Lululemon, the official outfitter for Team Canada at the upcoming Olympics and Paralympics in Milan Cortina, has unveiled a new athlete kit featuring innovative and inclusive designs. The kit, developed in collaboration with Canadian athletes like Will Dandjinou, Piper Gilles, Cassie Sharpe, and Natalie Wilkie, focuses on functionality and style while incorporating insights from past Games.
One standout piece is the bright red podium jacket adorned with a topographical map of Canada underneath a waterproof mesh layer. Designed with input from Paralympians, the kit includes adaptive features like braille and magnetic zippers, as well as abrasion-resistant fabrics and new adaptive footwear.
The collection emphasizes thermoregulation with layered insulation to suit various weather conditions, from city settings to mountain peaks. It also showcases Canadian pride through bold Maple Leaf designs and a color palette inspired by the country’s landscapes.
The opening ceremony outfit features an oversized Maple Leaf design on a maroon quilted vest layered over a jacket. Lululemon’s design director highlighted the scale of the iconic leaf as a key element of the kit.
Canadian Olympic Committee CEO David Shoemaker praised Lululemon for prioritizing athletes’ needs in the design process. The athlete kit will be showcased during key Olympic and Paralympic events, including medal ceremonies and media appearances.
In addition to the athlete kit, there will be “cheer gear” available for fans, such as a double-sided scarf, a waterproof cross-body bag, and a merino wool-blend beanie. A portion of the sales will support the Canadian Olympic Foundation and Paralympic Foundation of Canada.
The Milan-Cortina Olympics will take place from Feb. 6-22, followed by the Paralympics from March 6-15. The athlete kit collection will launch online across Canada on Tuesday and in select stores in Canada and Milan on Wednesday, with more apparel and accessories set to be released closer to the Games.
