January 21, 2022
Ralph Lauren, Nike, Others Release Team USA Olympics Gear
Among the items for the 2022 Winter Olympics is Ralph Lauren’s Opening Ceremony parade jacket that uses smart insulation to adjust to the wearer’s body temperature.
The 2022 Winter Olympics are right around the corner, and Team USA will be arriving in style. Ralph Lauren, Nike and other brands have created special collections for athletes and fans. This year, there’s no shortage of apparel for all of us to support Team USA from home.
Ralph Lauren is no stranger to Olympics apparel – the brand has been the outfitter of Team USA since 2008. The official athlete uniforms were unveiled Thursday, Jan. 20.
.@Team USA #WinterOlympics Opening Ceremony uniforms were unveiled today. The sustainable @RalphLauren outfits use “Intelligent Insulation” that expands and contracts in changing temperatures – no batteries or wires needed. Recycled polyester fiber is made of plastic bottles. pic.twitter.com/eafbhwYzx6
— Pattrn (@pattrn) January 20, 2022
Ralph Lauren says its official Opening Ceremony parade outfit incorporates a temperature-responsive fabric that adapts to the cold by expanding to create insulation. The technology allows the garment to transition between multiple seasons, without the need for battery-powered or “wired” tech. The designer partnered with technology company Skyscrape, which developed the “intelligent insulation” technology after years of research, including the creation of bespoke machines and a proprietary production process. Sustainability is also a key aspect in the collection, as every item incorporates polyester fiber made from recycled plastic bottles.
Much of the athlete’s gear is provided by Nike. This includes the newly redesigned USA Hockey jerseys, which were first unveiled in September.
Athletes who earn a medal in the games will have the opportunity to sport a special Nike collection made just for the podium. Nike is taking on an “icy blue” look this year for the medal stand collection. The high-tech apparel has many advanced features including a quick-release magnetic buckle and side-vent zippers, according to the Team USA website. The collection is also made with sustainable materials.
Icy blues. 🥶@Nike fits for the medal stand. pic.twitter.com/Cl89k1PUod
— Team USA (@TeamUSA) January 21, 2022
Nike and Ralph Lauren aren’t the only ones helping Team USA look its best at the Olympics. After becoming the first supplier of undergarments to Team USA in 2021 for the Tokyo games, Kim Kardashian’s shapewear brand, SKIMS, is once again partnering with Team USA for a 2022 Winter Olympics collection, which features female athletic apparel, sleepwear and loungewear. The collection will be released on Jan. 25.
Introducing @SKIMS for @TeamUSA: a special collection celebrating the female athletes participating in the 2022 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. pic.twitter.com/C78ts6r7Ms
— Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) January 13, 2022
While many of the apparel items provided to the athletes are available to fans at home, there are many other more affordable options for fans looking to support Team USA. Popular sports gear website, Fanatics, recently released a wide array of options ahead of the Winter Olympics. Some items include a T-shirt that features a mountain design which retails for $27.99, and a navy hoodie adorned with “Team USA” across the chest that sells for $64.99.
Whether competing in Beijing or watching from your couch, Team USA athletes and fans alike will be able to represent the U.S. in style this year.