With everyone talking about Team USA’s Olympic outfit, I thought it would be a good time to present Australia’s own kit, and surprise surprise – it’s pretty good. Stepping away from the gimmickry of years past, official Olympic outfitter Sportscraft, have opted for some pretty classy staples that feel authentically traditional yet relevant. Wisely, gold takes a step back and the schoolyard classic bottle green is paired with white for a smart combination. Actually, the outfit makes a pretty good case for the bottle green cotton blazer to be a national staple. There are some obvious “design-by-committee” details apparent though. The navy seems superfluous, especially in the trim, and I wonder if white denim would’ve been a far stylish option than a plain trouser?
The real highlight comes courtesy of Volley, who have taken their iconic canvas shoe and given it their nationalistic flair without going overboard. The classic white canvas lace-up is updated with a green collar trim, green laces with gold eyelets and special commemorative gold tag. A leather patch is stitched onto the tongue, emblazoned with the Olympic rings. Green and white will always be a cool combination and the addition of gold hardware keeps it fun. There’s just enough green and gold in there to tug at my patriotic strings without it compromising the simplicity of what we’re all familiar with. I frankly wouldn’t mind a pair for myself.
