Olympic opening ceremony uniforms are usually pretty blah. Remember what the U.S. Olympic team wore in London two years ago? Didn't think so.
But this time could be different.
Ralph Lauren has unveiled what Team USA will wear to the opening ceremonies of the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia on Feb. 6 and they're the smartest, snazziest-looking uniforms ever.
These look like clothes you could actually wear. And you can.
The highlight is a red, white and blue knit cardigan with patchwork designs of stars and stripes, Olympic rings and the year 2014. The cardigan is paired with a cream cotton turtleneck sweater, white fleece athletic pants, sporty black leather boots with red laces, a cotton belt accented with jacquard tape featuring patriotic graphics, and a knit cap with the American flag.
These look like clothes you could actually wear. And you can. The cardigan, which retails for $595, is available online, with the entire purchase price donated to the U.S. Olympic Committee. All other Olympic gear is available for sale on the Lauren site or at selected Lauren stores. (A Lauren spokeswoman says that while the Galleria Lauren store won't carry the items, they can easily order whatever customers want for home delivery.)
One reason for the more accessible look: Since Sochi has a temperate climate (the high Wednesday was 54 degrees), Lauren didn't have to create such a bulky style. But in case it gets colder, Olympians can throw on a double-breasted navy peacoat emblazoned with the official logo of the U.S. Olympic team and the signature Lauren polo pony (it retails for $795).
The uniform is entirely made in the USA, as the designer utilized more than 40 American vendors to create the look. The company generated a whirlwind of controversy in 2012 when it was revealed that part of the London Olympics uniforms were made in China — and apparently learned its lesson.
The U.S. Olympic team will wear red, white and blue cardigans at the opening ceremonies of the Sochi Olympics.
Shoppers will line up at Katy Mills Mall as Primark opens its first Houston area store on November 20.Photo courtesy of Primark/Instagram