Uniforms worn during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony reveal how slow fashion informed the approach to materials, construction, and performance.
During the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony, national uniforms once again became one of the most closely watched elements of the Games, reflecting how slow fashion and athletic brands present themselves on a global stage.
Opening Ceremony uniforms occupy a specific role within the Olympic wardrobe: they are worn repeatedly across ceremonies, official appearances, media obligations, and time spent in the Olympic Village, beyond the opening night itself. Unlike competition kits, which are engineered for a single sport, these garments are designed for durability, visibility, and broad representation, making material and construction choices particularly consequential.
The opening ceremony placed a wide range of design approaches in direct view, bringing together luxury fashion houses, global athletic brands, and heritage manufacturers, creating an unusually clear view of how different sectors approach Olympic outfitting. Some relied on traditional fibers and tailoring, others on modular performance systems, and a smaller number addressed what would happen to the garments after the Games. The throughline: slow fashion and craftsmanship.
Team USA and Ralph Lauren, ‘creating dreams’
The United States delegation wore Opening Ceremony uniforms designed by Ralph Lauren, continuing the brand’s long-standing relationship with Team USA. The uniforms featured winter-white wool coats, wool trousers, and intarsia-knit sweaters incorporating the American flag and Olympic rings, paired with knit accessories and lace-up boots.
In announcing the collection, Ralph Lauren described the uniforms as an extension of its broader design philosophy. David Lauren said, “Our design philosophy has always been about creating dreams and telling stories through style, and these uniforms, both timeless and modern, reflect the passion, optimism, and relentless pursuit of excellence that embody the American spirit.”
The emphasis on wool aligns with Ralph Lauren’s broader Olympic outfitting strategy over the past decade. Wool has featured prominently across the brand’s recent Olympic collections, positioned as both a ceremonial fabric and a practical one, valued for insulation, breathability, and longevity. In contrast to lightweight synthetic uniforms seen at previous Games, the Milano Cortina kit leaned into weight, structure, and repairability — qualities that support repeated wear across the Olympic calendar.
The brand has previously detailed its partnership with Oregon-based Shaniko Wool Company, which supplies traceable American merino wool for select Ralph Lauren collections, including Olympic uniforms. The company has described the partnership as supporting domestic wool production and long-term material sourcing.
Performance, recycling, and cultural craft across other teams
Canada’s Olympic and Paralympic teams were outfitted by Lululemon, marking the brand’s third Games as the country’s official outfitter. The uniforms were developed with athlete input and included adaptive features intended to support a wide range of competitors across Olympic and Paralympic disciplines.
For Milano Cortina, Lululemon framed the uniform as an all-day system rather than a single ceremonial look, designed to transition between training, competition support, travel, and official appearances. The approach reflects how performance brands increasingly treat Olympic uniforms as extended-use apparel rather than symbolic costume.
“Lululemon went above and beyond to listen to and implement the feedback of myself and other Paralympians,” Paralympian Natalie Wilkie said in a statement. “It’s incredible to see specific designs and details throughout the kit that are thoughtfully considered for the needs of Paralympic athletes.”
Sweden’s delegation wore uniforms designed by Uniqlo. Uniqlo has previously applied its fabric technology platforms — developed for mass-market performance apparel — to national teams, and the Swedish Olympic uniforms continued that strategy. By integrating the collection into its existing recycling infrastructure, the brand positioned Olympic outfitting within a broader product lifecycle rather than as a one-off event. The collection features technical, eco-friendly apparel like HEATTECH, DRY-EX, and recycled materials designed for athlete comfort and performance. Uniqlo also confirmed plans to collect the Swedish team’s uniforms after the Games for textile recycling as part of its existing Re.Uniqlo initiative.
Finland’s team was outfitted by Finnish brand Luhta. The uniforms emphasized their connection to Nordic design sensibilities, with an emphasis on outerwear suitable for winter conditions. Public reporting referenced Finland alongside other Nordic teams considering reuse and recycling approaches, though specific garment details were not widely disclosed.
Mongolia’s uniforms drew attention for a different reason. Designed by Goyol Cashmere, the garments referenced traditional Mongolian dress, featuring tailored silhouettes and natural fibers associated with the country’s textile heritage. Unlike technical or performance-driven kits, Mongolia’s uniforms foregrounded craft and national textile identity. Cashmere, one of the country’s most significant exports, served as both a material choice and a cultural reference point, reinforcing how some delegations use the opening ceremony to emphasize heritage over innovation.
Italy’s delegation wore Emporio Armani for the opening ceremony, a clean, sportswear-forward kit drawn from Armani’s EA7 sportswear line and included tailored outerwear, knit layers, and coordinated accessories designed for formal Olympic appearances. The opening ceremony also included a formal tribute to the late Giorgio Armani, the legendary Italian designer who died last September.
During the event, 60 models walked in formation wearing red, white, and green pieces from Armani’s collections to create the Italian flag on the field, and Italian singer Laura Pausini performed the national anthem immediately afterward. At the center of that moment was model Vittoria Ceretti, who carried the flag while wearing a custom white Armani Privé gown, paying public homage to Armani’s role in Italian fashion and his connection to the Olympic outfitting through EA7 Emporio Armani.
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