Best national uniforms
on parade at Paris Olympics
Paris turned into a grand runway as it hosts the biggest sporting event with style. Earlier today, athletes from 206 countries and the IOC Refugee Olympic Team walked along the River Seine during the opening ceremony.
The quadrennial event has always mixed sports with high fashion, with famous brands like Issey Miyake, Ralph Lauren, and Dior designing uniforms for national teams in the past.
This year’s Olympics continue the “sports-meets-style” tradition, with athletes showcasing their countries through fashion. Here’s a list of the best national uniforms during the traditional parade of nations:
Mongolia
Mongolia’s Olympic uniform, designed by sisters Michel, Amazonka, and Munkhjargal Choigaalaa, has captured attention since its reveal for Paris 2024. Inspired by Mongolia’s traditional women’s costume, the deel, the uniforms were created in just three months. They feature intricate embroideries symbolizing freedom (birds), the nation’s landscapes and hard work (mountains), elegance (gold and silver accents), and national pride (blue, red, and white colors).
Haiti
Italian fashion designer Stella Jean led the design of Team Haiti’s Paris Olympic uniforms. Paying homage to her native Haitian roots, she collaborated with Haitian artist Philippe Dodard by incorporating his artwork into the uniforms. For the female athletes, a full skirt is paired with a chambray shirt woven in Haiti, while the males will sport a field jacket inspired by the Guayabera, a classic Haitian shirt.
Republic of Korea
The Republic of Korea takes sophistication to a whole new level with a clean, lightweight belted suit set up in blue from Musinsa Standard. According to the designer, “the design incorporates a subdued shade of byeokcheong color,” which symbolizes the East, reflecting youthful vigor and progressive spirit.
Philippines
The Philippine representatives – Nesthy Petecio and Carlo Paalam – wore custom-made barong pieces designed by Filipino fashion designer Francis Libiran. Libiran’s “Sinag” embodies the spirit of bravery and combat, featuring Pintados-inspired details that celebrate the nation’s rich culture, history, and heritage, while the sun highlights the stunning beauty of the Philippine islands.
United States of America
American fashion brand Ralph Lauren showcased LeBron James, Simone Biles, and the rest of Team USA in a 14-piece custom collection as they make their debut in Paris 2024. The collection featured a standout preppy blue wool blazer for the Opening Ceremony, while a more race-car white jacket will be worn during the Closing Ceremony. This year’s designs were inspired by the vibrant energy of the host city, incorporating a patriotic homage to the United States’ iconic red, white, and blue colors.
Czech Republic
Alpine Pro’s inspiration for Team Czechia’s Olympic uniform came from 100 years ago in Paris in 1924. This year’s collection featured a multitude of colors—from black bags and jackets to white hoodies, blue tracksuits, and red trainers. Alpine Pro explains that in 1924 some athletes wore white with the national flag, some wore black, and some opted for more comfortable tracksuits. Thus, this year’s collection aimed to combine functionality with design and national color.
