It’s official: The 2024 Olympics are underway, and it all begins with the Opening Ceremony, which is always a spectacle since it’s the one time (aside from the Closing Ceremony) every athlete from every team is in one place and showing off their countries’ Olympic outfits. This time around, everyone went nautical, since the ceremony took place on more than 80 boats in the Seine. Notable celebrities in attendance include torchbearer Snoop Dogg, U.S. flag bearers LeBron James and Coco Gauff, and both Céline Dion and Lady Gaga, who performed during the event.
Aside from all the activities, the event is also the first chance for viewers to catch a glimpse of each country’s uniforms, specifically the Opening Ceremony looks, which make a significant first impression. We’ve ranked the Opening Ceremony uniforms based on the ones we can’t stop thinking about, from the best to the most boring. See the rankings below.
The Best Opening Ceremony Uniforms
Mongolia
So far, these Opening and Closing Ceremony uniforms designed by Mongolian couture brand Michel & Amazonka seem to be the crowd favorite, and rightfully so. They’re sleek but intricate and stand out among the others, and they consist of embroidered vests and dresses adorned with cultural symbols. “These symbols and rituals encapsulate profound cultural heritage and aspirations, resonating with themes of resilience, conquest, and cultural identity across diverse ceremonial traditions,” explained the designers on social media. “The ceremonial opening of the National Naadam Festival in Mongolia, marked by the raising of the Nine White Banners, draws parallels with the grand inauguration of the Olympic Games, characterized by the symbolic lighting of the flame and torch.”
Haiti
Haiti’s uniforms are by designer Stella Jean and feature Haitian painter Philippe Dodard’s piece Passage. Jean described the look as “a uniform for the rebirth of the first Black republic,” and it consists of a brightly patterned full skirt for the women, the same patterned pants for the men, and two traditional-inspired tops. The first is a chambray shirt made from Haiti’s “blue cotton,” and the second is a field jacket inspired by the Guayabera shirt.
Ireland
Irish designer Laura Weber took inspiration from the Greeks, who wore white during the first Olympics, when crafting the Opening Ceremony looks for Ireland under her brand, LW Pearl. There are hints of green throughout the look and details like a shamrock brooch and specific embroidery for each athlete’s home county on the sleeve.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s uniforms, created by Lovi Ceylon, are a nod to history. The white garments use silk, handmade embroidery, and beadwork to represent the looks of the royal courts of the 19th century.
Taiwan
Justin Chou, the head designer of Just in XX, assembled a team of Taiwanese designers to create a sustainable and textured suit, paying attention to all the details, down to the handmade floral lapels attached to each athlete’s suit.
Portugal
These suits, designed by Decenio, feature a cool silhouette and extra details — like a floral lining and V-neck bodysuit for the women — that make these stand out.
Bermuda
I love a good pun, so seeing Bermuda in their little boat in pink Bermuda shorts, designed by local fashion designers Courtney Clay, Channing Dill and Alana Wade, did it for me. Bravo!
South Sudan
Designed by Moshions, a Rwandan fashion label by Moses Turahirwa, the South Sudan Opening Ceremony outfits looked as if they belonged on the runway. This is how you do cool.
Malaysia
These are simple yet effective, designed by Rizman Ruzaini to embody the country’s cultural warriors. As for the color, the olive green is meant to look gold in the light as a hint to what Malaysia hopes its athletes will bring home.
Mexico
Designed by Men’s Fashion, these outfits are sleek yet represent the rich history of the country: The design on the upper arms of the jacket is inspired by some of the country’s most iconic cities, while the black T-shirt celebrates El Ángel.
Jamaica
Jamaica has one of the only current national flags that do not include the colors red, white, or blue, so of course its uniforms would stand out. Thankfully, they stand out in a good way: As designed with Puma, they are elevated and wearable.
Philippines
The uniforms for the Philippines featured a half-shawl over a white button-down that represented the flag for a chic look that also worked to represent the country.
The Fine Opening Ceremony Uniforms
Morocco
These suits, made up of red pants and beige suit jackets, were designed by Ali Drissi to be light and functional. While there are nods to the color of the flag, this feels too simple and I wish there were more details.
Czech Republic
“When I walked by the Seine River in Paris, where the Opening Ceremonial was to take place, the wind always blew there. Therefore, plastic — Czech balloon, current references to a trench coat so popular in France — will float in the wind and will stand out among suits or jackets of other countries,” explained designer Jan Société. The color of these uniforms is amazing, but compared to some of the other suits, they feel a little too casual for me.
USA
Earlier, I did say that Team USA would likely get a ten out of ten from me on their uniforms, but after seeing some of the others, I have to change my mind. Don’t get me wrong; I like these. I still think the design, created by Polo Ralph Lauren for the ninth time, is well done, but it just feels a little too predictable. I do think the Closing Ceremony looks are on another level, though.
Poland
These are designed by Bizuu, and while they are nice and classic, they’re nothing too special. I would’ve loved something to make them stand out, as they look pretty similar to Team USA.
Australia
The Opening Ceremony uniforms are a step down from the team’s actual uniforms, in my opinion. Designed by Asics, the competition uniforms feature prints by two Indigenous artists, Paul Fleming and David Bosun. While the Opening Ceremony uniforms, designed by Sportscraft, are very Australia (they consist of shorts and blazers), they just look reminiscent of school uniforms to me.
The Netherlands
For a team nicknamed “the Orange,” there isn’t much of it. While these uniforms, designed by the brand Denham the Jeanmaker, are simple, I much prefer the orange jacket and pants worn by the flag-bearers to the regular uniform.
Egypt
I like these simple white suits, but they look very similar to some other teams’ uniforms, so I wish there would have been a little more to distinguish them.
The Opening Ceremony Uniforms That Missed the Mark
France
You’d expect the home country of the Games to have a stellar, special look, but these suits from French fashion house Berluti are a little too simple, and the women’s armless suits are a little strange for me.
Canada
Canada teamed up with Lululemon to design their Opening Ceremony looks, and while they are in no way bad, they just scream “Lululemon” to me and not much for Canada. I would’ve loved to see a more upscale look.
Great Britian
This is down here because of the Closing Ceremony looks, which someone on the internet called “Love Island–esque,” which I can’t unsee now.
Sweden
Sweden is cool and fashionable, so I expected more from its uniforms that were designed by Uniqlo. Here’s hoping we at least get a Challengers nod for the tennis uniforms.
