The intersection of high fashion and high-stakes athleticism has become an unmissable spectacle at the Olympic Games. While performance remains paramount for athletes, the uniforms they wear have evolved into powerful statements of national identity, cultural pride, and cutting-edge design. This fusion wasn’t always center stage. It took a visionary like Issey Miyake, back in 1992, to truly catalyze this movement when he designed the uniforms for Team Lithuania’s Barcelona Olympics debut. Miyake’s contribution, a pro-bono masterpiece, was lauded for its innovative materials and respectful nod to Lithuanian heritage, proving sportswear could be art.
This pivotal moment shifted the paradigm of Olympic fashion history. Since then, the Games have become a runway for major fashion houses and sportswear giants alike. Designing Olympic uniforms offers brands unparalleled global visibility, driving brand recognition and often, sales. For athletes, it means receiving top-tier, technologically advanced apparel that pushes the boundaries of innovation in materials and design. These uniforms frequently weave in national symbols and traditions, serving as mobile showcases of a nation’s cultural heritage.
As we approach the Paris 2024 Olympics, the symbiotic relationship between fashion and the Games is stronger than ever. Luxury conglomerates like LVMH are stepping into significant sponsorship roles, with iconic houses such as Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Berluti deeply involved in the Paris spectacle. This year promises a dazzling display of sartorial prowess on the Olympic stage. Let’s delve into a detailed overview of the Olympic uniforms that are set to define the fashion landscape of Paris 2024.
Team USA Olympic Uniforms 2024
Ralph Lauren for Team USA
For an impressive ninth time, American fashion icon Ralph Lauren has been entrusted with designing the official uniforms for Team USA, encompassing both Olympic and Paralympic athletes. These signature designs will be prominently featured during the opening and closing ceremonies of the Paris 2024 Olympics, worn by flag bearers and the entire delegation.
The opening ceremony look is a masterclass in classic American style: a navy wool blazer, accented with red and white detailing, paired with a crisp striped oxford shirt, a navy knit tie, light denim jeans with a tapered fit, and sophisticated suede shoes. For the closing ceremony, the athletes will transition to a more sporty aesthetic, sporting moto-style jackets emblazoned with USA patches, classic striped polo shirts, and white denim jeans.
Team USA athletes in Ralph Lauren closing ceremony moto jackets and white denim jeans, showcasing sporty American style for the Paris 2024 Olympics
Ralph Lauren has also curated a “Villagewear” collection, offering more relaxed and casual pieces compared to the formal parade uniforms. Both the official uniforms and the Villagewear line are available for purchase at Ralph Lauren stores, their website, and the Team USA Shop, with a portion of the proceeds directly benefiting Team USA.
Speedo for Team USA
Team USA’s elite swimmers will once again be outfitted by Speedo, a leader in competitive swimwear. Stars like Regan Smith, Caeleb Dressel, Ryan Murphy, Kieran Smith, and Abbey Weitzeil are set to compete in Paris 2024 wearing the groundbreaking U.S. Speedo Federation Suit. This suit incorporates Fastskin 2.0 technology, engineered for peak athletic performance in the water.
The swimsuit is constructed with innovative Lamoral Space Tech, prioritizing both comfort and speed. Its design is also distinctly patriotic, drawing inspiration from the American flag’s iconic colors and patterns.
Close-up of the Speedo Indianapolis Speedway 2024 swimsuit, highlighting advanced swimwear technology for Team USA at the Paris Olympics
Nike for Team USA
Nike continues its role as an official outfitter for Team USA, providing a wide array of apparel and footwear for both the Olympic and Paralympic teams. The athletic giant has developed specialized sportswear and footwear for various Olympic disciplines, including a significant expansion of their partnership with gymnastics through 2028.
Beyond performance wear, Nike is also contributing to athlete wellness through comprehensive support provisions. These initiatives encompass mental health resources and other support systems, aiming to foster a holistic and nurturing environment for athletes both during and outside of competition.
Team France Olympic Uniforms 2024
Berluti for Team France
French luxury house Berluti has taken on the prestigious role of designing the opening ceremony uniforms for Team France at the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics. The collaboration features tuxedo-inspired ensembles, offering distinct options for male and female athletes.
Male athletes will be dressed in midnight-blue tuxedo jackets, featuring a patina-effect shawl collar subtly incorporating the French flag colors. This jacket is paired with matching trousers and Berluti’s signature Shadow trainers, blending formal elegance with athletic comfort. Female athletes have a choice between a sleeveless tuxedo jacket, worn with either tailored trousers or a flowing silk wrap-around skirt, offering versatility and sophistication. The tuxedos are crafted from a blend of cold wool and Lycra, ensuring both wrinkle-resistance and comfort throughout the ceremony.
