It’s been 10 Olympics and nearly 20 years since Ralph Lauren became the official outfitter of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic teams. The athletes, who will be competing in the upcoming Milano Cortina Games, will be the latest to sport the company’s elevated take on the red, white and blue.
The company, whose partnership with the Olympics began with Beijing in 2008, will provide Team USA with the opening and closing ceremony parade uniforms as well as an assortment of Villagewear for the 2026 Winter Games in Italy. The collections will also be available for sale to the public in the run-up to the events, slated to start on Feb. 6 for the Olympics and March 6 for the Paralympics.
“Ralph Lauren has had the immense privilege of outfitting Team USA for nearly 20 years, and the significance and sheer magnitude of dressing our nation’s incredible athletes — on the most dramatic stage in sport as they pursue their lifelong dreams — is an honor that never fades,” said David Lauren, chief branding and innovation officer of Ralph Lauren Corp. “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. With Milan — one of the great fashion capitals — as this year’s backdrop, we sought to honor the city’s creative spirit while staying true to the enduring style that defines Ralph Lauren.”
In a preview at the company’s Madison Avenue offices on Wednesday, Lauren said it’s a privilege for the company to outfit the teams. “I don’t think there are many moments where the whole country comes together — unified — and you’re literally looking at athletes from across the country, every state, every type of person, men, women, Paralympic athletes — kids who have been training their entire lives. They represent endurance, they represent patriotism, they represent people who can overcome challenges. They represent diversity. They represent the best of America, and they’re walking together in unity. There’s something that gives you chills when you see that, and it gives us all hope, and a sense of love, patriotism and optimism of what our country can be.”
He continued: “The opportunity to work with these athletes, to meet them, to dress them and to have this showcase on a global stage where the entire world is looking at the best of America is so powerful. And for us, this is not just about clothes. It’s about creating a moment that will be historic and last forever.”
Para snowboarder Brenna Huckaby sports the Ralph Lauren uniform.
Courtesy of Ralph Lauren
For the opening ceremony, the company has designed a statement winter-white wool toggle coat that will be worn with an American flag intarsia wool turtleneck sweater and tailored wool trousers. The closing ceremony outfit draws inspiration from vintage ski racing kits and includes a color-blocked puffer with bold Team USA graphics, a wool turtleneck and white utility pants. Both looks are accessorized with red, white and blue intarsia knit hats and mittens, a leather belt and brown suede alpine boots with red laces. All items were manufactured in the U.S.
In addition to the uniforms, the Ralph Lauren Team USA Collection features a range of apparel and accessories for men, women and children and includes a leather shearling jacket embroidered with Team USA graphics, sweaters, puffers, fleece outerwear and other items. That collection will be available beginning Thursday in select Ralph Lauren U.S. stores, department stores and online at both ralphlauren.com and the Team USA website.
The Team USA collection.
In Italy, the collection will be offered in the Ralph Lauren retail stores in Milan and Rome as well as in a special pop-up at the Rosapetra Hotel in Cortina during the Games.
Lauren said that when the Olympics are in major fashion capitals such as Milan and Paris, which hosted the Summer Games in 2024, “it definitely makes us think about creating clothes that will resonate in those environments. But that makes it easier and more exciting. We have a palazzo in Italy, and we do men’s shows there, so it’s always been a part of our inspiration. It’s more complicated to create clothes for markets that we are less connected with. But I think Paris and Milan — and the next one being in L.A. [in 2028] — are places we have real connection to. The truth is, you’re on a global stage, no matter where you are, and our job is to create the best product. We spent about two-and-a-half years working with the athletes and Team USA [on this] and we’ve already been working for a year on L.A. Making product in America at this scale takes time and you have to be very purposeful.”
Figure skater Evan Bates in looks from the collection.
Courtesy of Ralph Lauren
The company’s hard work is also evident to the U.S. Olympic Committee. As Sarah Hirshland, chief executive officer of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee, said: “Excellence and determination define the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic teams, and Ralph Lauren has been a great partner in elevating that story through timeless design, a deep commitment to craftsmanship and a spirit of innovation that mirrors the ambition of Team USA. Their work has celebrated the identity of Team USA for almost two decades, capturing the spirit of the athletes and giving them a great sense of pride as they represent the United States on the global stage.”
Ralph Lauren has tapped a collection of athletes to serve as brand ambassadors for the Milano Cortina Games and appear in its campaign. They include Alex Shibutani (figure skating), Brenna Huckaby (para snowboarding), Erin Jackson (speed skating), Evan Bates (figure skating), Hilary Knight (ice hockey), Jack Hughes (ice hockey), Jack Wallace (sled hockey), Jaelin Kauf (freestyle skiing), Jordan Stolz (speed skating), Madison Chock (figure skating), Maia Shibutani (figure skating), and Red Gerard (snowboarding).
Gerard and Huckaby were at the preview on Wednesday wearing the collection. Gerard said he was especially enamored of the cargos from the closing ceremony uniform. “They’re baggy and loose and that’s my style. I wouldn’t say this is what I normally wear, but if you’re going to be representing Team USA, you want to wear things that are different. I think they did a great job making clothes that stand out and look good.”
Huckaby said the graphic sweater “is definitely something I would wear outside of the Games. And I like the fit of the pants, they’re cozy and comfy, and super cute.”
She admitted that with the launch of the Games fast approaching, “there are some nerves because of all of the hype.” She expects to arrive in Italy on Feb. 24 to get in some training runs, acclimate to the time change — and enjoy the food. “Pasta,” she said with a laugh. “I can’t eat gluten but I was in Europe a couple of days ago and tried it again for the first time in two years and I was OK, so I think I can do it.”
