Anticipation builds for the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, where elite athletes will compete for top honors from February 6 to February 22 across various disciplines in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy. Beyond their rigorous training and exceptional skills, their representation of the nation through their appearance is also a significant aspect of the games. For nearly two decades, Ralph Lauren has proudly served as the official outfitter for Team USA's Olympic and Paralympic athletes, and now, the first glimpse of their parade uniforms for the opening and closing ceremonies has been unveiled.
The uniforms for the opening ceremony include a pristine white wool coat, adorned with distinct wooden toggles. Complementing this is a wool turtleneck sweater, intricately designed with the American flag, paired with finely tailored wool trousers. For the closing ceremony, athletes will wear a dynamic color-blocked puffer jacket, along with a wool turtleneck sweater and white utility pants. The ensemble is completed with red, white, and blue intarsia knit mittens, a classic leather belt, and brown suede alpine boots accented with vibrant red laces. Every component of this collection is proudly manufactured in the United States.
David Lauren, Chief Branding and Innovation Officer at Ralph Lauren, expressed profound honor in their longstanding role of dressing Team USA. He remarked on the privilege of preparing the nation's athletes for the world's grandest stage, where they pursue their lifelong ambitions. Lauren highlighted the brand's design ethos, which centers on crafting narratives and dreams through style. He emphasized that these uniforms, combining timeless elegance with contemporary flair, embody the American spirit of fervor, hope, and an unwavering quest for superiority.
To showcase the new designs, Ralph Lauren engaged several prominent Team USA athletes. Among them were ice dancers Evan Bates and Madison Chock, speed skater Erin Jackson, and snowboarders Brenna Huckaby and Red Gerard. For these athletes, the weeks leading up to the Games are intensely critical.
Snowboarder Red Gerard shared insights into his preparation, noting extensive training in Europe, near the Milan competition venues. His focus is on enhancing his snowboarding technique safely, to avoid injuries before the Olympics. Brenna Huckaby, a two-time Paralympian, expressed strong confidence in her readiness for the Games, acknowledging the need for extraordinary effort to achieve a podium finish, a goal she believes is within reach.
In addition to the formal ceremonial wear, Ralph Lauren has also launched a comprehensive Team USA collection available for public purchase, allowing fans to connect with the team's spirit. David Lauren stated that with Milan, a global fashion capital, as the backdrop, the collection honors the city's creative essence while upholding Ralph Lauren's signature enduring style. This retail line features pieces in patriotic shades of red, white, and blue, blending the dynamic feel of the Olympics with the comfortable, all-American luxury synonymous with the brand.
The Ralph Lauren 2026 Team USA collection offers items for both adults and children, with prices ranging from $25 for smaller accessories to $3,498 for premium outerwear. Key items in the collection include a leather shearling jacket embellished with Team USA graphics, chunky cable-knit sweaters, advanced anoraks, cozy fleece jackets, and warm knit beanies. The collection is currently available for purchase at select Ralph Lauren stores across the U.S., online, and in various department stores. For those attending the Winter Olympics in Milan, a special pop-up shop will also be set up at the Rosapetra Hotel in Cortina d'Ampezzo.