The Paris 2024 Olympics promises to be a grand celebration of sport and style, showcasing not only the athletic prowess of competitors but also the creativity and ingenuity of designers. In a city renowned for fashion, the Games are anticipated to blend athletic performance with artistic expression, as nations enlist top brands to create uniforms that are both functional and fashionable. From vibrant colors and innovative materials to traditional motifs and sustainable practices, here we uncover the 8 Kits the athletes will be wearing at the Paris Olympics 2024.
1. Team Canada in lululemon
As one of Canada’s most recognized sportswear brands, lululemon has crafted a standout uniform that embodies the nation’s spirit. The design showcases a dominant palette of red, adorned with intricate prints that reflect Canada’s diverse flora and fauna. Fashion and design commentator Elizabeth Segran notes that the kit represents the country’s cultural richness and its relationship with nature, making it a proud symbol for athletes to wear. The closing ceremony outfit, particularly, has garnered attention with its artwork designed by Indigenous artist Mason Mashon from the Saddle Creek Cree Nation. His depiction of the aurora borealis is integrated into the garment in a fashion-forward manner, blending cultural significance with contemporary style. For Team Canada, these kits not only aim to impress visually but also foster a sense of connection among the diverse athletes representing the country.
2. Team France in Stéphane Ashpool
The host nation, France, is taking the spotlight with a uniquely stylish uniform designed by Stéphane Ashpool, the creative force behind acclaimed streetwear brand Pigalle. With a nostalgic nod to the 1990s, the uniform prominently features the colors of the French flag blue, white, and red presented in a chic and sophisticated manner. Unveiled during Paris Fashion Week, Ashpool’s designs are influenced by athletes’ requests for elegance and bold colors. The kit’s tailoring and fit are strategically crafted for performance while maintaining an aesthetic appeal. Lou Lewer, a designer known for her work on Team GB’s London 2012 uniforms, praises Ashpool’s innovation, particularly noting the stylish integration of tailored elements like leather belts, presenting a harmonious blend of sport and couture.
3. Team GB in Adidas
Adidas returns to outfit Team Great Britain, marking 40 years of partnership with the nation’s athletes. The designs aim to evoke national pride through traditional elements, prominently featuring the block colors of the Union Jack. The desire for connection amongst athletes runs deep, with Lewer explaining how vital it is for them to feel linked not just to their team but to their country’s identity. While Adidas has chosen a conventional approach this year, employing bold representations of the British flag, there’s an underlying consideration of past controversies, especially following the mixed reception of controversial designs in previous years. By playing it safe and honoring the traditional color scheme, Adidas wishes to evoke a sense of reliability and pride.
4. Team USA in Ralph Lauren
For the athletes representing the United States, Ralph Lauren continues its legacy of creating ceremonial outfits characterized by an enduring patriotic spirit. The brand has designed two distinct styles for the opening and closing ceremonies—while the opening attire features tailored blazers, the closing ensemble opts for a more relaxed and casual aesthetic, including race car-style jackets and white jeans. This contrast allows athletes to express different sides of American culture, symbolizing both formality and ease. However, opinions on the opening ceremony outfits have varied, with some feeling the tailored looks evoke a preppy vibe akin to a private school. Nevertheless, the classic representation of the red, white, and blue remains a focal point of pride for Team USA.
5. Team Jamaica in Puma
Known for their sprinting prowess, Team Jamaica’s uniforms designed by Puma seamlessly combine speed and style. Staying true to its roots, the kit prominently incorporates the striking colors of the Jamaican flag: black, yellow, and green. Puma has emphasized the need for performance-driven aesthetics that not only accentuate the athlete’s form but are also visually striking. Arne Freundt, Puma’s CEO, describes the design as an integration of cutting-edge materials and technology aimed at enhancing athletic performance. The engineered jacquard fabric used in the kits is designed to regulate body temperature and ensure breathability, which is paramount for athletes competing under the heat of the summer sun in Paris.
6. Team Portugal in Cariuma
As sustainability becomes an increasing priority in fashion, Brazilian skatewear brand Cariuma rises to the occasion by outfitting Team Portugal’s skateboarding team. Emphasizing eco-friendly practices, the uniforms are crafted from recycled plastic bottles. Lead designer Pedro Andrade took inspiration from Portugal’s vibrant football culture, creating a design that captures excitement and passion. The resulting red jerseys accented with blocks of teal and navy reflect Portugal’s aesthetic. Cariuma successfully combines the essence of skate culture with sustainability, representing a fresh and modern approach to athletic uniforms without compromising on performance, comfort, or style.
7. Team Japan in Asics
Asics continues to embody its commitment to sustainability for Team Japan with uniforms designed to reduce environmental impact. By utilizing recycled materials and renewable energy sources, Asics claims to have reduced greenhouse gas emissions of their podium jackets and track pants by approximately 34% compared to prior Olympics. The design remains minimalist yet striking, focusing on two shades of red described as “Japan red” and “sunrise red.” This palette aims to symbolize the warmth and brightness of a summer morning in Paris, encapsulating both the nation’s identity and the essence of the Olympic spirit. Asics’ emphasis on sustainability symbolizes a hopeful trend towards eco-conscious practices in sportswear.
8. Team Netherlands in The New Originals
The New Originals, a brand known for its dedication to creative clothing, is set to outfit the breakdancing team for the Netherlands, marking the debut of this sport in the Olympic arena. Their design approach is to adapt to the distinct styles and movements of the dancers while incorporating the national colors. The resulting 80s-style tracksuits evoke nostalgia while embodying the vibrant energy of the Netherlands, showcasing the iconic orange from its national football team. This playful, spirited approach is particularly seen in the designs crafted alongside the athletes, ensuring their creative expression is front and center during the Games.
Conclusion
As we prepare for the Paris 2024 Olympics, the excitement surrounding athletes’ uniforms promises to excite both sport and fashion enthusiasts alike. This year’s emphasis on style, tradition, and sustainability reflects the evolving landscape of both sports and fashion, showcasing how the two worlds intersect in unprecedented ways. Each uniform tells a story of its nation, its culture, and its values, making the Olympic Games not just a sporting event, but a celebration of global identity and creativity.
