When the Team GB kit was unveiled in March, it was to grumbles that designer Stella McCartney had ditched the red of the Union Jack’s red, white and blue in her quest to reinterpret the flag. Four months on and we’ve become used to the largely blue and white colour scheme across athletic events like Ennis’s heptathlon. While the shapes might recall eighties duvet covers, fashion insiders may have also noticed the colour scheme’s similarity to the paisley pyjamas of McCartney’s spring/summer collection, also in a palette of blues. As such, we – like Ennis – heartily approve Photograph: adidas via Getty Images
With Prada’s CEO Patrizio Bertelli a keen sailor – his Luna Rossa yacht has been competing in the America’s Cup since 1997 – it makes sense that fashion’s favourite Italian brand would kit out the country’s sailing team. Style watchers should not get too excited, though. The designs don’t see the athletes wearing the seventies-style trouser suits and embellished empire line coats of the autumn/winter collection. Instead, this is more in line with the Prada Sport collections complete with signature red stripe, and hi-tech waterproof fabrics to protect the team out on the water in Weymouth and Portland. A splash of style can’t hurt Photograph: Prada
Created in collaboration with Bob Marley’s eldest daughter, singer and fashion designer Cedella, Puma’s track and field kits work whether you’re running in the Olympics or for the bus. Launched to a crowd at the east London venue Village Underground last month, Bolt modelled his with aplomb, to the click of many a smartphone. Although the mismatched trainers he wears with them are a style quibble, the vest top comes with appropriate lightening-like graphics and a looser fit to gain top marks. The Jamaica team's training gear is also worth noting – the palm tree pattern on the hurdler Shevon Stoddart’s leggings fit right into this summer’s tropical trend Photograph: Alex Morton/Action Images
While you might now associate Hermes with whatever is hanging off Victoria Beckham’s wrist this week, it actually started with saddlery. It’s only right, then, that this most esteemed French brand will clothe the country’s equestrian team for the Olympics. Tres jolie the result is, too. A very Hermes combination of the classic and graphic, try and ignore the team wearing it and concentrate on the clothes. The green riding jacket with red collar is great for the equestrian trend coming in the autumn. Who knows, it could take over the Birkin as the most requested Hermes design this year Photograph: Hermes
While Speedo’s LZR Racer changed the game for swimming when it was introduced for Beijing in 2008 – reportedly reducing racing times by around 2% – Nike’s TurboSpeed suit aims to do the same for track and field. Not, as the name suggests, the outfit for a superhero or an energy drink, the sportswear giant claims the suit could shave up to 0.023sec off racing times for the 100m. Resembling a red bodystocking, it also prompts mind-boggling thoughts of "how do you get into that?" and also "‘would I want to?" When Usain Bolt’s world record time comes in at 9.58sec, Tyson Gay is sure to be answering "yes" this year Photograph: Nike Handout/AP
