar prep journey.

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At the 2025 WNBA All-Star Weekend, ION TV brought the "Tunnel Fits" energy to WNBA Live—a fan celebration packed with interactive experiences, player meets and greets, and, yes, an orange carpet where fans could strut their style like the pros.

ION’s WNBA broadcasts have fully embraced the growing cultural phenomenon of "Tunnel Fits"—those pregame walks where players showcase their personal style as they arrive at the arena. The tunnel walk has evolved into more than just an entrance—it's a fashion statement, a moment of personal expression, and a way for players to engage with fans. ION even takes it a step further with "fit-check tunnel" experiences at select events, like the WNBA All-Star Weekend, giving fans their own runway moment.

Naturally, I had to join in on the fun: orange fur coat, orange cowboy hat, power strut, and a glasses flip straight to camera. Catch this fun video.

I'll admit—part of me hesitated before sharing the video. As a law professor, I know some people might think it's "unserious" or unconventional. But I chose to participate because it supports something bigger: Celebrating ION's commitment to women's sports and showcasing the vibrant culture surrounding the WNBA. The "Tunnel Fits" movement is about confidence, joy, and self-expression, and I wanted to honor that spirit. If we expect our students to show up as their best selves on exam day, we should embrace moments of joy and authenticity in our own lives too.

Participating in ION’s tunnel experience made me realize how much confidence the right outfit can bring. Just like WNBA players use "Tunnel Fits" to express themselves and set the tone before tip-off, you can use your "Exam Day Fits" to channel focus and positive energy before stepping into the testing room.

So here’s the question: What will you wear to help you feel calm, comfortable, and ready to crush the bar exam?

No, you can’t roll into the exam in fur and cowboy hats. But you can and should dress in a way that makes you feel focused, comfortable, and ready to perform your best.

The Exam Day Fit Playbook

First and foremost, be sure to check your specific jurisdiction’s dress code ahead of time so you know exactly what is allowed and can plan accordingly.

With that said, comfort is non-negotiable and should be a priority. You’ll be sitting for six or more hours each day, and the last thing you need is to be distracted by stiff fabric, scratching tags, tight waistbands, or uncomfortable shoes. Choose soft, breathable materials like sweatshirts, fleeces, or lightweight pullovers. Pants or leggings should allow you to sit comfortably for long periods, so skip anything that cuts into your waist or bunches awkwardly. Shoes should be practical—this is not the time to debut anything stiff or fancy. For many, a trusty pair of sneakers provides the perfect combination of cushion and stability.

Next, consider your layering strategy. Testing room temperatures can vary widely—sometimes too cold, other times too warm—and many jurisdictions, including Ohio, advise examinees to dress in layers to stay comfortable throughout the exam. Ohio’s guidelines specifically permit sweatshirts, fleece jackets, and even hoodies (as long as the hood remains down).

Finally, you’ll want to be mindful of additional dress code restrictions. Most bar exam jurisdictions prohibit hats, except for religious or medical reasons, and many discourage or outright ban clothing with logos—especially law school or bar prep branding to avoid perceptions of bias. Items like winter coats, parkas, or puffy vests are not allowed in the testing area and must be stored outside the exam room.

Think of your exam day outfit like you would for a long-haul flight: choose items that help you feel calm and comfortable, minimize fuss, and keep you focused on the task ahead—passing the bar.