Polo Ralph Lauren Corp. will be the official outfitter of the U.S. team for the 2008 summer Olympics in Beijing, according to an article in The Wall Street Journal.
The company replaces Roots Ltd., which has outfitted the country’s team for the past three Olympics. Roots’ design for the 2008 event was deemed too informal and, in January, both sides agreed to dissolve the contract, which was to last through 2008.
Known for its preppy style, Polo’s wardrobe plans for the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as athletes’ down time in the Olympic village, include V-neck sweaters, ties, cargo pants and Polo mesh shirts with “Beijing” written in Chinese characters across the front, all in patriotic colors.
Polo expects to sell the Olympic-branded products at its boutiques in the U.S. and on its website. The company is also negotiating with several department stores to carry the line.