In April, Ralph Lauren unveiled the Team USA uniforms for the closing ceremony of the 2016 Olympics. The outfits—complete with striped tops, white shorts, and button ups—were giving us serious Cape Cod vibes. And today, Ralph Lauren revealed the opening ceremony outfits, which have a similar *nautical* look. There's a crisp, navy blazer that's nearly identical to the one the team wore at the 2012 London Games. Then, there's white pants for both the men and women, paired with a red, white, and blue striped shirt under the blazer. And to top it all off: some fancy boating shoes in USA colors, natch. The athletes can go straight from the opening ceremony to sailing if they please! (But hopefully they won't get into Rio's feces-contaminated water.)
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According to a press release from Ralph Lauren, athletes will also wear "striped cotton bracelets and navy grosgrain belts" as accessories. (No hats this year, sadly—I love a good Olympic beret.) The coolest detail of the outfits: The Team USA flag bearer will have his or her blazer tricked out with "electroluminescent panels" to literally light the way as they guide in the athletes during the Opening Ceremony parade. The lucky flag bearer will be announced before August 4.
So, overall thoughts on the outfits: Pretty classic, simple, and tasteful. And all of the clothes were made in the U.S., showing Ralph Lauren learned from that London 2012 uniform debacle. But boating shoes? Definitely an unexpected touch. But I guess that means there's less chance an athlete will slip while walking in the stadium? Way to look out for Team USA, Ralph Lauren. (But don't hate me while I still admire Cuba's Louboutin-designed outfits. I need those heels!)
You can see Team USA strut their stuff in the Opening Ceremony on Friday, August 5. We're just a week away, people!
Related:
- The 2016 USA Olympic Uniforms Will Get You Excited For The Rio Games
- The Dangers That Olympians Face When They Swim In Rio’s Feces-Contaminated Water
- Aly Raisman Returns to Captain the 2016 U.S. Olympic Gymnastics Team
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Photo Credit: Twitter @TeamUSA