Pranjal Shah
14-Feb-2026
From bold couture puffers to heritage-driven design, these teams turned the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics 2026 into a fashion moment.
Once a purely ceremonial procession, the Parade of Nations at the Winter Olympics has quietly evolved into one of sport’s most unexpected fashion runways. At Milano Cortina 2026, national teams arrived not only to announce their athletic ambitions but also to articulate identity, heritage, and design philosophy through meticulously crafted uniforms. From couture-leaning alpine silhouettes and heritage cashmere to minimalist tailoring and bold cultural statements, the Opening Ceremony became a study in how nations dress themselves for the world stage, and these caught our eye.
1. Brazil
Image Credits: olympics.com
Brazil’s joie de vivre was palpable at Milano Cortina with a bold reinterpretation of winter essentials. A collaboration of Moncler and Oskar Metsavaht resulted in oversized puffer jackets, puffer skirts, capes, and even Bermuda shorts, blending high-end alpine wear with vibrant Brazilian flair.
2. Mongolia
Image Credits: olympics.com
Team Mongolia was draped in tradition, their uniform weaving a cultural fable on the sporting stage. Created with Goyol Cashmere, the outfit drew directly from the traditional deel, a garment worn for centuries by Mongolian nomads, but reimagined in premium cashmere suitable for both display and cold weather.
3. United States of America
Image Credits: olympics.com
Honouring their longstanding partnership with Ralph Lauren, Team United States featured winter-white wool coats with heritage wooden toggles, tailored wool trousers, American flag intarsia sweaters, and matching knit accessories, combining elegance with traditional Americana style.
4. Italy
Image Credits: olympics.com
As the host nation, Italy’s uniforms carried symbolic weight, designed by EA7 Emporio Armani as a tribute to the late Giorgio Armani. Athletes entered in sleek bomber jackets and matching trousers crafted from premium technical fabrics with subtle tricolour detailing and “Italia” branding. The neutral palette was both understated and stylish, reflecting Italy’s fashion heritage while serving practical purposes for winter conditions.
5. Czech Republic
Image Credits: Maddie Meyer, Getty Images
The Czech delegation embraced retro ski culture with uniforms by ALPINE PRO. Drawing inspiration from mid-20th-century outdoor wear, the outfits featured bold patterns, unique silhouettes, and a vintage colour palette that echoed the alpine aesthetic of Cortina’s 1956 Winter Olympics.
6. Finland
Image Credits: Luhta, Instagram
Team Finland’s look by Luhta was distinctive for its ombre effect and nature-inspired palette — subtle layers blending from pure white to deep blue, reminiscent of Lapland’s vast winter skies. Crafted with outdoor expertise, the uniforms prioritised warmth and mobility while honouring Finland’s close connection to northern landscapes.
7. New Zealand
Image Credits: The New Zealand Team, Instagram
New Zealand’s delegation turned heads with an all-black ceremony ensemble, a bold visual choice that contrasted sharply with traditional winter whites and brights. Accentuated by traditional M?ori k?kahu cloaks worn by flagbearers, the look celebrated cultural identity while maintaining a sleek and minimalist aesthetic.
8. France
Image Credits: olympics.com
Designed by Le Coq Sportif, Team France’s uniforms channelled après-ski elegance with refined knit pants, cosy jackets, and an icy colour palette that drew from mountain landscapes and the French tricolour. The garments struck a balance between casual comfort and sporty sophistication, ideal for both presentation and utility.
9. Norway
Image Credits: Dale of Norway, Instagram
Team Norway opened a window into the past. Its ceremonial outfit reconnected with its Olympic heritage through knit sweaters by Dale of Norway, a brand that has dressed Norwegian athletes for decades. The sweaters featured traditional Nordic geometric patterns paired with puffers and bold national colours, echoing both classic knitwear artistry and alpine performance needs.
10. Nigeria
Image Credits: Maddie Meyer, Getty Images
The small delegation of Team Nigeria marked a notable presence with its green and white striped uniform outlining strong national symbolism in bold simplicity. The design combined national colours with clean graphic lines, making it instantly recognisable among the diversity of styles in the parade.
