Team Canada’s official outfitter, Lululemon, has revealed the athlete kits for the upcoming Olympics and Paralympics in Milan Cortina, showcasing a blend of adaptive and inclusive designs, layering, and insulation. Lululemon CEO Calvin McDonald expressed pride in the collaboration with Canada’s top athletes, emphasizing a kit that prioritizes innovation and inclusivity while combining functionality and style. Working closely with Canadian Olympians like Will Dandjinou, Piper Gilles, Cassie Sharpe, and Natalie Wilkie, the Vancouver-based athleisure company gained insights over two years to tailor the kits to meet the unique needs of athletes during their Olympic and Paralympic journey.
Among the design highlights is the topographical map of Canada featured on the bright red podium jacket, lauded by athlete Cassie Sharpe for its innovative details such as a waterproof mesh layer and braille zipper tags. The kits are engineered for thermoregulation, addressing the varying temperatures and conditions athletes will encounter, and incorporate adaptive and inclusive elements based on feedback from Paralympians. The designs draw inspiration from Canada’s landscapes, with bold Maple Leaf motifs and colors ranging from deep reds to iceberg-inspired greens and blues.
The opening ceremony look features an oversized Maple Leaf symbol on a maroon-colored quilted vest, representing a unique take on Canadian pride. Design director Catherine Lebrun highlighted the significant scale of the leaf motif, underscoring the commitment to putting athletes’ needs first in the design process. The Canadian Olympic Committee CEO, David Shoemaker, commended Lululemon for their dedication to understanding and prioritizing athletes’ requirements, expressing excitement to see the innovative kits showcased in Italy and at home.
The athlete kits will be worn during key Olympic and Paralympic events, including ceremonies, media appearances, and travel, showcasing a range of apparel and accessories designed for athletes, coaches, and supporters. These include a variety of items catering to at-home fans seeking to display their patriotism, with a portion of sales supporting the Canadian Olympic Foundation and Paralympic Foundation of Canada. The Milan-Cortina Olympics are scheduled for February 6-22, followed by the Paralympics from March 6-15, featuring a lineup of prominent Canadian ambassadors across various sports.
The collection will launch online on the Lululemon website in Canada on Tuesday, with select stores in Canada and Milan set to feature the kits from Wednesday onwards. Additional apparel and accessories are expected to be released closer to the Games, offering a comprehensive range of products for athletes and supporters alike.