Team France athletes in Berluti designed midnight blue tuxedo jackets and trousers, showcasing French elegance for the Paris 2024 opening ceremony
Antoine Arnault, chairman of Berluti and head of communication, image and environment at LVMH, emphasized the significance of this opportunity: “It is a unique opportunity for our group and one of our French maisons, Berluti, to dress the French athletes from head to toe for the opening ceremonies. This is one of the most watched events in the world, often with several billion spectators around the globe.”
Stéphane Ashpool for Team France
Stéphane Ashpool, the artistic director and founder of Pigalle, has designed the wider range of uniforms and village outfits for Team France at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Ashpool’s vision prioritizes a blend of coolness, elegance, and modernity, directly responding to the athletes’ desires.
The uniforms, constructed from advanced technical fabrics, feature a clean white base accented with gradient colors. This gradient is intended to represent the rich diversity of France, a facet often underrepresented in mainstream media.
Stéphane Ashpool, artistic director, standing against a blurred background, representing the designer behind Team France's modern Olympic uniforms
Kenzo for Team France
Nigo, artistic director of Kenzo, has brought back the kimono-inspired suit from the brand’s Fall 2023 runway specifically for the French judo team. These navy ensembles will be worn by the athletes at various official events throughout the summer games.
The kimono, with roots in eighth-century Japan, reached its cultural zenith during the Edo period and remains a garment for significant occasions. In judo, its design has been adapted for functionality, with adjustments to length, volume, and fabric thickness to enhance movement and grip. For the French team, the kimono is reimagined as a “sartorial, ceremonial garment,” embodying Kenzo’s signature “East-meets-West” design philosophy.
Other Notable Olympic Uniforms 2024
Team Mongolia, Michel & Amazonka
Team Mongolia’s uniforms, designed by Michel & Amazonka, have already garnered attention, with many considering them frontrunners for best dressed at the Paris 2024 Olympics opening ceremony. The designs feature intricately embroidered vests and caftans, echoing traditional Mongolian dress.
Michel & Amazonka created four distinct looks: two for men and two for women. Flag bearers will have special attire, including traditional pointed Buryat hats and Gutal boots.
Team Mongolia athletes showcasing embroidered vests and caftans, blending traditional Mongolian attire with modern Olympic style
Team Canada, Lululemon
Lululemon is the official outfitter for Team Canada at the Paris 2024 Olympics, marking their second time designing for the Canadian Olympic and Paralympic teams, and their first for a Summer Games.
“Paris 2024 marks the next chapter in our partnership with Team Canada, and we’re excited to have deepened our collaboration with top athletes to design an athlete kit with their needs at the forefront,” said Lululemon CEO Calvin McDonald.
The uniforms prioritize performance, featuring ultralightweight and stretch fabrics, customizable drawcords, strategically placed pockets, SenseKnit technology for thermal comfort, and sweat-wicking fabrics for enhanced breathability. For the opening ceremony, athletes will wear a jacquard bomber jacket with a unique print celebrating Canadian art, architecture, and nature. The closing ceremony will feature a collaboration with Indigenous artist Mason Mashon of the Saddle Lake Cree Nation, with a print inspired by the Aurora Borealis.
Canadian decathlete Damian Warner wearing a Lululemon jacquard bomber jacket, part of the opening ceremony kit for Paris 2024
Team Ireland, Laura Weber
Laura Weber designed Team Ireland’s uniforms for the opening and closing ceremonies of the Paris 2024 Olympics, also creating suits for Ireland’s hospitality staff and executive board.
Weber noted, “I’ve been working on this project for three-and-a-half years. It’s been so under wraps for so long. Now that I’m able to chat about it a little bit more, it’s like, oh my God this is happening.” The uniforms are predominantly white, a nod to the ancient Greek tradition symbolizing hope for the future. Each athlete’s jacket includes an embroidered patch representing their home country.
Team Ireland athletes in white uniforms designed by Laura Weber, embodying hope and national pride for the Paris Olympics
Team Belgium, Fairchild
Dressage rider and designer Alexa Fairchild, granddaughter of WWD’s legendary chairman John B. Fairchild, designed the uniforms for the Belgian national team. Central to the collection is the “Embrace” concept, represented by entwined ribbons in the black, yellow, and red of the Belgian flag, inspired by the country’s coat of arms and motto “unity makes strength.”
The ribbon motif symbolizes support, connection, flexibility, speed, and the hope for medals. Athletic brand Peak Sport will manufacture the apparel for various occasions, while formalwear for the opening ceremony is designed by Caroline Biss for women and Café Costume for men.
