Ralph Lauren unveiled Team USA’s opening ceremony uniforms for the Rio 2016 Olympics on July 29, 2016, and said every piece was made in the USA.
The uniforms
For the Aug. 5 opening ceremony, U.S. athletes would wear white denim jeans, patriotic T-shirts, navy blazers with the Polo Pony emblem, and red, white and blue striped boat shoes, USA Today reported.
To make the uniforms, Ralph Lauren said it worked with more than 40 USA partners and manufacturers. David Lauren, the company’s executive vice president of global advertising, marketing and corporate communications, called producing the volume “exciting” and “complicated.” About 1,100 uniforms were needed for U.S. athletes and officials at the Olympics and Paralympics.
“So much of the (clothing) manufacturing has gone overseas,” Lauren said. “We’re learning, and hopefully with each Olympics we’re helping to create more jobs and helping to create more product and it might inspire any other brands to do the same.”
Blazers from Rochester
The team’s blazers were produced by Hickey Freeman and manufactured in Rochester, N.Y. Sen. Chuck Schumer called it “a match made in heaven.” He said, “When it comes to dressing our Olympic Team ‘Made in America’ means ‘Made in Rochester.’”
For later Games, see the Tokyo opening ceremony outfits.
FAQ
Who made the uniforms?
Ralph Lauren, working with more than 40 USA partners and manufacturers.
Where were the blazers made?
By Hickey Freeman in Rochester, N.Y.
How many uniforms were produced?
About 1,100 for athletes and officials at the Olympics and Paralympics.
Source & credit
Source: USA Today: “Exclusive: See Team USA’s Olympic opening ceremony uniforms”, July 29, 2016.