Simone Biles has once again ignited criticism of Team USA’s Olympic uniforms, designed by Ralph Lauren, in the newly released Netflix docu-series Simone Biles Rising. The Olympic gymnast, along with her teammate Jordan Chiles, expressed dissatisfaction with the designs, echoing what many fans have already said about the outfits.
In one candid moment of the series, Biles is seen trying on the outfit and struggling to appreciate the design. She humorously remarked, “It’s giving British boarding school,” mimicking an English accent and joking, “Let me get on my horse!” Chiles joined in, but it was clear that both athletes were unimpressed with the denim-and-blazer combination, which was intended to evoke a “timelessly American” look. Biles described her feelings perfectly by saying, “You know when you put on an outfit, and it’s just really not it?”
She’s the greatest in the world. She’s also human.
SIMONE BILES RISING, a Netflix Sports Series documenting one of the most powerful comebacks in history, premieres July 17. pic.twitter.com/PwRCiDJyGD
— Netflix (@netflix) June 19, 2024
Fans quickly rallied behind the athletes, voicing their own discontent with the design. On social media, many felt validated by Biles and Chiles’ remarks. One user on X (formerly Twitter) humorously said, “@RalphLauren you will pay for these jeans,” while another poked fun at a scene in which a tailor assured Biles that the outfit looked “cute,” with the fan quipping, “And the tailor just lied her face off.” The fans’ frustration was not only with the aesthetic but also with what they saw as a lack of creativity from Ralph Lauren. Many called for Team USA to consider new designers, with one comment reading, “It’s time to drop Ralph Lauren.” Fans also emphasized that there are more diverse American designers who could bring fresh perspectives to Olympic fashion, rather than relying on Ralph Lauren’s recurring patriotic themes of American flags and structured blazers.
Another point of contention was the fit of the jeans. Some fans believed that slim or form-fitting jeans would have better complemented the blazers, arguing that a more tailored look would suit the athletes’ physiques and elevate the overall outfit.
As Biles, Chiles, and fans continue to express their dissatisfaction, it’s evident that Team USA’s fashion choices for the Paris Olympics have missed the mark. With growing calls for change, many believe it’s time for Team USA to hand over the design reins to a new generation of designers who can offer a modern, inclusive take on Olympic fashion.