During a period characterized by significant political and cultural shifts and increasing division concerning American identity, Ralph Lauren faces the challenging responsibility of designing Team USA’s attire for the upcoming Milan Games, aiming to visually project a unified image of contemporary America to the world.

“We consistently gravitated towards emphasizing everything in white,” stated David Lauren, chief branding and innovation officer at Ralph Lauren Corporation. “We felt that the purity and simplicity offer a fresh perspective, which is greatly needed at a time marked by so much complexity, numerous challenges, and global events. White appears to resonate.”

Team USA will enter the Opening Ceremonies wearing mid-length white wool toggle coats, paired with tailored wool trousers and a classic American flag sweater, topped with a tasseled knit beanie. Lauren indicated that the designers considered not only the appearance of a single outfit but also the collective impact of several hundred uniforms viewed together. He explained, “You must envision not just one look, but hundreds of athletes, coaches, and staff walking in unison, and the power conveyed by white and its message.”

The Closing Ceremonies ensemble is designed to be more relaxed, adhering to tradition, but maintains a white foundation with white barrel pants worn under a red ski jacket.

The Village wear, always a popular daily wardrobe choice for athletes during the Games, features unexpected feedback this year. While athletes had not previously favored turtlenecks, this year, “they expressed their fondness for them and requested more, so we provided additional styles,” Lauren explained.

The collection also includes a sheepskin bomber jacket, reminiscent of the flight jackets first produced by the U.S. Army Aviation Clothing Board to keep pilots warm in open-air cockpits during World War I. “We strive to incorporate iconic products and pieces that are integral to American culture,” Lauren noted. “Our aim was to balance these classic items with being fashion-forward and ensuring their accessibility.” The bomber style holds particular nostalgic significance, as it was his father’s signature look when he founded the company, selling men’s ties door-to-door.

Lauren was keenly aware that with the Games taking place in Milan, a major global fashion capital, all eyes would be on how Team USA presented itself. “Yes, we recognized the imperative to elevate our performance,” he commented. Instead of attempting to emulate Italian couture, he shared that the team drew inspiration from well-established fashion items or silhouettes, such as the toggle coat (derived from the British military) and finely tailored Italian trousers, imbuing them with a distinctively American style. He elaborated, “We represent a blend, a melting pot of global styles, which are filtered through American culture, becoming refreshed, refined, and viewed through a uniquely American lens.” He concluded, “It’s a style that appeals to people worldwide but is unmistakably and iconically American.”

Beyond their stylish appearance, Team USA’s uniforms will also incorporate innovative technology. Nike is supplying medal-winners with ThermaFIT Air Milano jackets, which feature an integrated air-pumping system that inflates for insulation if athletes desire more warmth. This technology enables athletes to wear a single jacket and adjust their desired warmth level without needing to wear multiple layers.