For the last 14 years, Ralph Lauren has been the official outfitter for Team USA. Without fail, he always dresses our team in the finest, most fashionable uniforms. Not to mention, everything is made in the USA making it the perfect choice to represent our country!
After catching some of the opening ceremony this morning, it is clear that Ralph has done it again. Team USA’s opening ceremony outfits are not only clean in their sense of style… but they’re also green!
No, not literally green, but this year, Ralph Lauren completely upped the game in both the technology and sustainability realms. For the first time we are seeing something called “Intelligent Insulation,” which is a thermoregulating textile. The new innovation “responds to changing temperatures using a mechanism woven directly into the fabric” (The Sourcing Journal). In order to make this possible, Ralph Lauren partnered with material startup, Skyscrape. Through the partnership, Skyscrape developed a climate-responsive textile that expands when the temperature drops, ultimately providing a thick layer to protect against the elements (The Sourcing Journal). When I read this, my mind was blown. I know we live in an age with what seems to be endless technological innovations, but this just raised the bar. How cool is it that we now have a jacket that responds to the environment around you. Do you want to know the best part about this new “intelligent” textile?! It ties right into sustainability…
The overall idea of Intelligent Insulation is to extend the lifespan and “use cases” of a garment. Basically, this material has the ability to transform through many seasons and environments due to its adaptability. Because of this, as consumers, our need for several different coats for all different seasons and times of the year becomes moot.
To give you a little more insight into how this textile technology actually works, The Sourcing Journal explains that:
“A reaction taking place between two layers of material makes the textile expand and contract at different rates in response to changing temperatures. The textile bends in a different pattern in colder climates, broadening air pockets and increasing the insulation’s thickness.”
How cool is that?! I’d say pretty cool. In addition, Ralph Lauren’s son, David, who is the chief branding and innovation officer said:
“For the first time, you can have a singular item that provides incredible versatility and style for a variety of temperatures, changing the way we can holistically think about the makeup of a consumer’s closet.”
And that’s not all when it comes to sustainability for Ralph Lauren and the Team USA uniforms this year… the Team’s mid-layer jacket, pants, gloves, and boots are all made from recycled polyester from post-consumer plastic bottles.
Overall, I’d say Ralph Lauren knocked this out of the park. I couldn’t be more proud of how Team USA is being represented; sustainable, Made-In-America, innovative, and stylish. Some teammates participating in the Olympic games this winter commented on the overwhelming and emotional feeling they receive when putting on their first ever Team USA apparel. I don’t think there’s anyone better for the job than Ralph, to deliver them that bittersweet moment.
On the topic of Ralph Lauren, I highly recommend watching the documentary, Very Ralph. It dives into Ralph’s life, foundation of the brand, and above all, his family. It can be found on HBO Max or can be rented on places like Amazon Prime Video for as little as $2.99. I was required to watch it last semester for one of my classes, and I couldn’t be more grateful to my professor for exposing me to it. Not only did I find it inspiring, but I got to really see who Ralph Lauren truly is as a man, and not just a brand. Even if your interest is piqued in the slightest, I suggest you check it out!
Check out the trailer here! Very Ralph (2019): Official Trailer | HBO – YouTube
References: Ralph Lauren Debuts RL Cooling Wearable Tech in Team USA Uniforms – Sourcing Journal (kent.edu), ralph-lauren-team-usa-winter-olympics-2018-1200×630-c-ar1.91.jpg (1200×628) (themanual.com), e279ae97201ab9360b847837fbb3d2b1.jpg (800×577) (pinimg.com), Ralph+Lauren+on+2010+Winter+Olympics3.jpg (384×400) (bp.blogspot.com)
