Posted 7/22/12 by Amy Willsey in News

American Olympic Uniforms Manufactured in China: Where’s the home country pride?

Ralph Lauren, American fashion designer and creator of Polo, was commissioned to be the official outfitter of the US Olympic and Paralympic Teams for London 2012. He designed the opening and closing ceremony parade uniforms, according to Yahoo News.

He previously designed the uniforms for the 2008 Olympics in Bejing and the 2010 Winte Olympics in Vancouver.

The Red, White and Blue uniforms made for the team have caused quite an uproar – The American uniforms were manufactured in China.

Republicans and Democrats railed Thursday about the U.S. Olympic Committee’s decision to dress the U.S. team in Chinese manufactured berets, blazers and pants while the American textile industry struggles economically with many U.S. workers desperate for jobs.

I have to agree with both political parties here. I’m glad they’re on the same page for once because this is outrageous. The Olympic games are a time to have so much pride in your country – it’s almost embarrassing we didn’t even make our own uniforms.

“I am so upset. I think the Olympic committee should be ashamed of themselves. I think they should be embarrassed. I think they should take all the uniforms, put them in a big pile and burn them and start all over again.” – Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid

Ralph Lauren’s company declined to comment on the criticism.

What do you have to say? Leave a comment to share your thoughts on the American uniforms having been made in China.

Amy Willsey

I'm a junior magazine journalism major and business minor at the University of Missouri. I came from the lovely Kansas City and am a die hard Royals and Chiefs fan. I enjoy long-distance runs, alliteration and I spend my free time finding the fraternities with the cutest puppies. Carry on, all you pretty people, carry on.