For the upcoming Summer Olympics, Ralph Lauren continues its tradition of designing uniforms for Team USA, a partnership that has been ongoing since 2008. This year’s collection is set to debut in Paris, showcasing a blend of Americana and preppy athleisure inspired by the vibrant host city. The collection features the patriotic colors of red, white, and blue.
David Lauren, chief branding and innovation officer at Ralph Lauren, shared his excitement about the new designs at a preview event on Monday. “We’re thrilled to be dressing Team USA once again,” he told CNN. “Our collaboration with the athletes and the Olympic Committee has resulted in a collection that reflects America’s story. We want our athletes to feel like ambassadors of American culture, leadership, and sportsmanship on the world stage.”
A New Take on American Style
At the opening ceremony, where Olympians will travel down the River Seine on boats towards the iconic Trocadéro, Team USA athletes will don a classic navy blazer with red and white accents, a striped Oxford shirt, a navy knit tie, and light denim jeans. For the closing ceremony, the athletes will wear a racecar-style jacket with USA patches, a striped polo, and white jeans.
Paralympic swimmer Jamal Hill, who won bronze at the 2020 Tokyo Games, praised the collection’s blend of classic and contemporary styles. “This collection does a great job of mixing traditional American fashion with modern touches,” he told CNN. Hill joked about the closing ceremony look, saying, “I’m ready to wear this to an all-white party, but I wish I could enjoy it more at home before summer ends.”
Flag bearers at the opening and closing ceremonies will have unique versions of these outfits to help them stand out. Additionally, athletes will receive items from the “Villagewear” collection, a commemorative line that includes jackets, sweaters, rugby shirts, joggers, and more, all featuring Ralph Lauren’s signature style. Notably, this year’s collection includes a “100% recycled” polo shirt, a first for the brand.
Sarah Hirshland, CEO of the US Olympic & Paralympic Committee, expressed her admiration for the new designs. “Ralph Lauren has once again captured the essence of American style while embodying the spirit and pride of Team USA,” she said. “These uniforms are a symbol of unity and inspiration for our team and the millions of fans supporting them.”
