As the official outfitter of the US Olympic Team since 2008, Bedford resident and design icon Ralph Lauren has held the honor of creating classic, patriotic looks for America’s athletes at six different Olympic games. And for this month’s Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea, the brand has set a new standard by infusing their signature All-American apparel with internal wearable heat technology.
How it works: Electronic printed conductive inks in carbon and silver are bonded to the interior of the opening and closing ceremony jackets in the shape of an American Flag. With the press of a button, the jackets can be heated for up to eleven hours. “Ralph Lauren is excited by the convergence of fashion and function, and we are committed to supporting Team USA athletes by outfitting them with the latest innovative technology,” said David Lauren, Chief Innovation Officer at Ralph Lauren. “The uniform celebrates the American spirit, with iconic pieces updated with modern details and technical fabrications.”
In addition to keeping Team USA toasty in PyeongChang’s frigid temperatures—which are expected to be in the 20s and 30s—there are other trademark Ralph Lauren details for the parade uniforms, including a patriotic intarsia-knit wool sweater, bold graphic bandannas, a slim jean with moto-inspired seaming, and suede explorer gloves with fringe and hand beading. If you’re interested in getting in on the Olympic action with gear of your own, the Polo Ralph Lauren Team USA Collection is available for purchase on ralphlauren.com, teamUSAShop.com and in select Ralph Lauren and Polo Ralph Lauren retail stores. Don’t forget to tune in to the opening ceremonies this Friday, February 9th, to see America’s best wearing these new designs.
