The 2024 Olympic will showcase more than just athletic prowess; they will also serve as a runway for cultural expression and innovative design. This year, national teams have partnered with a variety of designers and brands to create kits that reflect their countries’ identities, celebrate diversity, and push the boundaries of sportswear design. Here’s a look at some of the most memorable outfits and the stories behind them.
Team Canada Olympic Kit: Lululemon Designs Celebrate Diversity and Natural Beauty
Team Canada will wear Lululemon, one of the country’s most recognizable brands, during both ceremonies and podium moments. The kits, primarily red with intricate print decorations, feature elements of Canadian flora and fauna, representing the country’s diverse landscape. Fashion and design analyst Elizabeth Segrani describes the uniform as “the perfect kit” that symbolizes Canada’s growing diversity and helps athletes feel connected to one another.
Mason Mashon, an Indigenous artist from the Saddle Creek Cree Nation, designed Canada’s closing ceremony dress. This design depicts the aurora borealis in a fashionable and meaningful way, showcasing Canada’s natural beauty and cultural depth.
In addition to Lululemon, Team Canada’s volleyball team will don uniforms by Left on Friday, a premium athletic swimwear brand. Designed by Shannon Savage and Laura Lo Ah Key, the kits feature various shades of red, symbolizing Canada’s spirit. This partnership offers significant exposure for the start-up during the 2024 Olympics, known as the “most fashionable Olympics.
Stéphane Ashpool Designs France’s Olympic Kits: A Fusion of 90s Style and French Flag Colors
France’s Olympic uniforms, designed by Stéphane Ashpool of Pigalle, debuted at Paris Fashion Week. Inspired by the 90s and the French flag’s colors, these sleek and vibrant designs resonate with athletes. The archery kit, blending performance wear with tailored elements, sets a new standard for on-field fashion
Adidas Returns as Team GB’s Apparel Partner: Union Jack Colors in Focus
Adidas, Team GB’s official apparel partner for 40 years, presents this year’s designs featuring the iconic block colors of the Union Jack. Designed to evoke a sense of national pride, these uniforms reflect Adidas’ commitment to ensuring athletes feel connected to their team. Fashion designer Lou Lewer suggests this classic approach may address past controversies, ensuring athletes proudly represent their country.
Ralph Lauren Designs Team USA’s Olympic Uniforms: Patriotic Elegance and Casual Cool
Since 2008, Ralph Lauren has crafted Team USA’s ceremony uniforms with a patriotic palette of red, white, and blue. The opening ceremony attire features sophisticated Ralph Lauren tailoring, while the closing ceremony ensembles offer a more casual vibe with race car-inspired jackets and white pants. These designs have sparked mixed reactions, with some likening the opening ceremony look to private school attire.
Puma’s Team Jamaica Kits: Speed, Fashion, and National Pride
Puma has created Team Jamaica’s Olympic kits, featuring the vibrant colors of the national flag: black, bright yellow, and electric green. CEO Arne Freundt describes the design as blending “speed and fashion,” highlighting athletes’ physique and movement. Engineered jacquard fabric and thermoadapt technology ensure heat reduction and breathability, optimizing performance and visual impact.
Cariuma’s Sustainable Skatewear for Portugal: Red, Teal, and Navy Blocks
Cariuma, a Brazilian sustainable skatewear brand, designs uniforms for Portugal, Slovakia, and the Netherlands. Lead designer Pedro Andrade draws inspiration from Portugal’s football culture, crafting a red jersey with teal and navy blocks. Made from recycled plastic bottles, these jerseys offer fast-drying, ultra-breathable fabric ideal for the summer heat in France.
Asics Continues Sustainability Focus for Team Japan: “Japan Red” and “Sunrise Red”
Asics remains Team Japan’s choice for Olympic apparel, emphasizing sustainability with a significant reduction in gas emissions for podium jackets and track pants compared to previous Games. The design features two shades of red: “Japan red” and “sunrise red,” symbolizing the warmth of Paris’ early sky.
Team Netherlands Breakdances in Style with The New Originals
Breakdancing debuts at the Olympics with the Netherlands’ dance squad sporting 80s-style tracksuits by Amsterdam brand The New Originals. These outfits showcase the colors of the Dutch flag and the national football team’s iconic orange, reflecting each athlete’s unique style while blending performance and creativity.
The 2024 Olympics celebrate global fashion and athletic excellence, from Team Canada’s intricate designs to Team Japan’s sustainable innovations. Each uniform embodies cultural pride, diversity, and the essence of the Games, making this year’s Olympics a dazzling display of international flair.