Team USA’s air-conditioned Olympic jackets by Ralph Lauren will give it the coolest flagbearers in humid Tokyo
- A cooling system similar to those used in computers will keep Team USA’s Olympic flagbearers comfortable, and that’s not the only innovation in team uniforms
- Their striped T-shirts are a product of environmentally friendly dyeing, and their belts are made from recycled plastic water bottles
The Team USA flagbearers in steamy Tokyo are likely to be the coolest members of their packs.
Ralph Lauren has built a personal air conditioning system into a roomy white jacket to be worn by the as yet unannounced athletes who will have that honour during opening ceremonies for the Olympics and Paralympics.
The technology disperses heat from the wearer’s skin through a fan at the back of the neck, with a lightweight personal battery controller stashed inside. It’s akin to how large computers are kept cool.
The rest of the team will walk in tailored navy blazers made of US-grown wool, a red Olympic patch on one breast and the company’s Polo Pony emblem on the other.
They’ll wear a horizontal blue-and-white striped T-shirt dyed in a process that uses less water, chemicals and energy than usual, slim blue denim pants and a flag-print scarf.