Team Belgium athletes showcasing Fairchild designed apparel with "Embrace" ribbons, symbolizing unity and support for Paris 2024
Team Haiti, Stella Jean
Designer Stella Jean created Team Haiti’s uniforms for the Paris 2024 Olympics, featuring artwork by Haitian painter Philippe Dodard, specifically his piece “Passage.” The 15-athlete team will wear these uniforms at the opening ceremony.
The women’s uniform includes a full skirt adorned with Dodard’s artwork, paired with a chambray shirt made from Haiti’s traditional “blue cotton.” A sleeveless blazer crafted from recycled fabric, featuring the Haitian Olympic emblem, completes the look. For men, the uniform features pants showcasing Dodard’s motif, a field jacket inspired by the traditional Guayabera shirt, a striped shirt, and a printed scarf.
Team Spain, Joma
Team Spain’s uniforms for the Paris 2024 Olympics are designed by Spanish sportswear brand Joma. The collection draws inspiration from the carnation flower, a significant symbol in Spanish culture, aiming to fuse tradition with modernity.
The uniforms prominently feature the red and yellow of the Spanish flag in both podium outfits and opening/closing ceremony looks, reinforcing national pride.
Team Spain athletes in Joma designed uniforms with red and yellow, embodying Spanish national colors and carnation flower inspiration
Team Great Britain, Ben Sherman
British brand Ben Sherman will dress Team Great Britain for the opening and closing ceremonies, marking the 20th anniversary of their first Olympic collaboration at the 2004 Athens Games.
Rachel Terrace, chief brand officer at Marquee Brands, stated, “This time, the designs reflect the evolving landscape of British fashion and cultural identity. The ceremonial wear and retail capsule collection for Paris 2024 embodies a fresh perspective characterized by vibrant patterns, intricate detailing and renewed energy.” The collection includes motifs like a deconstructed Union Jack and a logo incorporating symbolic flowers from the UK’s four nations.
Team Sierra Leone, Labrum
Adidas unveiled the official team kit for Sierra Leone in collaboration with London-based label Labrum. This partnership reflects the heritage of Labrum’s founder, Foday Dumbuya, a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design.
The collection integrates cultural elements, such as windbreakers featuring a white and cobalt blue print inspired by cowrie shells, historically symbolizing wealth and prestige in African culture. Dumbuya expressed that the collaboration “not only embodies the hopes and dreams of these athletes but also serves as a beacon of joy and unity as they compete on the world stage.”
Team Sierra Leone athletes in Labrum designed Adidas kits with cowrie shell inspired prints, representing African heritage and Olympic aspirations
Team Australia, Sportscraft & Speedo
Sportscraft created the official uniforms for Team Australia for the Paris 2024 Olympics, featuring an ombré green and gold print reminiscent of an Australian sunset, symbolizing national colors. Men will wear single-breasted blazers with chino shorts, while women have the option of double-breasted blazers with shorts or pleated skirts. Each blazer includes the Australian Olympians’ Oath and names of past champions. Indigenous artwork is featured on accessories.
Team Australia athletes in Sportscraft uniforms with ombré green and gold, symbolizing Australian colors and heritage for Paris 2024
Speedo is the official swimwear supplier for Team Australia, creating high-performance suits in Australia’s green and gold, designed for various aquatic sports.
Team Australia swimmers in Speedo swimwear, highlighting performance driven designs in Australian green and gold for the Paris Olympics
Team Ukraine, 4F
Polish brand 4F designed Team Ukraine’s official uniforms for the Paris 2024 Olympics, featuring wheat motifs and traditional embroidery, symbolizing growth and prosperity. The unveiling in Kyiv showcased top Ukrainian Olympians modeling the uniforms, emphasizing team pride and readiness.
Team Ukraine athletes in 4F designed uniforms with wheat motifs and embroidery, symbolizing growth and Ukrainian heritage for the Paris Olympics
Team Japan, Asics
Asics is the official sportswear provider for Team Japan at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The collection’s primary color is “Sunrise Red,” creating a gradient effect on the “Podium Jacket.” It features the “Yagasuri” graphic, a traditional Japanese pattern symbolizing determination and strength. Asics prioritizes eco-friendly materials and recyclable shoe designs.
Team Japan athletes in Asics Sunrise Red uniforms with Yagasuri graphics, representing Japanese determination and eco-conscious design
Team Brazil, Riachuelo
Riachuelo created Team Brazil’s collection for the Paris 2024 Olympics, drawing inspiration from Brazilian heritage. The uniforms include Havaianas flip-flops, striped shirts, and embroidered jackets in green, blue, and yellow, referencing the Brazilian flag. Designs incorporate Brazilian biodiversity with fauna and flora elements.
Team China, Anta
Anta designed Team China’s uniforms, incorporating traditional Chinese elements. The primary colors, red and yellow, symbolize the Chinese flag and represent good fortune and happiness in Chinese culture. Anta utilized advanced fabric technologies for stylish and functional uniforms enhancing athlete performance.
