Rio Olympics 2016: the best and worst team uniforms

The Olympics are known for being an astounding display of physical prowess, but they’re also worth watching for the sartorial spectacle.
Whilst the speedos, singlets and shorts the athletes compete in aren’t much to write home about, the team uniforms they parade in at the opening ceremony speak volumes about each country’s national identity.
Athletes from 206 nations flooded into Rio de Janeiro’s Maracana Stadium wearing outfits that ranged from bright to boring to … well, whatever Sweden was wearing.
Here’s a breakdown of those who dressed to impress and those who could have done with a little less team spirit.
The best
The United States of America: Without a doubt the winners of the Olympic style stakes were Team USA in their red, white and blue get-ups from designer Ralph Lauren, the pioneer of classic cool.
The pants-and-blazer combination was chic, comfortable and flattering on everyone. More importantly, the athletes were clearly big fans of the uniform, posting plenty of selfies to social media.
🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/lVQ27KlbYz
— Olivia Smoliga (@OliviaSmoliga) August 5, 2016
Dream come true to be at opening ceremonies!! #USA 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/Be6hd51v2s
— Harrison Barnes (@hbarnes) August 6, 2016
Canada: Although not as timeless as the USA’s uniform, Canada’s team looked super fly in their ultra-modern outfits, created by Toronto-based design duo Dsquared2.
Their oversized jumpers, maple leaf-embellished blazers, beautifully cut black trousers and white sneakers epitomised the ath-leisure trend the style world is so fond of at the moment. Equal parts function and fashion – perfect for the athlete about town.
Spain: With tennis star Rafael Nadal leading the way, the Spanish athletes were a colourful spectacle, keeping it simple in blue blazers and red trousers but adding some variation with their braided belts, scarves and dapper fedoras.
Plus, a huge smile is always the best accessory, and Nadal’s can’t be beaten.
France: Okay, so there’s a clear advantage to having a flag with flattering colours in it and a local fashion industry boasting some of the world’s top designers. It would have been pretty hard for France to screw up. Red, white and blue are easy to work with – yellow, green or orange, not so much.
Thankfully, France got it completely right by enlisting iconic sportswear label Lacoste, which produced a preppy yet casual array of polo shirts, white pants, tailored shorts and seriously cool anoraks.
Denmark: Great Dane! We’re coveting the cute cropped blazers and sleek white sneakers sported by these effortless style mavens.
The worst
Sweden: Whatever happened to Scandinavian minimalism? While the Swedes must be congratulated for wholeheartedly embracing their national colours, head-to-toe yellow satin is never a good idea.
Why do we get the feeling ABBA were involved in the design process?
Germany: As several social media users pointed out, Germany’s athletes appeared to be channelling their inner librarian with this poorly executed mash-up of leggings, anoraks, skirts and lace-up shoes.
Not that there’s anything wrong with looking like librarians, of course. It’s just, wouldn’t we all rather look like athletes if we made it to the Olympic Games?
Team Germany all dressed like my 5th grade art teacher. pic.twitter.com/PaKao4kWKo
— ishmael n. daro (@iD4RO) August 5, 2016
Norway: Oh Norway. You had it so right until you picked those jackets. It looks your flag threw up on you.
Ireland: Someone forgot to tell Ireland you’re not meant to wear onesies out of the house. You can blame American clothing company New Balance for this monstrosity.
Honourable mentions
Australia: Our green-and-white uniform, designed by local label Sportscraft, has copped plenty of criticism at home and abroad, but Buzzfeed hit the nail on the head when it pointed out the pinstriped blazer closely resembles a Medicare card.
At least it’s easy recognisable for most Australians?
#Aus motto: Win gold, save Medicare. #OpeningCeremony #Rio2016 pic.twitter.com/WB7zwetN3V
— BuzzFeed Australia (@BuzzFeedOz) August 6, 2016
Switzerland’s kicks: Although elegant and minimalist, Switzerland’s national uniform could easily have gotten lost in the sea of psychedelic colour it was surrounded by.
Refusing to fade into the background, the Swiss opted for shoes so fluorescent they were borderline blinding.
Bermuda’s shorts: Because obviously this island nation had to go for their namesake clothing item. It was that or come as triangles. The shorts were a better choice, we reckon.
Bermuda… in case you hadn't guessed. https://t.co/VU4WHfqJNT #OpeningCeremony pic.twitter.com/5YaAut2qjc
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) August 6, 2016
Brazil’s boaters: Everyone loves an accessory that doubles as giant confetti. The hometown team had a riot jubilantly throwing their stylish boater hats into the air in celebration.
Bonus points to Brazilian sprinter Kauiza Moreira, whose jaunty placement of her hat added some edge to her outfit.
#OpeningCeremony #Rio2016 pic.twitter.com/QtSBP50hjV
— KAUIZA MOREIRA (@kauiza) August 6, 2016