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What Do You Think of the Team USA Uniforms?

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team usa sweatersI told you a while back that the official team USA uniforms were being designed by Ralph Lauren and the sweaters and other garments the team will be wearing in the opening ceremony were completely made in America, including using yarn from Imperial Stock Ranch.

The uniforms were officially unveiled on the Today Show this morning, and criticism started coming in immediately. A commentator for the Boston Globe likened the colorwork-heavy cardigans to ugly Christmas sweaters (a common comment on Twitter, too) and offered an apology to the free world for them, while Gawker called them “hideously ugly.”

I think that’s going a little far, but the sweaters could have been a little less busy. And some parts of the collection are really lovely (I still want one of the polo teams’ sweaters, but not enough to pay $395 for one).

Julie Chu, a woman’s hockey player who modeled the garments, told USA Today they “make a bold statement” and when you look at them you can “see the patriotic spirit.” Well, that’s certainly true.

You can see the whole collection — and even buy your own if you’re inclined to spend $595 on a gaudy sweater — direct from Ralph Lauren.

I’d love to hear what you think of the collection. I for one am thinking about a knockoff USA hat…

[Photo via Ralph Lauren.]

Comments

  1. I do not like the sweaters at all. They are way too busy, ugly, and awful to look at. They are just way too busy. I can’t believe the people in charge of approving them actually thought they are appropriate. I will be cringing during the opening ceremony.

  4. It’s a shame that this is what the world will see represented as America’s best design for our teams. One word – edit. Too much going on. It would have been much better understated than overstated.

  5. Looks like a candidate for an Ugly Sweater Contest, huh?
    Or, something you find hanging in a closet of an estate sale!

  6. My first thought, too, was that it looks like a candidate for an ugly Christmas sweater. Or, more harshly, that someone upcycled a patriotic throw from Wal-Mart… 🙁

    I LOVE the Olympics. I record it and watch it every year. This just frustrates me. Like the person above said, over-designed. Ralph Lauren knows better, and it just proves, yes, he can do wrong.

  11. Yes, way too busy, what was he thinking?! But the other thing that occurred to me was the comment I heard on the news about terrorism and visiting the Olympics – “Make sure you don’t dress American” – so as to stand out to terrorists. Wow. Pray for the safety of those attending the Olympics!

  12. Seriously, who thought Ralph Lauren could design, nothing designer about that ugly outfit. Well at least they’ll give the rest of the world a good laugh!

  14. They look like a bad Christmas sweater. No wonder they don’t want the teams to wear the sweaters out side the event. They will be the laughing stock of the Olympics.

  15. Would have been classier of Ralph to put the USA logo on the center front. At first glance it appears the players are competing for the country of POLO!
    FYI – the wool for the yarn came from Imperial Stock Ranch. The yarn was spun from that wool at Stonehedge Fiber Mill in Michigan.

  16. The good news: I can SO appreciate that they’re patriotic. The bad news: I have to concede &
    agree w/ all the above: way too busy, reminds me of an early 90’s outfit, and I guess I’m surprised at this coming from Ralph Lauren. Oh, and I sure can’t see ANYONE paying $595 online for one!! Otherwise, go team USA!!!

  17. Yes their a bit busy and yes their very pricey. But at least they are 100% made in the USA even the yarn. Go Team USA!!!!

  20. what were thay thinking? While I appreciate the attempt at patriotism it’s way over the top. I would not wear it. I feel sad for the athletes who are wearing them and the people who worked hard to execute the design. They could be appealing and attractive without losing the national flair. Wondering who approved the design… I love that the materials are made in the US.. We need to see more of that.

  21. It’s a shame that, instead of being able to clearly see the USA on the left breast, you see POLO. When the advertising brand is more pronounced than the name of the country, that’s a sad state of affairs and makes a mockery of the so-called patriotism of the rest of the design. It’s too busy, it’s too commercially-branded, I wouldn’t buy one of those sweaters at a garage sale for a quarter.

Have you read?

8 Knitted Crown Patterns for Children and Adults

There is something rather wonderful about a knitted crown. It takes a little yarn, a few pointed peaks and suddenly someone is in charge of the birthday cake. Whether they should be trusted with that responsibility is another matter entirely.

I love small knitting projects that invite a bit of fun, and these knitted crown patterns have plenty of possibilities. Make one for a grandchild’s dress-up basket, start a handmade birthday tradition, or knit matching crowns for a family celebration. And yes, there are adult sizes too, because being the person who organised the food should surely come with some royal privileges.

