Olympic fashion, athletes’ outfits break the internet at Paris 2024
A rider dressed in a Jeanne Friot outfit delivers the Olympic flag during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, Paris, France, July 26, 2024. (Photo via Instagram / @jeannefriot)
The 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris isn’t just about athletic feats and record-breaking performances. This year, the games have become a dazzling display of Olympic fashion, with each country’s team donning unique uniforms that reflect their cultural heritage, design innovation, and commitment to sustainability.
The opening ceremony on July 26 transformed the event into a grand spectacle where sports and style intertwined seamlessly. For those intrigued by the intersection of fashion and global events, there were standout designs that have turned the Olympic stage into a global runway.
Mongolia’s traditional deel design impresses at opening ceremony
Mongolia’s uniforms, designed by the couture label Michel & Amazonka, have captivated audiences and fashion critics alike. Inspired by traditional Mongolian deel, the uniforms feature intricate embroidery representing national symbols like the moon, sun, and mythical deer.
The designers, Michel and Amazonka Choigaalaa, noted the immense effort involved, stating, “Each uniform took dozens of hours to make.” Social media users hailed Mongolia’s uniforms as the best-dressed team, with comments like “Absolutely stunning. Team Mongolia gets the gold for most incredible uniforms.”
Canada combines functionality, style in Olympic uniforms
Canada’s uniforms, crafted by Lululemon, strike a perfect balance between style and functionality. The red-and-white jacquard bomber jackets, adorned with maple-leaf motifs, are designed with performance-enhancing features such as four-way stretch fabric and customizable drawcord.
Lululemon emphasized that the designs cater to athletes’ needs, ensuring both comfort and style. Audrey Reilly, creative director for Team Canada, highlighted this focus, saying, “When you feel your best, you perform your best.” This innovative approach resulted in one of the most inclusive and adaptable collections yet.
Ralph Lauren’s classic American look for team USA
For the ninth consecutive time, Ralph Lauren has delivered a quintessentially American look for Team USA. Athletes wear navy blazers with red and white trimming, striped Oxford shirts, and denim jeans, embodying classic American style.
Ralph Lauren’s commitment to sustainability shines through, with the uniforms made from recycled polyester and Oregon-grown Responsible Standard wool.
Sarah Hirshland, CEO of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee, praised the designs, stating, “Ralph Lauren has created designs that capture the essence of American style and the spirit of Team USA.”
Haiti’s vibrant cultural display through Stella Jean’s designs
Haiti’s uniforms, designed by Haitian-Italian designer Stella Jean, vividly reflect the country’s rich culture and artisanship. Jean incorporated local artist Philippe Dodard’s artwork into the bold prints of the uniforms, which symbolize hope and renewal.
Jean remarked, “These athletes have already won the most important medal by their very presence in Paris. The winning category: human sustainability.” Women athletes wear skirts paired with chambray shirts, while men don field jackets inspired by the traditional Haitian Guayabera shirt. This vibrant design celebrates Haiti’s cultural heritage and resilience.
Chinese Taipei blends sustainability with traditional craftsmanship
Chinese Taipei’s uniforms, designed by Justin Chou of JUST IN XX, masterfully blend sustainability with traditional craftsmanship. The suits feature prints from Taiwanese artist Paul Chiang’s “Mountain Range of Taiwan” and include elements like lapel pins made from banana fiber and traditional woven fabrics.
Chou’s innovative typography design transforms “Chinese Taipei” into “Cheer On” through an optical illusion, adding a unique and modern twist. The use of sustainable materials and traditional techniques highlights the nation’s commitment to environmental responsibility and cultural preservation.
France displays luxury, elegance with Berluti’s tuxedos
France, the host nation, brought a mix of tradition and modernity to their Olympic uniforms. The French athletes wore custom-tailored tuxedos by Berluti, exuding the elegance of French fashion while embracing sustainable practices.
The tuxedos, crafted from midnight-blue wool with lapels in shades of blue and red, reflect the colors of the French flag. Berluti’s designs aim to evoke pride within their athletes as they pursue greatness on home soil. The use of fabric scraps for suit pockets and scarves further emphasizes the brand’s dedication to sustainability.
Great Britain unites nations with Ben Sherman’s design
Great Britain’s uniforms, designed by Ben Sherman, feature a white bomber jacket with navy sleeves and floral embroidery representing the four nations of the UK. The contemporary yet timeless design symbolizes unity and national pride, making a striking visual impact during the opening ceremony.
The jacket is paired with a knitted polo showcasing a geometric red-and-blue pattern, crafted from an organic cotton blend, and oxford trousers with a Union Flag waistband. This design beautifully encapsulates the unity and diversity of the United Kingdom.
Sierra Leone’s cultural heritage celebrated in Adidas collaboration
Adidas, in collaboration with the London-based fashion label Labrum, produced the official Olympic team kit for Sierra Leone. The collection includes windbreakers adorned with a distinctive white and blue print inspired by cowrie shells, symbols of prestige across many African countries.
Labrum’s founder, Foday Dumbuya, emphasized the importance of celebrating Sierra Leone’s cultural heritage through this modern yet culturally significant design. The collaboration aimed to create a unified and vibrant visual identity for the Sierra Leone team.
Australia celebrates indigenous art in Sportscraft designs
Australia’s uniforms, designed by Sportscraft, proudly showcase the country’s heritage. The green blazers with gold buttons, green-and-gold ombre skirts for the women, and khaki shorts for the men reflect Australia’s beaches, crops, and forests.
Sportscraft incorporated indigenous artwork into the looks, featuring scarves printed with “Walking Together” by Olympic boxer Paul Fleming and pocket squares with “Ngalmun Danalaig” by artist David Bosun. These elements celebrate Australia’s cultural diversity and honor its indigenous heritage.
