Tokyo Olympics: which team has the coolest outfits? Lacoste, The North Face, Giorgio Armani and Ralph Lauren top the podium

Australia impresses with khaki tailored jackets and dark green slacks and skirts by Sportscraft, while Hong Kong teams up with Italian sportswear brand Fila

Great Britain goes for a safe choice in Ben Sherman that lacks the wow factor, and Japan’s Aoki clothing recalls flight attendants’ uniforms from the 1980s

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The striking tiger stripes of Team Malaysia’s kit, made by Japanese manufacturer Yonex.

Published: 5:15am, 21 Jul 2021Updated: 10:34am, 27 Jul 2021

The Tokyo 2020 Olympics will be unlike any others in the history of the sporting competition. Delayed by a year because of the coronavirus pandemic, they’re happening under a cloud of uncertainty. Coronavirus cases show no signs of abating in Tokyo and surrounding areas. Japan has also been lagging in its vaccination efforts.

While most of the athletic competitions are going on as planned, the event is expected to be a low-key affair. US first lady Jill Biden will attend the opening ceremony, but she is one of only a handful of global leaders and celebrities who will show up.

Spectators won’t be allowed inside sporting venues, which means that the spotlight will be trained even more on the athletes – and the clothes they wear.

Olympic uniforms and the more formal outfits worn at the opening ceremony are a way for countries taking part to show off their prowess not only on the field but also in the realm of design.

Patterned scarves are part of Team Australia’s uniforms by Sportscraft.

A successful uniform has to be a perfect marriage of form and function: practical and functional to perform in and also polished enough to make the athletes look their best – not an easy feat to achieve.

We take a look at the best and worst gear that will be worn at the games, from the formal attire at the opening ceremony to the performance wear meant for the field.