Ranked: The Best Paris Summer Olympics 2024 Outfits and Uniforms
As the world's top athletes gather in Paris for this year's 2024 Summer Olympics, they’ll not only be competing for gold but also showcasing some seriously noteworthy fashion.
Paris, being the fashion capital, sets the perfect stage for such a spectacle. Designers from around the globe have been tasked with creating practical yet stylish uniforms, allowing each national team to shine in their moment on the world stage.
The opening and closing ceremonies are significant opportunities for brands and athletes alike to present looks that are both awe-inspiring and culturally rich. From eye-catching unitards to chic athleisure and oversized tracksuits, the array of styles is sure to keep us all captivated until the games conclude on August 11th.
We will delve into some of the most fashionable Olympic uniforms of 2024. At the Paris Olympics, gold medals aren't just for athletic achievements; fashion-forward patterns and bold colours also deserve their moment in the spotlight.
Among the standout ensembles, designers have creatively drawn from their cultural heritage.
TikTok went wild when designers Michel and Amazonka Choigaalaa unveiled their intricately crafted Olympic uniforms for Team Magnolia at the opening and closing ceremonies. These spectacular outfits took over 20 hours to create and are adorned with detailed gold embroidery and rich symbolism, featuring a classic silhouette reminiscent of the country’s traditional buttoned overcoat-like garment known as a deel. Female athletes will be accessorised with flowing earrings and tasselled satchels. According to the designers on Instagram, their goal was to “encapsulate profound cultural heritage and aspirations, resonating with themes of resilience, conquest, and cultural identity.” Mission accomplished!
Haitian-born designer Stella Jean aimed to capture the essence of her homeland through the Olympic opening ceremony uniforms she crafted. Jean teamed up with painter Philippe Dotard to incorporate his artwork, Passage, into the designs. The uniforms feature vibrant splashes of colour contrasted against solid-hued field jackets and sleeveless blazers. Reflecting on the significance of her designs being worn by Haiti's team, Jean remarked, “They are 15 living symbols of rebirth and renewal that extend beyond what is usually shown.” An outfit that is beautiful and thoughtful at the same time!
The Philippines did not disappoint with their uniform. Envisioned by Filipino designer Francis Libiran, Team Philippines’ Olympic uniforms incorporate the traditional white barong, an embroidered shirt that is integral to the nation’s cultural identity.
Libiran told L’Officiel, “Our barong is very Filipino. The rich culture shows in the embroidery and fabric itself.”
Designer Justin Chou of JUST IN XX adopted a collaborative approach to designing the Chinese Taipei Olympic uniforms. He teamed up with “individuals who have deep roots in Taiwan and have shined on the international stage to form a dream team for uniform design,” as noted on the brand’s Instagram.
The fashion house stated, “Together, they have created an Olympics opening ceremony uniform that contains the spirit of culture, art, craftsmanship, and sustainability, all in preparation to carry out an exciting fashion and culture diplomatic mission on the world stage.”
Laura Weber designed the uniforms in white, paying tribute to the ancient Greek tradition of wearing white to symbolise hope for the future. Each athlete’s jacket features an embroidered patch representing their home country.
South Sudan's basketball players were outshining their competition—at least when it came to style.
Dubbed the "best-dressed basketball team" at the opening ceremony, the Olympians arrived in sleek, double-breasted black blazers designed by Moshions, complete with dazzling gold buttons and trim that perfectly complemented the nation’s flag.
Inspired by the carnation flower, which holds deep cultural significance in Spain, the Spanish sportswear brand Joma designed the team’s uniforms.
The vibrant outfits incorporate the carnation's rich red and pink hues and feature intricate floral patterns that add a touch of elegance. The uniforms include a combination of lightweight, breathable fabrics, ensuring that athletes look stylish and stay comfortable during their performances.
To combat the sweltering Parisian summer, Team Egypt will step out in custom-made white suits crafted from premium lightweight fabrics, paired with high-quality organic Egyptian cotton T-shirts designed by menswear brand Concrete. Featuring blue and white piping, these suits mark a fashion-forward moment for the country. As the designers stated in an Instagram post, “this isn’t just about style, it’s a symbol of Egyptian pride, passion, and determination.”
Apart from the opening and closing ceremony outfits, Ralph Lauren has designed a collection of Villagewear that offers a more casual alternative to the formal parade uniforms. Does it get more American than Ralph Lauren? Definitely not!