Kiratiana rocking her Dutch jacket!As I walked into the unaccredited media center at the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games, people complimented me on my bright orange jacket that I had just bought at Heineken house. Even though I had seen Shani Davis win a gold medal, and actually curled after watching curling, nothing made me feel better than the compliments I received on the Netherlands Olympic Supporter Jacket. 

While athletes are trying to win medals, National Olympic Committees are trying to make sure the athletes look thei best while winning and receiving their medals.

My $200 USD Suit Supply Netherlands supporter jacket not only made me look good, but also managed to get me into a couple of exclusive parties because people thought I was a Dutch athlete.

This jacket inspired me to check the Olympic Gear of some other countries and do a little comparison.

Host Country Gear: Winter Cabin Chic

photo by smittenkittenoriginalsCanada’s unveiled a line of Canada clothing that one Olympic athlete called “winter cabin chic.” Red and black are the dominant colors.  I would have bought a Canada jacket, if all of Vancouver weren’t wearing it. Vancouver, however, has hats, t-shirts, book bags with the 2010 logo on them, and while I must admit that this stuff is cool before the Games, it might lose its cool factor right after the closing ceremonies.

My take: Perhaps you have seen those red mittens? They are definitely worth buying at $10 USD - but buy as a souvenir and not to for warmth.

USA: Expensive and Preppy

Ever since Ralph Lauren signed up to clothe the Olympic Team, Team USA has never looked more stylish and preppy. During the opening ceremony, the Olympic athletes sported down jackets, chunky sweaters, and cute hats.

My take: Buy the Ralph Lauren gear if you have deep pockets ($425 USD!) and love Team USA. 


Russia: Red and Luxurious

When I first saw the red and white Bosco sport gear at the Beijing Games, I thought it was unique and cool. The swirls and color were unusual for Olympic Gear and it made the Russian Team stand out. At the Games, I saw the most beautiful Bosco Olympic Jacket: It was white, down with a fur lining, and the ubiquitous Bosco sport, the cost: $1000!

My Take: Buy the Russian Bosco gear if you love red, and want to have some expensive, exclusive gear. If you happen to find yourself in Russia, buy it at these stores.

Italian Wear: Chic and Blue

I had the opportunity to check out the Italian gear because someone let me into an exclusive Italian house party (I’m sure it was the Dutch Jacket that got me in).

What struck me about the Italian gear is the lack of any Italian colors. The Italy flag is red, white and green right? The blue gear was definitely modern and chic, but it was lacking that patriotic feel and the emblazoned silver “Italia” on the back was not enough to make these jackets feel special.

My take: Buy the Italy gear if you love blue and not for Italian pride.

Netherlands: Orange all the way (picture at top)

If you have traveled to any Olympic games, you know that the Dutch fans stick out. Despite their flag being red white and blue (very distinctive huh?), they wear orange for sports. But Dutch people are not known for being stylish. So when I visited the Heineken house (aka Netherlands house), I was surprised to find some incredible Dutch clothes by the official clothes supplier Suit Supply.

The bomber jackets (which came in orange and blue) looked stylish, sporty and unique, they even sported the Olympic Rings on the left arm. Only 150 jackets were made and sold exclusively in Vancouver for $200 USD - I had to buy one! 

My take: I’m going Dutch!

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Kiratiana Freelon is a Harvard Graduate who has traveled to more than 25 countries. She is a Chicago native and she helped work on Chicago’s bid for the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games for three years. She is now launching a series of Black destination travel guides. Learn more about her travels and projects at http://kiratianatravels.com and follow Kiratiana on twitter >>.