Fashion has many functions: it is practical, communicative, commercial and competitive.

At the 2024 Paris Olympics, several countries have different uniforms for the opening and closing ceremonies, podiums, media, and sporting events. Some of them tell their country’s stories, either subtly or explicitly. Others are inspired by the style of Paris as the host city .

Some countries use cutting-edge technology to produce sustainable fabrics or recycled materials, while others use well-known designers and brands to create their official uniforms.

The only thing they have in common is that each uniform represents their country and communicates their national presence and essence.

I have considered the five best uniforms for opening and closing ceremonies. Countries with famous fashion brands did not make the list of favorites; my choices were based more on the design story, meaning, and overall aesthetic. These five best uniforms evoke creative expressions of national pride that align with my perspective and preferences for fashion and style.

Haiti

Haiti’s opening ceremony uniforms , created by Haitian-Italian designer Stella Jean, represent and showcase Haiti’s beauty, strength and skill.

Haiti’s opening ceremony uniform shows Haiti’s beauty, strength and skill. Stella Jean

These include Haitian painter Philippe Dodard’s work on A-line skirts for women and trousers and scarves for men, brilliantly combined with blue and white layers.

The women wear woven chambray shirts, representing Haiti’s tradition of chambray production. Recycled fabric forms the basis of a short-sleeved white blazer for the women, which features the Haitian Olympic emblem.

The men’s blue jacket is inspired by the Haitian shirt, the Guayabera , which is a signature of the designer and a common Haitian garment. The jacket features the Haitian Olympic emblem and a blue striped shirt interior.

Mongolia

Mongolia’s opening and closing ceremony uniforms were created by the Michel&Amazonka sisters’ fashion label. Each uniform, which took an average of 20 hours to make, incorporated various cultural and Olympic-themed motifs .

The Mongolian uniform, from Michel&Amazonka, features intricate stitching details. Michel&Amazonka

These intricate details include the Mongolian emblem, “ Soyombo ”; Parisian and Olympic motifs, such as the Olympic torch and rings; and a landscape of mountains and clouds.

Four different opening and closing ceremony uniforms were designed for flag bearers and male and female athletes. Flag bearers wore traditional-inspired kaftans and sashes; while athletes wore trousers and skirts.

All four feature embroidered vests, with the men wearing blue vests and the women wearing white vests. The vests have “Go Mongolia Team” written on them front and center.

 

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Canada

Lululemon Canada’s custom uniforms were designed after consulting with 19 Olympic and Paralympic athletes across 14 different sports.

National pride is set as the top priority and is evident in the uniform. Other priorities are practicality, curiosity, and comfort.

On the opening ceremony uniforms, the brand specially designed motifs that represent Canadian art, design and the environment.

The beautiful closing ceremony uniforms feature a motif by Canadian First Nations (Saddle Cree) artist Mason Mashon inspired by the northern lights (aurora).

Each uniform is designed for comfort, including a foldable rain poncho, a bomber jacket with inner straps that double as an emergency backpack, and a waterproof shirt.

Ireland

Designer Laura Weber’s creations worn by Ireland at the opening and closing ceremonies were steeped in symbolism and sustainability.

Based in New York, the designer creates uniforms that make athletes feel their best, are comfortable in the material, and celebrate their Irish culture.

Ireland’s opening and closing ceremony jackets are steeped in symbolism and continuity. Laura Weber

Sustainable fabric made from recycled T-shirts and PET bottles (ECO-Hybrid taffeta) draws moisture away from the skin.

In contrast to the bold green, the uniform’s aesthetic is pure white with subtle embroidery featured throughout.

The embroidery includes the Irish flag on the hem of the pants, a handmade shamrock brooch on the jacket lapel, hand-lettered Irish spelling, and special patches representing each athlete’s national emblem.

Chinese Taipei/Taiwan

Taiwan’s ceremonial uniform , referred to by the International Olympic Committee as Chinese Taipei, embodies eco-friendly materials and cultural heritage. Designed by Just In XX founder Justin Chou, the stretchy, textured material represents Taiwan’s oceans, cities and mountains.

The stretchy, textured material of Justin Chou’s uniform represents Taiwan’s oceans, cities, and mountains.

These clothes are made of materials that cool the body when exposed to water or sweat.

A collaboration with artisan Yen Yu-Ying resulted in shoe uppers made from woven banana peels. Lin Pei-ying handcrafted plum blossoms, Taiwan’s national flower, and rapeseed flowers to adorn the coats.

Abstract artist Lin Guo-Qing created the motif for the shirt and scarf. Designed in red, white and blue, the repeated text in a crisscross pattern reads Chinese Taipei and, when reversed, Jiayou, meaning an expression of support.

The long awaited ceremony

This uniform is intended for athletes to be able to show their best abilities, feel proud of their national clothing, and feel like they truly represent their country.

All of the uniforms are charming, whether they are simple, elegant, innovative, practical, unique or futuristic.

I was intrigued by the design process and the story of the uniforms from these five countries. Translating a country’s design through sportswear is quite a challenge – and these countries have succeeded in doing so.

Author Bio: Treena Clark is the Chancellor’s Indigenous Research Fellow, Faculty of Design, Architecture and Building, at the University of Technology Sydney