A soft knitted crown also makes a lovely alternative to a cardboard party crown. You can choose a favourite colour, coordinate it with a costume, or make something special enough to bring out year after year. Mustard yellow has that classic storybook look, but dusty pink, forest green and jewel-toned purple would be beautiful too.

These crown knitting patterns include children’s and adult options, along with designs that can be adjusted to fit. Some are worked flat and seamed, while others use circular knitting techniques, so there is a nice mix depending on what you enjoy making.

Our Free Knitted Crown Pattern for Kids and Adults

Start with our own free knitted crown pattern for kids and adults on CraftBits. It’s a lovely starting point for a handmade birthday crown or an addition to the family dress-up collection, with children and grownups both invited to join the royal household. I would choose a colour the wearer already loves—there is no rule saying every crown has to be gold.

Sheep & Stitch Crown: An Adjustable Design with a Video Tutorial

The knit crown pattern from Sheep & Stitch uses worsted-weight yarn and straight needles, with a video tutorial to help you follow along. You repeat the pointed sections until the crown fits, then join the ends, making this a useful option for children or adults without relying entirely on an age label. I especially like the video support for knitters who prefer seeing the shaping happen before trying it themselves.

Jubilee Crown Headband: Baby Through Adult Sizes

Marianna’s Jubilee Crown Headband is a free DK-weight design with baby, child, teen and adult size options. It’s described as quick and easy, making it an appealing choice when someone announces they need a costume rather closer to the event than you would have preferred. I would keep the smallest versions simple and let the yarn colour provide the decoration.

Hobbii Knitted Crown: A Cosy Ribbed Headband

The free Knitted Crown Headband from Hobbii, designed by Katharina Müller of My Favourite Stitches, combines a ribbed band with crown points. It includes baby, child and adult sizes and is knitted in the round with two yarns held together. This is the one I would look at for a crown that doubles as a playful ear warmer—very useful when your little royal insists on wearing their costume outside.

Elegant Knit Crown: Two Stretchy Size Options

Kathryn Andrews’ Elegant Knit Crown is a free Ravelry download with a small toddler/child size and a large teen/adult size. Worked from the top down in worsted-weight yarn, it uses a small amount of yarn and relies on stretchy edges to accommodate a range of heads. It’s a handy option for using a treasured leftover colour that isn’t quite enough for a hat.

Simple Knitted Crown: A Grownup Birthday Crown

Nicky Barfoot’s Simple Knitted Crown is a free DK-weight pattern with seven points and an adult-sized fit. The listed finished circumference is 50 cm, designed to stretch to a 55 cm head, so check that measurement before choosing it as a gift. I like this option for a grownup birthday celebration, especially in a beautiful cotton yarn that lets the shape take centre stage.

Crowning Glory: A Flat-Knitted Crown for the Family

The free Crowning Glory pattern by MrsMeeseMakes is knitted flat and seamed, with the circumference adjusted through the number of points you make. The designer gives guidance for baby, toddler, child, teenager and adult versions, making it a flexible choice for a family set. This would be my pick if you enjoy straight-needle projects and want to check the length as you go.

Paintbox Yarns Party Crown: Child and Adult Versions

The free Paintbox Yarns Party Crown uses aran-weight yarn and includes separate child and adult instructions. The listed finished circumferences are 44 cm and 50 cm, and the pattern is rated intermediate. I would make a coordinated pair in different colours for a birthday child and their favourite grownup—matching enough for photographs, but easy to tell apart when the party gets busy.

Choosing the Right Size for a Knitted Crown

Measure around the wearer’s head where the crown will sit, then compare that measurement with the pattern’s sizing notes. A finished knitted circumference may be smaller than the intended head measurement because the fabric stretches; that is different from choosing a size that is simply too small.

For an adjustable design, check the fit before sewing the ends together. You want the crown to stay put comfortably, especially if its owner plans to spend the afternoon dancing, running or issuing important instructions to the dog.

Yarn choice matters too. A springy wool blend and a smooth cotton can behave quite differently, even when both carry the same yarn-weight label. Follow the pattern’s tension guidance and think about how the finished crown will be washed.

Make It a Birthday Tradition

My favourite idea is to knit a crown that comes out every birthday. Choose a colour that will grow with its wearer, tuck it away with the birthday candles, and let it become one of those small family things everyone remembers.

For children’s crowns, stitched details are a lovely way to personalise the design without adding loose decorations. A little embroidered initial or a few contrasting stitches can make a simple crown feel very much their own.

And if you happen to knit yourself one while making the children’s versions, I think that is entirely reasonable. Someone has to supervise the kingdom—and keep an eye on the cake.