You might think that the Olympic Games are all about sports, hard training, and sweat – but even though you’re mostly right, no one can ignore the fashionable aspect of this year’s Olympics. The sheer number of designer outfits specifically created to represent each country took the audience by a storm. Some athletes were better-dressed than others, but the general atmosphere and unique styles definitely made the spectators forget that the Olympic Games are not a fashion show.
The Opening Ceremony
Thie opening ceremony is definitely the most talked about aspect of 2016 Olympic Games right now. Numerous posts appeared online criticizing and analyzing the worst and the best outfits by country, but most fashion critics are unanimous in the view that this year was the jewel on the crown of athletic fashion. Even the most critical-minded among fashion experts have admitted it was a real pleasure to see all the fine blazers, stylish cardigans and polo shirts, flattering skirts, chic dresses, and trendy cut pants and shorts marching together in the arena at the opening ceremony.
Sports Brands Also Compete
Athletes are definitely not the only ones who came to the Olympics to compete and show their talent. Many sports brands such as Nike and Adidas also entered the game looking to take medals home. The fashion game was all about promoting lightness and ease of movement through superior fabrics and visibly displayed logos designed with special care to help the brand stand out among other names in the arena. The colours and designs we’ve seen during the Olympics this year are definitely not your average sports fashion, just like the Olympics are not your everyday sports.
The Question of Colours
Most countries decided to display their flag colours on their team’s outfits. For some teams, the flag-streaked colorways went really well, but some nations weren’t so fortunate style-wise. While the style of British and American teams was acclaimed as tasteful and fashionable with the smart design and touch of white, blue and red, other less stylistically savvy countries didn’t stand a chance in the race for fashion glory. Among these, Chinese players really stood out (in the negative sense of the word) with their red and yellow outfits. Love for one’s country is important, but when it comes to fashion, this year’s Olympics have proven time and time again that designers need to be extra careful when matching colours in outfits custom-tailored for special occasions.
Unique Details
Most people agree that Brazil had the best outfit as the host country, and it managed to dominate over other nations style-wise. Brazilian athletes are a perfect example that fashion designers need to take into account both the flag colours and the country’s history and background. Apart from the fact that the outfits of both male and female Brazilian athletes were flattering and trendy, the rainforest pattern on the dresses and shawls was a smart move that added an extra dose of beauty and elegance. While Brazil’s style has always been unique, this year the country’s athletes really made it clear to all just how a statement piece should be designed and rocked.
Get The Look
If you’re a sports fan and the Olympic Games are your sole stylistic inspiration, you’re in luck: most of the brands have a policy to launch their merchandise well ahead of the Olympic Games. If you missed the chance to buy your favourite team’s fashion accessories, don’t despair just yet – you’ll be able to get most of the outfit pieces we’ve seen in the arena after the Olympics are over. While you definitely don’t need to go out dressed head-to-toe in the Olympics extravaganza, the special design of Arena trainers or an Adidas sports jacket are a wardrobe addition most sports aficionados will look forward to.
We can expect to see many interesting twists in the arena before the closing ceremony marks the end of this year’s Olympics. Enjoy the Games, cheer for your team, and allow yourself to be inspired by these two seemingly separate worlds – the worlds of sports and fashion.
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