The USOC today unveiled the uniforms Team USA will wear during the '18 PyeongChang Games Closing Ceremony, which were "designed by Polo Ralph Lauren, the official outfitter of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams" for the sixth Olympics running, according to Jessica Iredale of WOMEN'S WEAR DAILY. The uniforms are "done in patriotic red, white and blue, and include a white water-repellent down jacket; navy double-fleece pants with red stripe detailing, and a vintage ski-inspired sweater in a bold red, white and blue block stripe." To accessorize, there are "wool gloves with a winter-inspired intarsia pattern and a matching ski hat; a graphic bandanna featuring the American flag, and brown suede mountaineering boots with red laces" (WWD.com, 11/1). U.S. Olympic hopefuls, including figure skaters Alex and Maia Shibutani, freestyle skier Gus Kensworthy and snowboarder Jamie Anderson, appeared on NBC's "Today" this morning and modeled the apparel. Maia Shibutani said, "We absolutely love them." Alex Shibutani said the outfits "feel really good," adding the shoes are his "favorite part, they're so comfortable." NBC's Al Roker asked how the "fingerless glove mitten is working?" NBC's Carson Daly: "It's for texting and selfies" ("Today," NBC, 11/1).
READY TO TAKE THE ICE: CBC.ca reports USA Hockey today unveiled the jerseys for its men's and women's teams in PyeongChang, and they are "white, navy and royal blue offerings feature a vintage crest on the top right, above USA lettering." The jerseys also "feature the slogan 'Land of the free -- Home of the brave' inside the collar." Hockey Canada also debuted the "three sweaters for the men's, women's and sledge hockey teams." The uniforms include a "white version with a red maple leaf and red sleeve details" and a "red version with a white and grey maple leaf and black sleeve details." A black jersey includes a "red maple leaf and red sleeve details" (CBC.ca, 11/1). NESN.com's Mike Cole writes Team USA "probably could have done better" with its hockey jerseys. Cole: "We’re not sure if it’s USA Hockey’s fault or whether this is Nike bastardizing traditional uniforms or some awful combination of both, but when Team USA hits the ice in South Korea in a few months, they’re going to look like clowns." He adds, "For what it’s worth, Canada’s kit ain’t much better" (NESN.com, 11/1).
