The five most vital uniforms to look out for on the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris

Fashion is many things. It is practical, it’s communicative, it’s business and it’s competitive.

Looking at the style of Paris 2024, some countries have several uniforms for the opening and shutting ceremonies, podiums, media and sporting events. Some countries tell subtle or extravagant stories of their nation. The Parisian sort of the host city inspired some.

Some countries need to use the most recent technology to provide sustainable fabrics or recycled materials. Some countries have commissioned designers and types to design their official uniforms.

What they’ve in common is that they represent their country and communicate their national presence and essence.

My top 5 uniforms for the opening and shutting ceremonies have been chosen. The countries with well-known fashion brands should not preferred; my selection is predicated on the history, significance and overall aesthetic of the design. These top 5 evoke a creative expression of national pride that’s consistent with my perspective and preferences in fashion and elegance.

Haiti

The Haitian Uniform for the opening ceremonydesigned by Haitian-Italian designer Stella Jean, represents and showcases the wonder, strength and craftsmanship of Haiti.

It includes the work of Haitian painter Philippe Dodard in the shape of the ladies's wide A-line skirt and the boys's trousers and scarf. The other layers in blue and white harmonize perfectly with the artwork.

The women wear Haitian-woven chambray shirts, representing the Haitian tradition of chambray-making. The women's short-sleeved white blazer is constituted of recycled fabric and features the Haitian Olympic emblem.

The men’s blue jacket is inspired by Haitian Guayabera Shirts which can be each meaningful to the designer and a standard Haitian garment. This jacket features the Haitian Olympic emblem and a blue striped shirt underneath.

Mongolia

The uniforms for Mongolia's opening and shutting ceremonies were made by the three-sister fashion label Michel&Amazonka. Each uniform, which took a mean of 20 hours to make, accommodates quite a few cultural and Olympic motifs.

These elaborate details include the coat of arms of Mongolia, which “Soyombo“; Parisian and Olympic motifs, reminiscent of the Olympic torch and rings; and mountain and cloud landscapes.

Four different uniforms for the opening and shutting ceremonies were designed for the female and male flag bearers and athletes. The flag bearers wear a historically inspired kaftan and belt; the athletes wear trousers and skirts.

All 4 looks feature embroidered vests, with the boys wearing blue and the ladies wearing white. The vest has “Go Mongolia Team” written on it within the front center.

Canada

Canada's Uniforms made by Lululemon were developed after consultation with 19 Olympic and Paralympic athletes from 14 different sports.

National pride was identified as crucial priority and is clearly present within the uniforms. The other priorities were practicality, flexibility and luxury.

For the opening ceremony uniform, the brand designed a custom print that represents Canadian art, design and the environment.

The exquisite graduation ceremony uniform contains a Northern Lights-inspired print by Saddle Cree Nation First Nations artist Mason Mashon.

Each uniform is designed for comfort and features a stowable rain poncho, a bomber jacket with internal straps that may function a makeshift backpack, and waterproof shirts.

Ireland

Designer Laura Weber's creation of the outfits for the Irish opening ceremony and the jackets for the closing ceremony is filled with symbolism and sustainability.

The New York-based designer created the uniform in order that the athletes feel comfortable, feel good within the fabrics and may rejoice their Irish culture.

The sustainable fabric constituted of recycled T-shirts and PET bottles (ECO hybrid taffeta) wicks moisture away from the skin.

By opting against a striking green, the aesthetics of the uniform are highlighted by a vivid white with superb embroidery.

The embroidery These include the Irish flag on the trouser piping, handmade shamrock brooches on the jacket lapels, hand-tufted letters spelling “Ireland” and individual patches representing each athlete’s county emblem.

Chinese Taipei/Taiwan

The ceremonial uniform of Taiwan, known as Chinese Taipei by the International Olympic Committee, represents eco-friendly materials and cultural heritage. Designed by Just In XX founder Justin Chou, the stretchy and structured material represents Taiwan's oceans, cities and mountains.

The Outfits are product of materials that cool the body when it comes into contact with water or sweat.

In collaboration with artisan Yen Yu-Ying, shoe uppers were constituted of woven leather constituted of banana silk. Lin Pei-ying made handmade plum blossoms, Taiwan's national flower, and rapeseed flowers to brighten the coat.

Abstract artist Lin Guo-Qing designed the print on the shirt and scarf. The text, designed within the team colours of red, white and blue, is repeated in a hatch pattern and reads Chinese Taipei, and vice versa. Jiayouan expression of encouragement.

I’m looking forward to the ceremonies

These uniforms are designed to assist athletes perform at their best, be happy with their national costume, and feel like they honestly represent it.

All uniforms are impressive, whether easy, elegant, modern, practical, unique or futuristic.

I’m fascinated by the design processes and stories of the uniforms of those five countries. Translating a rustic's design into sports fashion is an enormous challenge – and these countries have risen to the challenge.