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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?

10 Knitted Christmas Bauble Patterns for a Tree Full of Handmade Charm

There’s always room for one more Christmas decoration, especially when it uses yarn you already own. That’s my reasoning, anyway. Those little leftover balls that aren’t quite enough for a hat suddenly look much more promising when you start thinking about knitted baubles.

I love the idea of adding a few handmade ornaments to the tree each year. They don’t all have to match, either. A traditional colourwork ball beside a slightly cheeky Christmas pudding feels far more interesting than a tree where everything arrived in the same box.

These knitted Christmas bauble patterns include flat-knit designs, festive characters and detailed colourwork ornaments. Most are free, with a paid collection included for anyone who wants plenty of designs to work through. Some suit newer knitters; others are small projects for practising skills you already know.

Christmas Baubles Knitted Flat

The free Christmas Baubles—Knit Flat pattern from Tat’sgrans Treasures is worth a look if knitting tiny rounds doesn’t appeal. It includes three sizes and charted words such as Peace, Hope, Love and Joy, worked using intarsia. The flat construction is approachable, although the lettering adds a challenge beyond basic stocking stitch. I’d choose this for meaningful gift ornaments, particularly when one of those words suits the person receiving it.

Christmas Pudding Bauble

The free Christmas Pudding Bauble by Amanda Berry has all the appeal of a festive pudding without anyone debating whether they actually like eating it. Knitted flat in DK yarn, it combines shaping, colourwork and seaming, with a little holly topper to finish. It’s best for confident beginners with some experience rather than someone learning their first knit stitch. At approximately 6 cm tall, it would make a lovely tree decoration or an extra treat tied onto a wrapped present.

Rudolf & Friends Character Baubles

The free Rudolf & Friends Ornaments by Claire Fairall bring a playful touch to a handmade Christmas tree. These character baubles are knitted flat, and the instructions include illustrations for assembly and embroidery. Hobbii lists the pattern as suitable for beginners, making it a useful option for knitters who would rather practise finishing details than stranded colourwork. The finished ornaments measure approximately 8 × 6 cm and would also look cheerful tucked into a handmade wreath.

Cute Christmas Baubles With Little Faces

The free Cute Christmas Baubles from Marianna’s Lazy Daisy Days turn small amounts of DK yarn into cheerful character decorations. Worked flat and seamed, they use simple shaping, stuffing and added facial details to create their personality. They suit knitters comfortable with knit, purl, increases and decreases who enjoy a little assembly afterwards. I rather like Marianna’s idea of using them on the Christmas dinner table before adding hanging loops for the tree.

Rudolph’s Nose Christmas Bauble

The free Rudolph’s Nose Bauble from DROPS Design is a useful choice when you want a traditional ball-shaped ornament. Designed in DROPS Flora, it uses knitting in the round with increases and decreases to create the shape. Choose this if you’re comfortable handling a small circumference and want a project focused on construction. I’d make a few in coordinating colours to bring a little consistency to an otherwise wonderfully mismatched handmade tree.

Merry Mints Bauble

The free Merry Mints Bauble from DROPS Design offers another festive option, this time designed in DROPS Cotton Merino. The instructions include working back-and-forth rows and shaping, so it’s worth considering if you prefer that approach to tiny rounds. Read through the construction before starting and pay attention to the instructions for working yarn overs to avoid unwanted holes. This would be a nice project for a knitter who enjoys seeing a shaped decoration emerge from a small piece of knitting.

Caorann Fair Isle Christmas Bauble

The free Caorann Christmas Bauble by Sarah Berry brings delicate Fair Isle detail to a small ornament. It uses fingering-weight yarn and 2.5 mm needles, with instructions sized for an approximately 60 mm bauble insert. Worked in the round, the design includes both written and charted directions for its repeated segments. I’d save this one for knitters with some colourwork experience who want to make a particularly special keepsake.

A Dated 2026 Christmas Bauble

The free 2026 Christmas Bauble by Smaatterier combines the year with two traditional Selbu rose motifs. It’s knitted in the round using stranded colourwork across the middle, with either fibre filling or a suitably sized plastic bauble inside. The charted design is listed as intermediate and finishes at approximately 6.5 cm tall. This is a lovely choice for marking a first Christmas in a new home, a family milestone or simply another year of making things by hand.

Colourful Christmas Balls From Two Strands

The free Christmas Balls by Mary Ann Stephens are full of colourwork detail, with optional touches such as duplicate stitch and nupps. The designer also discusses I-cord hanging loops, which give the ornaments a pleasingly substantial finish. These are better suited to knitters comfortable following charts and managing several colours than complete beginners. Follow the updated download directions in the post to find the patterns on the designer’s current website.

ARNE & CARLOS Christmas Ball Collection

The paid Twenty-four Christmas Balls 2024 collection by ARNE & CARLOS includes a basic ball pattern and 24 different motif charts. The ornaments are worked in the round using stranded colourwork, with a linked tutorial to help you follow the process. Although the designer lists the collection as beginner level, I’d be comfortable knitting in the round and making increases and decreases before starting. This is the pick for someone who wants a whole collection of coordinated ornaments rather than just one small project.

Choosing Yarn for Knitted Baubles

Small decorations are tempting stash projects, but check the yarn weight before diving into that leftover basket. A thicker yarn can make a much larger bauble, while changing the yarn in a fitted cover may stop it fitting the recommended insert.

For colourwork, choose shades with enough contrast for the motif to show. Two lovely colours can look surprisingly similar once they’re knitted together, especially on something this small.

Smooth yarn also makes it easier to see your stitches. Save the fluffy, sparkly and slightly mysterious leftovers for a pattern where you’re confident they’ll work.

Getting a Nicely Rounded Finish

If your pattern uses stuffing, add it gradually and spread it evenly. You’re aiming for a rounded ornament without stretching the stitches so far apart that the filling shows through. For designs worked over an insert, check the diameter and follow the instructions for when to put it inside.

Give the finishing a little time, too. A neat seam, securely woven ends and a tidy hanging loop help a small decoration feel properly finished.

I’d start with a pair for the tree and one to give away. Of course, once you’ve laid out all those yarn colours, “just three” may become a rather flexible arrangement.