Ralph Lauren Reveals Team USA's 2026 Milan Olympics Outfits — Here's the Inside Scoop (Exclusive)

On December 4, Ralph Lauren revealed the official uniforms for Team USA at the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics and Paralympics, giving an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the designs for the opening and closing ceremonies.

David Lauren, the Chief Branding and Innovation Officer of Ralph Lauren Corporation, discussed the unique significance and patriotic spirit woven into each uniform, emphasizing the brand's long-standing tradition of outfitting Team USA for the Games.

Ralph Lauren, in partnership with Team USA, will continue its nearly two-decade legacy of designing uniforms for the Winter and Summer Olympics and Paralympics. David Lauren shared how this milestone marks Ralph Lauren's tenth consecutive Games collaboration with Team USA, a source of great pride for the company.

"It's one of the proudest moments we have, both as a company and as a creative institution," David said. "To have the chance to outfit the greatest team in the world on this global stage is a true honor." He also shared some exclusive insights into the inspiration behind the uniforms and their creation process.

The design process begins well in advance of each Games. "We start designing about two and a half years before the Games. After the last Winter Olympics, we began thinking about the 2026 uniforms," David explained, noting that preparations for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics have already started.

Each uniform is carefully designed with a deep understanding of the Olympic venue's culture and history, while also taking into account the athletes' comfort and confidence. David emphasized the importance of ensuring that every uniform fits seamlessly into the athletes experience on the world stage.

The opening ceremony outfit features a long winter-white wool coat adorned with classic wooden toggles, paired with an American flag wool turtleneck sweater and tailored wool trousers. "The white look will be a striking moment," David predicted. "In a complex world, creating something simple and pure is powerful, and it resonates with people around the globe."

He also highlighted the emphasis on quality materials, cuts, and silhouettes that will set trends in the years to come. "At Ralph Lauren, we lead the way with designs we believe in pieces that endure and tell a lasting story."

For the closing ceremony uniforms, Ralph Lauren drew inspiration from ski racing apparel. The designs feature vibrant color-blocked puffer jackets with bold Team USA graphics, paired with a wool turtleneck sweater in patriotic hues and solid white utility pants.

"Our goal is to create timeless pieces that remain relevant and classic, while also being forward-thinking and trendy," David explained. The collection also includes red, white, and blue knit hats, mittens, leather belts, and brown suede alpine boots with red laces.

"Olympic uniforms are unique in that they become part of history. These athletes will make history, and their uniforms will reflect that, becoming collectible items over time," David added.

In addition to the uniforms for the opening and closing ceremonies, Ralph Lauren also created a Team USA Collection. This range includes a variety of apparel and accessories for men, women, and children, capturing the style and spirit of the Winter Games.

David noted that Ralph Lauren not only outfits Team USA for the major ceremonies but also provides "Village Gear" the apparel worn by athletes, their families, and spectators throughout the Games in Milan and around the world. The collection incorporates red, white, and blue hues, featuring sweaters, puffers, fleece outerwear, and hockey-inspired silhouettes.

A standout piece in the collection is a leather shearling jacket, which holds personal significance for David. "This is a jacket my father wore when he first started the company. He used to sell ties door-to-door in this jacket," David shared. "To have it part of the Olympic uniform makes it even more personal. It is truly an icon of American culture, and distinctly Ralph Lauren."

While previous Olympic uniforms by Ralph Lauren have incorporated cutting-edge technology (such as the electroluminescent blazer worn by Michael Phelps in 2016), the 2026 designs take a simpler approach. "This time, we've focused on cleaner, more straightforward designs. Sometimes simplicity tells its own powerful story," David explained.

"What we create is not just clothing. Its a reflection of optimism, hope, and the best of American culture," he concluded.

The Ralph Lauren Team USA Collection will be available for purchase starting December 4 in select U.S. Ralph Lauren retail stores, department stores, and online.

Author: Jackson Miller