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Lululemon, an activewear based in Vancouver, has revealed the summer athlete kit for Team Canada participating in the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. This occasion represents the brand’s second collaboration with Canada’s Olympic and Paralympic teams, yet it marks their first ever venture into designing athlete kits suitable for warm weather conditions.
“At Paris 2024, we seized the chance to strengthen our collaboration with the Olympians and Paralympians who proudly represent Canada on the world stage,” said Calvin McDonald, CEO of Lululemon, in a statement.
“Our design process for this collection was centred on innovation, prioritising insights from athletes to ensure they feel and perform at their peak in Paris. At Lululemon, we’re deeply honoured to stand behind these athletes as individuals and a collective team as they proudly represent their country this summer.”
In addition, Lululemon emphasises that athletes inspired “every element” of the collection. Throughout the design process, the brand conducted product testing and feedback sessions with 19 Canadian Olympic and Paralympic athletes spanning 14 diverse sports. This extensive engagement allowed Lululemon to gain valuable insights into the athletes’ distinct physical and mental requirements during the Games.
Therefore, the outcome is a series of kits that seamlessly fuse function and style through inventive construction and performance fabrics. These designs boast ultra-lightweight and stretch materials, customisable drawcords and meticulously engineered pocket shapes and placements. Additionally, they prioritise thermal comfort, leveraging SenseKnit technology and sweat-wicking fabrics to optimise breathability through enhanced ventilation.
Apart from that, Audrey Reilly, the Creative Director for Team Canada at Lululemon, highlighted the significance of cooling the body as a major innovation in the kit. Given the anticipated high temperatures in Europe from July to September, this aspect became a pivotal focus. To address this, they integrated close-to-body summer base layers utilizing their SenseKnit technology, perforation, and sweat-wicking yarns, enabling efficient moisture movement away from the body.
Championing Performance: Team Canada and Lululemon Unveil Kit for Paris 2024 Olympic & Paralympic Games
Furthermore, Lululemon has prioritised adaptability to accommodate a broader range of body types and abilities. This is evident in features such as magnetic-close zippers, pull-on loops, and sensory touch guides incorporated into the kit. Specifically, the two adaptive styles, the Seated-Fit Carpenter Pant and the Seated-Fit Packable Rain Poncho, are meticulously designed to ensure functionality and comfort, mainly when seated.
Zak Madell, Lululemon ambassador and Team Canada wheelchair rugby player reflected, “The most significant aspect for me throughout this process was Lululemon’s dedication to collaborating with Paralympians to ensure the pieces are accessible and adaptable.”
“It’s not just about appearances, it’s about feeling great, too and I couldn’t think of a better way to represent Canada. Because of the meticulous attention to detail, I’m confident this kit will become a staple in my daily wardrobe in the future.”
Additionally, athletes, coaches, and support staff will don Team Canada apparel adorned with Canadian-inspired prints during pivotal moments at the Games. This includes the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, medal ceremonies, media appearances, travel, and everyday activities within the Athlete Village.
Not only that, the opening ceremony uniforms showcase a jacquard bomber adorned with a unique print that pays homage to Canada’s rich diversity of art, architecture, and nature. The podium uniforms are designed to provide versatility in response to unpredictable weather conditions. This includes water-resistant and windproof trousers that easily convert into shorts, paired with a convertible jacket featuring zip-off sleeves, all adorned with a striking graphic red and white print.
For the closing ceremony, Lululemon has partnered with Whistler-based artist Mason Mashon, a Saddle Lake Cree Nation member, to create a print inspired by natural signs of illumination, such as the Aurora Borealis.
The Team Canada official kit encompasses an Olympics-themed running shoe, a packable rain poncho, a hooded jacket and high-rise shorts designed specifically for media interviews.
For Paris 2024, Lululemon is extending the ‘Future Legacy’ program in collaboration with the Canadian Olympic Committee and the Canadian Paralympic Committee. This expansion includes a Team Canada ball cap, scarf, and mini belt bag. Notably, 10% of all Future Legacy items sales contribute to the Canadian Olympic Foundation and Paralympic Foundation of Canada, aiding Canadian athletes in accessing essential resources, equipment, and funding.
Lululemon has announced that select looks from the collection will be accessible in stores and online across Canada. Additionally, Team Canada apparel and accessories will be introduced online in the US and available in select stores in Paris leading up to Paris 2024.
