On Monday 16th May, Simon Jersey unveiled Team GB’s formal wear for Brazil, which will be worn by the full team of 350 athletes and officials to formal events both in the UK and Brazil.
We worked collaboratively with senior Team GB staff as well as current and former athletes on the design of the suit, giving athletes the opportunity to have their say on what they want to wear.
Children from across the nation also got involved, by entering a competition to include a message of support in the lining of the suit. We received more than 900 entries of which 10 were chosen to be woven into the suit’s red lining.
“Simon Jersey have done a fantastic job designing our formal wear for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. Team GB will be around 350 athletes strong in Rio so to design a suit that not only looks great but fits every team member- from a 5ft4 gymnast to a 6ft5 boxer is no mean feat. We had fabulous feedback from athletes during the sizing sessions that took place around the country and with the good luck messages sewn into the lining I am sure that the team will wear their suits with pride.”
The main fabric of the suit is British wool in a navy blue. Men will receive a slim-fitting three-piece suit worn with a white shirt and flashes of red provided by their tie and pocket square, with woven in lion’s head, and red socks. Women will receive jacket and slim-leg trousers, red top and navy handbag.
“We’re incredibly proud to be the first uniform provider to have been chosen to supply suits for Team GB. Creating a suit for such a wide range of powerful body shapes is a challenge, but in working directly with athletes we’ve created a design we know fits and flatters all sizes. We wanted the athletes to look and feel their very best whenever they wear the suit, so we’ve paid special attention to all of the fine details from the embossed buttons to the lining to make sure they feel great. The lining is our way of letting the athletes know they have the support of everyone back home and we hope it inspires them to success in Rio. We’ve had fantastic feedback from athletes so far and can’t wait to see them together wearing our designs.”
In addition to the suit, we will also be providing athletes with the outfit they’ll wear at the closing ceremony of the Olympic Games. The outfits will remain a closely guarded secret until the final night of The Games on 21st August.
For more information about the story of our design, visit our dedicated Team GB section.
