True Patriot Love: Team Canada Unveils Uniforms at Sochi 2014 Opening Ceremony

The just-unveiled official parade uniforms for Team Canada. Photo courtesy Hudson's Bay.

As I sit here and watch the Sochi 2014 Opening Ceremony, I am one proud (albeit superficial) Canadienne. Whether we win the most medals or not, Team Canada always has the most kick-ass uniforms at the Opening Ceremony thanks to the amazing design team at Hudson's Bay. I don't know too much about the athletes or the rules of each sport, but I can give you a play-by-play of the uniforms that'll put Ron McLean to shame.

Inspired by Hudson’s Bay’s classic scarlet blanket, the perfect-red toggle coat features the Hudson’s Bay and Canadian Olympic Team crests.  The coat is layered on top of a black mock turtleneck and wool v-neck sweater for women, and a tailored white dress shirt, wool cardigan, and red and white striped tie for men. To finish it off, athletes wear the official 2014 red mittens that convey the “we can own the podium” message and a red, white and black pom pom toque with CANADA emblazoned proudly on the front.  Can I get a medal for that?

“The Opening Ceremony look was designed to reflect who we are as a nation; it is both classic and modern and reflects tradition, elegance and strength,” says Hilary Kelley, VP of Design, Creative Director, Hudson’s Bay.

And if you want to cheer on Team Canada in proper sartorial form, the whole look is available now at Hudson's Bay, no training required.  The duffle coat is available for both men and women and is currently on sale for $199 (thanks for the tip, Linz!).  The pompom toque and the red mittens are also available for adults and children, with $3.33 from the sale of each pair of mittens going directly to the Canadian Olympic Foundation.  

The Sochi 2014 Canadian Olympic Team Collection can be purchased online at thebay.com and is available at all Hudson’s Bay stores across Canada now.

GO TEAM CANADAAAAAA! Shady as Sochi is, are you as stoked to watch the Olympics as I am?  Don't even get me started on the figure skating costumes...

xx