2016 Rio Olympic Parade of Nations: Trends – Part 2

We’re continuing our totally unnecessary deep dive on the Olympic team uniforms, darlings. Our list of the most stylish is here, Part 1 of looking at the trends is here.

STRIPES

You won’t find many prints among the Olympic athlete’s team uniforms, except among those who came in ethnic or folk costumes. But for the ones in modern fashion, there were few options for plaids or paisleys or florals. When teams wanted a little visual something-something in their togs, they went for stripes almost exclusively.

Czech Republic

We still can’t deal with the tiny little MRA hats, but the jackets, we have to admit, are kind of sassy. We just don’t know why they’re so small.

Hungary

The Hungarian ladies all looked like they were heading to a cocktail party.

Sierra Leone

As did the ladies of Sierra Leone.

Serbia

But the Serbian ladies were all dressed for an art gallery opening.

Russia

Russia went with a vaguely nautical theme.

Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico stuck to a flag-inspired motif.

Norway

And Norway just gave up and said “Fuck it, we’ll go nuts.”

And then there were those teams that went for comfort over style…

TRACKSUITS

Obviously, track suits are perfectly acceptable and maybe even preferable as a team uniform for the Olympics. Our only issue with some of the entries is how barely-designed they are. Some of these team uniforms look like you could pick them up for cheap at a discount sporting goods store.

Cyprus

Egypt

Ireland

Slovenia

South Africa

We’re not gonna bother critiquing them (because that would be kind of low), but we’ll say that South Africa, Ireland, and Egypt have the most stylish.

And for the final trend, it’s the one that least deserves to be called a trend:

TRADITIONAL

Many African, Asian, and island nations either stuck strictly to their folk costumes or allowed them to heavily influence the design of their team uniforms. It would be silly to rate these the way one would a modern fashion design. Besides, if we were being honest about it, almost all of the following were among the best looks of the night, hands down.

Burundi

The fabric on the women is stunning. They look like a trio of goddesses.

Benin

Benin blended the colors of its flag with its own costuming traditions to come up with these dignified but colorful looks.

Cameroon

Stunning. Probably the most gorgeous looks of the night.

Cook Islands

They’re not the most eye-catching of dresses, but the bright print was a welcome sight.

Indonesia

We are so digging Indonesian Wonder Woman.

Malaysia

Senegal

Gorgeous.

And finally, the men of Sudan and the U.A.E. keep it simple and classic:

Sudan

United Arab Emirates

Because track suits may come and go, but basic white and a good turban will never go out of style, darlings.

[Photo Credit: Getty Images]

• Olympic Games 2016