Team USA’s fashion choices for the Paris Olympics quickly became a hot topic among fans, but it wasn’t just the public who felt let down—elite athletes also voiced their disappointment with the Ralph Lauren outfits they were required to wear. This isn’t the first time that Team USA’s opening and closing ceremony attire, designed by Ralph Lauren, has sparked debate. Once again, the latest Olympic designs have drawn similar frustration from both athletes and fans alike.

Dressed in tailored blazers and denim jeans, Team USA entered the ceremony channeling a school uniform-meets-sport look. But what was intended to look “timelessly American” received mixed reviews—and left some athletes unimpressed with both the look and comfort. Recently, fans discovered that it’s not just them— their favorite gymnasts Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles also share similar opinions about the outfits.

Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles share disappointment over Team USA’s Olympic attire

For both Biles and Chiles, the opening day attire seemed to have lacked an appeal. In the recently released second part of the Netflix docu-series ‘Simone Biles Rising’, the gymnasts were caught in a candid moment while they faced the camera after putting on their outfits for the evening. During a lighthearted yet honest discussion, the gymnasts were far from sold on the opening ceremony look. While trying on the uniform, Biles expressed her doubts, struggling to “see the vision.”

Simone and her teammates noted that they felt more prepared for a day at a British boarding school than a high-energy Olympic opener in the outfit. Putting on the attire Simone immediately stated, “You know when you put on an outfit and it’s just really not it?”. Although the tailors and grooming team tried to encourage the look, it was clear Biles and Chiles felt the outfit missed the mark for such an iconic occasion. Biles stated, “I feel like I’m going to school in London”. Faking an English accent she added, “Let me get on my horse!” 

The backlash on social media echoed their sentiments, with many fans and fashion critics questioning Ralph Lauren’s approach to outfitting American athletes. This year’s outfit, featuring a striped oxford shirt, a structured blazer with patriotic red and white detailing, and light-wash denim, attempted to blend formal and casual styles but didn’t resonate with everyone. Moreover, this wasn’t the first instance of Team USA’s Olympic attire sparking debate. Ralph Lauren’s designs over the years have leaned heavily on patriotic themes, with bold renditions of the American flag incorporated into nearly every piece. Critics argue that the designs are “too literal” and lack modern creativity, a view shared by many netizens who were quick to voice their opinions.

Athletes’ disapproval of opening day attire sparked debates among netizens

The opening day fit for the athletes bred disapproval among fans from the very beginning. And after watching the latest episodes of the documentary fans could not keep calm as they watched their favorite athletes resonating with their thoughts on the attire.

One fan shared frustration with Team USA’s opening day Olympic outfits designed by Ralph Lauren. They seemed disappointed by the denim-and-blazer combo that was intended to look timelessly American. The netizen wrote, “@RalphLauren you will pay for these jeans”. Fans found it overly formal and unimaginative, likening it to school uniforms rather than something fitting for an Olympic ceremony. Seeing elite athletes like Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles voice similar discontent in the Netflix series validated fan disappointment, intensifying the criticism.

A scene in the Netflix documentary caught a moment when a team member tried to reassure Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles that the Ralph Lauren outfits looked “cute” on them. Responding to the same Simone replied, “Maybe”, appearing not fully convinced. Referring to that moment one X user humorously commented, “And the tailor just lied her face off.” However, Biles and Chiles clearly felt uncomfortable and disappointed with the look, feeling it missed the mark for such a major event. The fan’s remark suggests they believe the tailor’s compliment was not the truth. However, she tried to encourage the outfit despite the athletes’ visible dissatisfaction to ensure that they felt right.

Another commenter resorted to criticizing Ralph Lauren’s continued role in designing Team USA’s Olympic outfits, suggesting that the brand’s designs lack diversity and creativity. “One day hopefully very soon the usa Olympics will drop Ralph Lauren. There are so many better more diverse American designers!!” read the comment. Fans believe other American designers could capture a modern, inclusive representation of the U.S., rather than relying on Ralph Lauren’s familiar, heavily patriotic themes. They hope for “better” and “more diverse” designers, reflecting a desire for innovative attire that not only resonates with today’s diverse American identity but also prioritizes athlete comfort.

One fan’s personal opinion highlighted that the loose fit of the jeans and their lack of cohesion with the blazer contributed to the unflattering look. They mentioned, “If the pants were slim fit or a jeans style that fit the body of the athlete it would have worked. The jeans should have matched the blazer as well”. Fans suggested that slim-fit or form-fitting jeans would have complemented the blazer better, creating a streamlined look. They also believe that it would have aligned with the athletes’ physique complimenting their style.

Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles’ candid reactions to the outfits they had to wear revealed an important sentiment. Alongside representing their nation, athletes want to feel empowered in the attire they wear on the defining days of their athletic careers.