Even when we don’t have to wait a full extra year on the edge of our seats, the Olympics always manage to bring out roaring emotions, team pride, and some truly enviable fashion looks. Although the focus largely remains on athletic prowess, the Olympic ceremonies also provide a platform for some of the greatest athletes and designers to represent their country, make a statement, and show off parts of their culture. Granted, it can be easy to lose sight of the clothing when it’s hidden beneath tall plumes of fireworks and flashing lights, so to make it easier, we’ve compiled some of Team USA’s best outfits throughout the history of the games. Read on to check out some of the most iconic and timeless moments in USA fashion, and see just how much the team’s personal style has evolved over the years.
Team USA's Opening Ceremony Outfits at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games
Team USA will wear a classic look from Ralph Lauren at the Tokyo 2020 Opening Ceremony. You’ll see this year’s Olympians in denim, a blue wool blazer and striped tee, and wearing hard-to-miss accessories including a striped belt and American flag scarf.
Team USA's Closing Ceremony Outfits at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games
When the games are over, Team USA will celebrate at the closing ceremony in a sporty look from Ralph Lauren. Athletes will wear a graphic white drawstring jacket with matching pants, and once again be seen in the striped belt from the opening ceremony.
Team USA's Opening Ceremony Outfits at the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Games
Team USA has sported Ralph Lauren designs to the games since 2008, but the most recent uniforms (at the 2018 winter games) were some of the most patriotic yet. The look included suede fringed gloves, knit sweaters, and parkas equipped with advanced heat technology.
Team USA's Closing Ceremony Outfits at the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Games
Just in case the opening ceremony outfits weren’t enough, Polo Ralph Lauren made sure to keep the team stylish for the closing ceremonies in South Korea, featuring all-American down jackets, vintage-inspired ski sweaters, and fleece pants with red, white, and blue detailing.
Team USA's Opening Ceremony Outfits at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games
Team USA kept it preppy at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics in 2016, sporting Ralph Lauren nautical tees, chino shorts, and navy blazers decorated with the iconic Polo logo.
Team USA's Opening Ceremony Outfits at the Sochi 2014 Winter Games
The 2014 Olympic uniforms took stars and stripes to a whole new level with knit patchwork cardigans, white turtlenecks and matching fleece pants, and, best of all, reindeer printed hats.
Team USA’s Opening Ceremony Outfits at the London 2012 Olympic Games
Ralph Lauren kept it classic at the London opening ceremonies, dressing USA’s greatest athletes in navy berets and matching jackets. Gold detailing and crisp, white accents finished off the tailored look.
Team USA's Opening Ceremony Outfits at the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics
Despite Vancouver’s cold temperatures, Team USA still brought the heat to the opening ceremonies in chic navy jackets with red trim, matching mountain boots, and even more reindeer hats.
Team USA's Opening Ceremony Outfits at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games
Ralph Lauren had his Olympic debut in 2008, dressing Team USA in bright white caps, tailored trousers, and timeless navy blazers.
Team USA's Opening Ceremony Outfits at the Torino 2006 Winter Olympic Games
Team USA arrived at the Torino games in snug red, white, and blue hats, polished parkas, and simple ski pants.
Team USA's Opening Ceremony Outfits at the Athens 2004 Summer Olympic Games
The uniforms for the Athens Olympics were bright and bold, consisting of red shirts, navy Roots shorts, button-up jerseys, and patriotic USA caps.
Team USA's Opening Ceremony Outfits at the Salt Lake City 2002 Winter Olympic Games
Team USA looked cozy and warm in Roots apparel at the Salt Lake City Olympics, layering fleece zip-ups and track pants over light blue knits and white turtlenecks.
Team USA's Opening Ceremony Outfits at the Sydney 2000 Olympics
The 2000 Sydney uniforms showed off plenty of Western inspiration, featuring cherry red blazers, tailored pants, and statement-making cowboy hats.
Team USA's Opening Ceremony Outfits at the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games
At the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games, athletes wore red jackets over simple, white tops, and switched out their cowboy hats for white sun hats with red ribbon.
Team USA's Opening Ceremony Outfits at the Norway 1994 Olympics
To keep warm in Norway’s Lysgårdsbakken Ski Jump Arena, Team USA arrived in full blue snowsuits, including thickly knit scarves, plenty of stars and stripes, and grey cowboy hats.
Team USA's Opening Ceremony Outfits at the Albertville 1992 Winter Olympics
Team USA was dressed to the nines in France, showing off long burgundy and navy overcoats, beautifully detailed scarves, and matching hats.
Team USA's Opening Ceremony Outfits at the Seoul 1988 Olympics
In 1988, Team USA’s designers traded in the traditional red, white, and blue for pastel blue knits with simple floral detailing, and long white skirts.
Team USA's Opening Ceremony Outfits at the Los Angeles 1984 Summer Olympics
The 1984 uniforms amped up the patriotism with head-to-toe red, white, and blue tracksuits, complete with bright red USA baseball hats to match.
Team USA's Opening Ceremony Outfits at the Lake Placid 1980 Winter Olympics
All-American retailer Levi Strauss brought Team USA back to its Western roots for the 1980 games, designing oversized cowboy hats, shearling jackets, and thick gloves for the athletes.