Rio 2016 Olympics: The best opening ceremony outfits from the sporting catwalk

The Rio 2016 Olympics are practically upon us and whilst the Games themselves are the main event, there is nothing like the anticipation of seeing what the opening ceremony will be like. The ceremonial opening parties are key for the host nation to make the right first impression on the plethora of countries they are welcoming in for the duration of the games.

But even if the show is uneventful (which they rarely are) you can always count on the teams to jazz things up with their catwalk of official merchandise.

We're more than used to seeing the likes of Usain Bolt, Tom Daley and Jessica Ennis in their skimpy competing attire but get them in a custom jacket and or tracksuit and the whole team turns into a weird school trip or airline crew. This year is no disappointment but the labels behind the teams have upped their game to turn their athletes into fashion models.

Team GB have once again had the Stella McCartney treatment but the results are actually quite palatable. The traditional red, white and blue palette reigns supreme with a huge embroidered logo emblazoned on the back of the jackets, not too dissimilar to the likes sold by Gucci and Louis Vuitton, although at a much nicer price.

The brand ambassadors for American style, Ralph Lauren, took the helm for the US team sticking with the same patriotic hues as good old GB. Although where Britain may have gone for athleisure, the Americans are the shining jocks of the competition with soft cotton Oxford shirts and neat cargo shorts decorated with the brand's signature polo playing emblem and a mighty great USA on the back. Nothing too crazy or unoffensive and immensely marketable.

Ralph Lauren have been kitting out the Olympiads since 2008, "It has always celebrated American iconography," says David Lauren, EVP of global advertising, marketing, and corporate communications for Ralph Lauren, and the son of Ralph Lauren, who founded the company in 1967. "It has always been about patriotism." Luckily that patriotism will be likely to increase their sales as well.

Another red, white, blue country that have stuck to their style is France with Lacoste creating a sleek set of designs finished neatly with a pair of bright white sneakers. The neat cropped jackets with racing stripes down the arm wouldn't look out of place in any polo shirt donning, slim jean wearing men's wardrobe as well as being a perfect cover up for women.

Then there is Cuba who have enlisted the luxury knowledge of shoe maven Christian Louboutin, the red-soled master. Why the French designer took it upon himself to redesign the Cuban Olympic wardrobe is unknown although he does have a big presence in Brazil so it may the host nation that led him to the team. Either way. his rather strange tailored safari suits in fawn and scarlet complete with striped bowling shoes and cropped trousers makes for a very odd airline crew style that make for a very uncomfortable look. The star detailed sandals and slip-ons though are fantastic proving that Louboutin should maybe stick to what he knows.

The winners for consecutively insane outfits have to be Australia who always manage to come dressed like a local cricket team or barber shop quartet every year in their seersucker suits and contrasting scarves and ties. This years green striped ensemble is just fantastic and even if the team take home nothing they can rejoice in the glory of their sunshine yellow striped ties.

Click through to see the best Olympic Opening Ceremony outfits in history:

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