Fashion of the Olympic Winter Games

Lake Placid Olympic Museum Virtual Exhibit

In the modern Olympic Games, television has enhanced the role of the opening ceremony. Viewers expect a spectacular show and the design of the uniforms worn by each country is one of the main topics commentators discuss. Over the years, the Parade of Nations into the Olympic stadium has become a fashion show.

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Winter Games Fashion

01 of 07

1932 Olympic Winter Games Opening Ceremonies

During the 1932 Olympic Winter Games, the United States Olympic delegation was outfitted by A. G. Spalding. The jackets were designed using traditional American colors. Athletes walked into the Olympic stadium wearing cream-colored wool coats with red buttons and a blue belt.

02 of 07

Worn by Franklin Farrell - 1932 Olympic Ice Hockey Athlete - Silver Medalist

1932 Opening Ceremonies Jacket

This was the traditional color for the United States’ parade uniforms with only a few variations made to the design for the next 36 years.

03 of 07

1940 Olympic Winter Games Fashion

Imagine qualifying for the Olympics, being given your uniform, and then never being able to participate in the Games. Bobsled brakeman, Gus Clain, qualified for the Sapporo Olympics with his team in 1939, but the following year the Games were canceled due to WWII.

04 of 07

Worn by Jeanne Ashworth - 3x Olympic Speedskater - Bronze Medal 1960

1968 Opening Ceremonies Jacket

In 1968, brightly colored parade coats were featured at the Parade of Nations in Grenoble, France. This was the first time the Olympics were broadcast in color. It was after these Games that the Winter Olympics became more popular in the United States.

05 of 07

1980 Olympic Winter Games Opening Ceremonies

The 1980 uniforms were designed by Levi Strauss. The outfit has been described as having an “All-American” style complete with blue jeans, belt buckle, and a cowboy hat. In addition to the opening ceremony uniforms, they also designed many of the team warm-up uniforms.

06 of 07

1980 Olympic Winter Games USA Opening Ceremonies Jacket

This jacket was worn by the Team USA athletes at the Parade of Nations of the 1980 Olympic Winter Games.

07 of 07

Worn by Andrew Weibrecht - 3x Olympic Alpine Skier - Silver and Bronze Medalist

2018 Olympic Winter Games Parade Coat

Over the years, major sponsorship deals have been made with a variety of well-known apparel companies to outfit the United States Olympic teams. American Fashion Designer Ralph Lauren outfitted the U.S. Olympic team from 2010 – 2018.