The Closing Ceremony at the took place on Sunday, Aug. 11, and all eyes were on . Fans were tuned in to watch as they walked in carrying the American flag and it was their outfits—not their gold medals—that caught people's attention.
Some fans even likened their looks to NASCAR drivers. Ralph Lauren designed the team's looks during the competition this summer, but the ones they wore to the closing ceremony reminded people of the style that is worn by professional racecar drivers. The uniform, which was first spotted wearing while carrying the flag, consists of a crisp red-white-and-blue ensemble made of denim with bold USA lettering embroidered across the chest.
The jacket has patches on the top half and racing stripes, similar to those worn in NASCAR. The denim pants are also white and have “Team USA” written down the left leg next to an American flag patch. "We really need a new designer for the @Olympics they look like they are going to drive for @NASCAR everyone else looks sporty and modern.
Not us #TeamUSA," another fan wrote. The U.S.
Nascar, er, Olympic team has arrived at the closing ceremony — Thuc Nhi Nguyen (@thucnhi21) "Why must we always be the worst dressed for the Olympics? These NASCAR outfits," one fan wrote. Another urged for a change in the upcoming 2028 Olympics that will take place in Los Angeles. "The American athletes look like a NASCAR pit crew in the Olympics closing ceremonies.
Can we please get a new design team for LA28?" "Team USA is dressed like NASCAR drivers. At last, an outfit that represents our culture," another joked. USA closing ceremony hats are ugly.
The jackets are okay. Reminds me of the Nascar jackets. — Ms.
Jackson (@quietlionness) One added: "What NASCAR fan designed the USA Closing Ceremony fit?" But not everyone hated the look, some actually are looking to get their hands on "How do I get me one of them USA Olympic NASCAR jackets #Paris2024Olympics," one fan shared. How we feeling about the NASCAR Olympic jackets? — Ben Lawson (@beardboss20) "USA closing ceremony hats are ugly. #TeamUSA #Olympics The jackets are okay.
Reminds me of the Nascar jackets," one wrote. The likeness was so uncanny that even NASCAR took notice and shared a side by side image on Instagram, writing "Glad we could be the inspo for this year’s fits, @teamusa." The New York Times spoke to Mandy Underwood, who has worked on the marketing side of the motors industry for 20 years and asked her about the outfits and she agrees with fans.
“Absolutely, I do see it,” she said. “Because if that was one single suit, that would make a great firesuit, for sure.”.
