After being cancelled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Olympic Games are officially kicking off in Tokyo on Friday, July 23 and we can’t wait to dive into all of the sporting brilliance over the coming weeks. While the Olympics has had its fair share of setbacks, there’s one thing that has firmly hit the mark and that’s this year’s team uniforms.
It’s always fun to see what each country dresses its athletes in and it’s even better when well-known designers are involved in the process. While there are a number of fantastic team uniforms this year, there are three that are the standout for us.
It’s pretty hard for a designer to create a collection of uniforms that appeals to everyone visually, is comfortable for the athletes and caters to a variety of bodies. It’s no mean feat, which is why some outfits are more miss than hit. But, these are the best of the best at this year’s games.
Great Britain
Team Great Britain is rocking preppy chic at this year’s Olympics. Designed by iconic British brand Ben Sherman, the opening and closing ceremony uniforms include a version of the brand’s Harrington Jacket — a cult style that has been worn by the likes of Paul Newman and Ryan O’Neal.
The colour palette of the uniforms reflects the national colours of blue, white and red and athletes will be wearing a mixture of button-up shirts, chinos and polo shirts emblazoned with a roaring lion — Britain’s national emblem.
While it can be a tough ask to make Olympic uniforms look cool, Ben Sherman has most definitely achieved this brief with these ’60s inspired preppy-meets-mod outfits.
Liberia
Liberian-American designer Telfar Clemens is responsible for the uniforms for team Liberia. Clemens, whose parents are from the West African country, has skyrocketed in popularity recently thanks to his label Telfar, with Beyoncé recently tapped carrying a Telfar bag.
“They said, ‘Go crazy.’ So I did,” Clemens told The New York Times of creating the uniforms. Clemens created around 70 pieces including leggings, unitards, duffel bags and racking spikes for the Liberian athletes and the result is an ultra-sleek, futuristic-looking collection. There’s definitely a Hunger Games vibe in the clothing, which we happen to love.
United States
Since 2008, Ralph Lauren has had a hand in the Olympic uniforms for team USA and this year is no different. The iconic American brand has designed the clothing for the athletes to wear to the Closing Ceremony, which includes a classic Ralph Lauren polo shirt as well as white pants, a white jacket and a red, white and blue belt.
There is a definite cool factor in these uniforms and the US athletes look ready for a polo party in the Hamptons with their crisp summer whites.
A special mention must also go out to Kim Kardashian and her brand Skims, which is designing the official undergarments, pyjamas and loungewear for the US athletes. These pieces will also be available via the Skims website, should you wish to twin the team.
Designed in the signature minimalist style of Skims, the pieces are super cool and on-trend in the world of loungewear. Think jersey fabrics, muted colours and timeless designs.
