Looking Back at Team USA's Olympic Uniforms
While America’s participation in the Olympics began well into the 19th century, designer uniforms didn't really emerge until 1976 when famed American fashion designer Halston took the lead on sponsoring all official uniforms for Team USA at the summer and winter Olympics that year. American retailer Montgomery Ward was in charge of physically producing the uniforms, and was also able to sell the full line of Olympian ensembles in its catalog (without the official insignia), providing Halston with a small percentage of the profits.
Four years later, Levi Strauss took over the job at the 1980 Winter Olympic Games in Lake Placid, NY. The U.S. team members arrived in cowboy hats and tan shearling jackets inspired by the "Great Out West."
Several brands had a go at styling Team USA throughout the 90’s and early 2000’s including casual Canadian company Roots from 2002 until Ralph Lauren steps onto the scene in 2008, foraging the partnership we know to this day.
Let’s take a look back at some of our favorite Team USA looks throughout the years to get us in the olympic spirit, hurrah!
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Go Team USA!