The legendary apparel manufacturer has partnered with manufacturers across the country to produce costumes for the opening and closing ceremonies, which are also available for sale to the public.
The US Olympic team will wear costumes for the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. Designer Ralph Lauren announced the move on Tuesday..
Team USA’s costumes, which are made entirely in the US, will not be shown on a typical runway walk in Paris, the fashion capital of the world. Instead, the US team will join a contingent of 10,500 athletes on a 3.7-mile boat ride down the Seine River and disembark for the outdoor opening ceremony just outside the Eiffel Tower, marking the first time the ceremony will not be held in a stadium.
The U.S. Olympic team, seen on the banks of the Seine during the Olympics opening party, is dressed in a truly American sensibility, with blue blazers and tapered denim.
Yes, blue jeans. Blue jeans are obviously of American origin, with denim pants dating back to the 1800s as a product of American labor. In the 1950s, blue jeans became a casual fashion item, and their popularity remains strong today.
“Nothing represents America more than blue jeans, especially when we’re in Paris,” Lauren told The Associated Press, “and they give our athletes not only a sense of culture, but a chance to feel themselves and nature.”
“We’ve been working closely with Team USA to ensure that the players can dress up and feel part of the team, but at the same time feel comfortable and American.”
A well-known American fashion maven, Lauren has been designing apparel for the US team since 2008. In 2014, after a controversy over items made in China, Lauren partnered with a top American manufacturer to begin producing the athletes’ entire parade apparel collection in the USA.
And for 2024, Lauren has collaborated with a number of manufacturers across the U.S.
Apparel manufacturers from Maine, New York, California, Oregon and elsewhere partnered with Lauren to create the traditional U.S. Olympic and Paralympic team uniforms, delivering a distinctively American look.
Participating companies include: Ferrara Manufacturing In New York, we produced the blazers and woven shirts for the racing jackets and flag bearer jackets for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies. Andari FashionInc., a California company, was responsible for assembling and manufacturing the knitted ties and polo shirts for the Opening Ceremony and the flag bearer shirt for the Closing Ceremony. Shanik Wool Company Oregon provided wool for the opening ceremony blazers Rancourt & Company of Mainewas responsible for assembling and manufacturing the shoes worn by the players during both ceremonies. Rogue Industries In Maine, they made ceremonial belts. Scitex USA The company assembled and manufactured blue jeans in California.
“Making the belts for Team USA was an exciting and unexpected honor for a small company like ours,” said Michael Lyons, founder of Rogue Industries. A statement posted on Ralph Lauren’s website“To be involved in an endeavor of this magnitude is a powerful reflection of the talent and craftsmanship that still exists in the United States.”
Mike Rancourt, owner of Rancourt & Company, said his employees “look back at the tens of thousands of pairs of shoes they’ve made and the Team USA shoes define their careers.”
For the Opening Ceremony, both men and women will wear a single-breasted navy wool blazer with red and white ribbon trim, a blue and white striped Oxford shirt, washed denim jeans, suede White Buck shoes, and a navy tie for men.
Closing ceremony attire was more casual. Instead of the classic blazers that have become a staple of Ralph Lauren-designed Olympic attire, Team USA wore white racing jackets, white jeans with TEAM USA on the left leg, and Lauren’s classic polo shirts. The jackets, which might be more appropriate for a car racing event, were decorated with numerous patches and the American flag.
“Ralph Lauren has once again created a design that not only captures the essence of American style, but also embodies the spirit and pride of Team USA,” said Sarah Hirshland, CEO of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee. “As Team USA athletes prepare to represent the United States in the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games, this iconic apparel will serve as a symbol of unity and inspiration for both our team and the millions of fans who cheer them on.”
Ralph Lauren’s designs are placing a stronger emphasis on sustainability than in years past, with the U.S. team’s Opening and Closing Ceremony parade uniforms being made from materials such as recycled polyester and U.S.-grown, Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) certified wool.
The 33rd Olympic Games will officially open with an Opening Ceremony on Friday, 26 July. The Closing Ceremony will take place on Sunday, 11 August at France’s national stadium, the Stade de France. The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games will open on Wednesday, 28 August and close on Sunday, 8 September.
Made in the USA Team USA Apparel Now Available for Purchase online. Other Olympic-themed items offered by Ralph Lauren may or may not be made in the USA, so be sure to check the country of origin label.
