The first modern Olympics took place in 1896 with only 14 nations participating in a collection of just 9 athletic events. Now, the Olympics host over 200 countries in a variety of 40 sports. The pageantry surrounding the competition has also risen, this has been especially evident in the opening ceremonies. A celebration of culture and identity parades across our screens at the opening of every Olympics, but this high level of design does not end with the ceremonies. Instead, it takes the form of uniforms and kits that the Olympians wear in competition. 

This year, the uniforms have been sharp, unique, and the center of many conversations. For every sport, there are several variations given the outerwear the athletes may wear, the locker room styles, and the ceremonial outfits. The stylings of Olympic wear have gone through many changes throughout the years. The Olympic Games shared a flashback of these uniforms in a recent post highlighting different Olympian boxers through the years. 

Needless to say, the Olympic uniforms are an integral part of the Games. The uniforms identify countries, connect with culture, and are photographed day in and day out. With over 200 countries, the designs vary greatly. So, here are some of our favorite stylings and designs of this Olympics! 

1. Team Haiti, Opening Ceremonies

Designed by Stella Jean, the outfits play with structure, pattern, and layering. The designs feature a large pattern across the women’s skirt and the men’s pants, which are a reference to Haitian graphic artist Philippe Dodard’s artwork. Additionally, Stella Jean was inspired by traditional Haitian menswear in the design of the mens’ uniforms. 

2. Team Mongolia, Opening Ceremonies

Team Mongolia partnered with Michel & Amazonka for the designs of their 2024 opening ceremony looks. Michel & Amazonka combined inspiration from the actual opening ceremonies and Mongolia. The details seen in the gold embroidery symbolizes the analogy of Olympians and mountaineers, as well as drawing upon the Mongolian flag with the presence of a falcon. 

3. Team France, Archery Team

Stéphane Ashpool designed this year’s Team France outfits. The chic all-white looks in unison with the red and blue bow mirror the colors of the French flag. The style plays upon the equipment of the sport, with a tight, clean, and sharp mesh top (reminiscent of the sharp arrow head) and flowing pants (the fletching). 

4. Team Canada, Women’s Swimming

The over-wear for the Canadian athletes was designed by Lululemon. The speckled design creates a busy pattern, which bleeds into the white fabrics. Hidden in the design, across the breast of the jacket, are maple leaves, as found on the Canadian flag. 

5. Team Chinese Taipei, Opening Ceremonies

The 2024 Olympics marks the second time that designer Justin Chou has created the opening ceremony looks for Team Taiwan (Chinese Taipei). The suited outfits were quite literally woven with culture. Calling upon other Taiwanese artists, Chou brought together the fabrics by weaving together different fabrics inspired by his fellow artists. Everything about this opening ceremony look was handled with such care -- even the flowers, which were handcrafted. 

6. Team Philippines, Opening Ceremonies

Team Philippines’ opening ceremonies styles were designed by Francis Libiran. Taking inspiration from the native Pintados, Libiran created the pauldron-esque shoulder harness. The design in gold mirrors the stylings of traditional Pintados tattoos, honoring the Visayan people. 

7. Team Czech Republic, Opening Ceremonies

Taking a bold turn in colors and patterns, Team Czech Republic wore ombre like polos with long trench coats. The design comes from Jan Černý who combined inspiration from both Czech culture and Paris. The colors of the flag are balanced in the polos the team wore then literally coated in a jacket, which Černý included as a nod to the fashion in Paris. 

8. Team Sri Lanka, Opening Ceremonies

Honoring both their culture and the feats of the athletes themselves, Team Sri Lanka wore traditional prince and princess outfits, typically saved for royalty. The gold stitches on the jackets of the outfits were all hand-sewn with gold beads. These stunning looks are products of Lovi Ceylon. 

9. Team Portugal, Skateboarding Team

Skateboarding in the Olympics operates in an interesting space between formality and movement. In reflection of the culture of the sport and the honoring of Portugal culture, Team Portugal’s skateboarding team donned this streetwear outfit. Designed by Cariuma, the full look uniquely includes both the color of the Portuguese flag and the flag itself. 

10. Team France, Judo Team

Team France had 3 designers that worked with their team of athletes. Working specifically with the country’s judo team, KENZO created traditional judogi. Like Team Czech Republic, Team France combined inspiration from two countries. KENZO artistic director, Nigo, shares that the design comes from the sport’s origins in Japanese culture.