Team China athletes in Anta designed red and yellow uniforms, incorporating Chinese cultural elements and advanced fabric technology
Team India, Tarun Tahilian
Designer Tarun Tahiliani crafted the ceremonial attire for Team India. Male athletes will wear a kurta Bundi set, while female athletes will wear elegant saris with ikat-inspired digital prints in saffron and green, with blue buttonholes representing the Ashoka Chakra. The sari is paired with sneakers adorned with traditional Benares brocade, emphasizing the Indian flag’s tricolor palette.
Team India athletes in Tarun Tahiliani designed ceremonial attire, showcasing kurta Bundi sets and saris with Indian flag colors and traditional craftsmanship
Team Türkiye, Vakko
Turkish luxury brand Vakko, celebrating its 90th anniversary, designed Team Türkiye’s outfits for the Paris 2024 Olympics, marking the 100th anniversary of Turkey’s first participation in the Games. The designs, in red and white with touches of sky blue for peace, include travel outfits for athletes.
Team Uganda, IGC Fashion
Ugandan streetwear label IGC Fashion designed Team Uganda’s breakdance team uniforms for the Paris Olympics, which are 100 percent upcycled. Over 200 garments were used to create 56 colorful, patchwork pieces, in partnership with the breakers and the French Embassy’s Solidarity Fund for Innovative Project.
Team Uganda breakdance team in IGC Fashion upcycled patchwork uniforms, representing sustainable fashion and Ugandan streetwear style
Team Nigeria, Actively Black
Actively Black, a Los Angeles-based label, designed Team Nigeria’s outfits for the Paris Olympics. The uniforms feature traditional Nigerian prints in the Nigerian flag’s black, green, and white palette. Ceremonial outfits include “senator suit” inspired vests for men and buba dresses for women, with gele and fila hats as accessories.
Team Nigeria athletes in Actively Black designs featuring traditional Nigerian prints in black, green, and white, celebrating Nigerian heritage and fashion
Team Switzerland, On
Swiss sportswear label On designed uniforms for the Swiss Olympic and Paralympic team. The 24-piece lineup, dominated by white and red, nods to the Swiss flag and uses color gradients inspired by the coats of arms of Switzerland’s 26 cantons, symbolizing unity.
Team Switzerland athletes in On designed white and red uniforms with gradient color accents, symbolizing Swiss unity and athletic performance
Team Mexico, Men’s Fashion
Men’s Fashion, a contemporary brand, created Team Mexico’s uniforms for the Paris 2024 Olympics. The ceremonial uniforms feature pink and white jackets adorned with black sketches celebrating Mexican cultural heritage, under the “Victoria Alada” theme, referencing the Angel of Independence.
Team Mexico athletes in Men's Fashion pink and white jackets with black sketches, celebrating Mexican cultural heritage and the Angel of Independence
Team Chinese Taipei, Just In XX
Just In XX designer Justin Chou designed the opening ceremony outfits for athletes from Chinese Taipei for the second time, blending innovative techniques and traditional crafts. Uniforms feature 3D jacquard fabrics, labels from wood pulp and oyster shells, and Chunzai flowers. Collaborations include painter Paul Chiang, artisan Yan Yu-Ying, and typography designer Kokia Lin, alongside weaving artist Lin Pei-Ying, who created lapel pins.
Team Taiwan athletes in Just In XX designed uniforms featuring 3D jacquard fabrics and traditional crafts, blending innovation and Taiwanese heritage
Team Taiwan athletes in Just In XX designed uniforms showcasing detailed craftsmanship and innovative textile use for the Paris Olympics
Medal Bearers, Louis Vuitton
Louis Vuitton, an official Paris 2024 Olympics partner, designed 1920s-inspired outfits for the 515 medal bearers. Antoine Arnault described the unisex uniforms as “elegant, sober, comfortable,” comprising polo shirts, loose pants, and gavroche caps, nodding to the 1924 Paris Olympics and the birth of sportswear.
Models showcasing Louis Vuitton designed 1920s-inspired uniforms for Paris 2024 Olympic medal bearers, blending vintage style with modern comfort
Conclusion
The Olympic uniforms for Paris 2024 showcase a remarkable convergence of fashion, national pride, and athletic excellence. From Ralph Lauren’s classic American elegance for Team USA to Berluti’s French sophistication for Team France, and the culturally rich designs from nations around the globe, each uniform tells a unique story. Designers have skillfully blended high-performance materials with symbolic elements, creating garments that are not only functional for athletes but also visually striking and deeply meaningful. The Paris 2024 Olympics will undoubtedly be remembered not just for the sporting achievements, but also for the impressive display of global fashion and design innovation on the world stage.
