International fashion designers dabbled in sportswear, some countries missed the tropical memo and a shirtless Tongan flagbearer stole the show as the Games began.
One of the great Olympic rituals – the marching of the athletes – resembled something of an international athleisure convention when the uniform parade descended on Rio’s Maracana stadium.
And over the years, when it comes to the fashion… there have been some shockers.
From kaleidoscopic tracksuits to camel toes to outfits that just don’t make sense, sport’s most prestigious tournament has delivered some of fashion’s worst faux pas.
Rio has been no different.
White pants were big, and there was a steady stream of classic big shouldered blazers – but no opening ceremony would be complete without some serious hits and misses.
Fox Sports have put together a list of the top 5 “best” and “worst and South Africa came in at number one.
Okay… so we’re not 100% sure they really meant best dressed. Maybe most practical?
We’re not going to look a gift horse in the mouth either way, so we’ll take it & celebrate the small wins!
Boom. It’s like our first victory in a long line of awesomeness to come at this years Olympics.
Here’s the full list below.
1. South Africa
Retro tracksuits are quite possibly god’s greatest gift to the world. So fun, so freaky and so darn hard to resist. You can zip them up, zip them down and vacillate between the two to annoy the hell out of the person next to you. Maybe that’s a trick the South Africans intend to employ once the real games start.
2. Bahamas
You’ve got to love a uniform that evokes thoughts of the waters that make the archipelago the envy of the world. The Bahamas have done just that. A simple tracksuit in a blue hue, they’re not messing around. They’re here for business, but also here to remind you that you don’t swim in waters that blue. Ever.
3. Mongolia
You had me at canary yellow, Mongolia. What an entrance. Blink and you still couldn’t miss the team from East Asia. Yellow is the colour of hope and with only two gold medals to its name, Mongolia may be on to something. Channel your good vibes into your uniform and medals will inevitably come your way. Wishful thinking? Maybe.
4. Hungary
The women from Hungary look simply ravishing in these red and white dresses, which have clearly been designed by someone who understands clothes can actually make you look good. Cinched at the waist, with pleats, these dresses exude more style than Usain Bolt. All jokes aside, where can we get one of these kits from?
5.Tonga
Look, it’s not so much an outfit as a well-oiled man. But what’s not to like?
And the worst according to the same Fox Sports list…
1. Russia
Look, we know Russia has had it tough recently, what with all its athletes being banned from competing because they’re drug cheats. Really, we do feel sorry for you. Even more so given these bow ties they’ve been forced to tie around their necks.
2. USA
Talk about a snore fest. C’mon team USA, you’re better than those very beige Ralph Lauren numbers you’ve donned. A blue blazer worn over a striped T-shirt? How very unoriginal. Even flag bearer Michael Phelps is having second thoughts. His look here is one of, ‘what was Ralph thinking?’.
3. Norway
Scandinavians get life. What’s not to like about a little smoked salmon on some dense rye bread? Delicious. And how about those health benefits they get? As we said before, they just get it. But my oh my they’ve proved they are indeed human. Norway — these busy kits are awful. Not sure about the trucker caps, either. Although Lleyton Hewitt certainly would have approved.
4. Germany
The Germans’ track record in the fashion stakes isn’t great. Think: birkenstocks and socks. Our expectations were naturally low, but not this low. Pants under skirts? Maybe it’s the new birkenstocks and socks. Whatever the reasoning, it’s not something you should try at home.
5. Poland
Whoever designed the Polish uniforms has clearly spent too much time watching Eat, Pray, Love. What’s with the long tie-dye skirts? We’re not in Bali! And we’re certainly not searching for spiritual enlightenment. The purple is particularly confusing. Maybe they’re masquerading as Fremantle supporters. It’s all very unclear.
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