Made In America
Ralph Lauren Unveils USA Made Olympic Ceremony Uniforms for Team USA
This marks the ninth time the iconic American brand has dressed the nation's athletes
NEW YORK — Ralph Lauren has once again taken center stage in the world of sports fashion, unveiling the official uniforms for Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics. This marks the ninth time the iconic American brand has dressed the nation's athletes for both the opening and closing ceremonies, continuing a tradition that began in 2008.
The newly revealed uniforms are a blend of classic American style and modern sustainability, designed to make a statement on the global stage. David Lauren, the company's chief branding and innovation officer, emphasized the importance of creating attire that is both comfortable and representative of American culture. "We aim to make the athletes feel dressed up, part of a team, yet comfortable and distinctively American," he said during a media preview at Ralph Lauren's New York headquarters.
Opening Ceremony: A Blend of Tradition and Modernity
For the opening ceremony, Team USA athletes will don a tailored single-breasted navy wool blazer, accented with red and white tipping. This blazer is paired with a blue-and-white striped oxford shirt and tapered blue denim jeans, creating a look that is both formal and relaxed. The ensemble is completed with classic cream suede buck shoes, adding a touch of timeless elegance.
The flag bearers will stand out with a reverse color scheme, featuring a white blazer with red and blue piping. This design choice not only highlights the flag bearers but also adds a unique twist to the traditional uniform.
David Lauren explained the inspiration behind the design: "We tried to do a look that felt distinctively American — where the athletes look like ambassadors on a global stage. It’s very important that they look comfortable but that there’s also a certain level of formality."
Closing Ceremony: Sporty and Memorable
The closing ceremony uniforms take a more casual and sporty approach. Athletes will wear a moto-style jacket adorned with various patches, paired with white denim jeans featuring ribbing on the knees. The look is completed with a Polo shirt from Ralph Lauren's Create Your Own program, which utilizes flat-knit technology to minimize fabric waste.
"We had a lot of fun because we wanted something that felt sporty, a little more racy, something that’s clearly memorable," Lauren said. The moto-style jacket, with its racing details and bold "USA" lettering, is designed to be both eye-catching and functional, ensuring that athletes feel comfortable and stylish as they celebrate the culmination of the Games.
Sustainability and Innovation
A significant focus of this year's collection is sustainability. The Villagewear line, which athletes will wear outside of the ceremonies, includes Ralph Lauren's first 100% recycled cotton Polo shirt, made using NFW Clarus technology. Other pieces in the collection, such as varsity jackets, vintage-style rugby shirts, and an American flag sweater, are crafted from recycled polyester and USA-grown wool certified under the Responsible Wool Standard program.
David Lauren highlighted the importance of these sustainable practices: "Our feeling is when an athlete walks into a room, you know it’s an athlete. The American team will keep these forever, it’s part of their history. But we want everybody that goes to the Olympics or even watches it on TV to feel the same spirit."
Supporting Team USA
The sale of these uniforms and Villagewear items will benefit Team USA, helping to fund the athletes' travel, training, and other essential needs. "America is one of maybe one or two teams that are not funded by government," Lauren noted. "So the sale of these products helped make it possible for the athletes to compete."
Fans can purchase the Team USA apparel and accessories from Ralph Lauren's stores, website, and the Team USA Shop. The proceeds will support the athletes as they strive for excellence on the world stage.
A Symbol of American Spirit
As the athletes prepare to march into the Stade de France for the opening ceremony on July 26, they will do so in uniforms that embody the spirit of American innovation, sustainability, and style. Ralph Lauren's designs not only celebrate the athletes' achievements but also reflect the brand's commitment to quality and tradition.
In a world where fashion and sport increasingly intersect, Ralph Lauren's latest collection for Team USA stands as a testament to the enduring power of American design and the unifying spirit of the Olympic Games.