What to wear to the Olympics: A rough guide

Packing for any vacation always presents a plethora of decisions. Should I pack a heavier coat? What if I spill something on my clothes? Can I do laundry? In addition to the weather and size and weight restrictions, the Olympics present an entirely new set of issues: what should your OLYMPIC wardrobe look like?? 

Your Olympic wardrobe shouldn’t break the bank, but you also don’t want anyone to pass you on the street wondering which team you’re cheering for. A few simple suggestions:

THE FLAG:

Don’t leave home without it. You should have at least one that’s LARGE—it’s MUCH easier for NBC to spot a flag when it’s the size of a person. Our sources also tell us that choosing a flame retardant material could be important for when you encounter hostile fans from other countries. But don’t stop there. Party City and loads of other stores stock Old Glory in every shape and size. A few of our favorites: 

--Gameface tattoos: You can order large quantities of these for very little money, and then no matter what you’re wearing, your allegiance is apparent. (tip: these are also great for sharing with Americans you encounter who are not appropriately dressed. We don’t understand such people, but we do support helping them)

 --Small flags on sticks: If you’re worried about space, a tiny flag can always be shoved into your back pocket or camera bag and whipped out at an opportune flag waving moment. 

--Bunting: Not only can you use this to make your living space more festive, it can be fashioned into a sash (think Ms America) to add a little pizzazz to any outfit.

Headwear:

Your best investment pieces are worn on your head. This is what cameras will see to potentially put you on television. If you’re an American, a cowboy hat is a great option. Although Americans typically associate them with the South and rural areas, the rest of the world sees a cowboy hat and knows you’re a Yank. 

The winter Olympics will offer a great opportunity to show off the red, white, and blue in a variety of styles. Start watching for hats that feature USA colors the year before the games, and you’ll likely get a bargain on awesome knitted caps. You’ll definitely want more than one, in case you lose yours après ski in a bar, or it gets stolen by a jealous Russian fan. 

Red, White, and Blue clothes:

Depending on the year, these can be very easy to find. Old reasonably priced staples like Old Navy, the Gap, and Urban Outfitters often offer pieces that feature the flag, as well as basic pieces in red, white, and blue. These are great picks, because you can wear them before and after the games. You can do a lot with a navy sweater when you pair it with a face tattoo, a flag sash, and cowboy hat. Be creative. 

If you don’t get clothes in advance, remember you can always head to the American house to get the latest Olympic gear, but it will be priced exorbitantly. Then again, you’re at the Olympics, so treat yourself!

Don’t be afraid to be bold. No one remembers the guy who went to the Olympics and wore a black Columbia jacket. Don’t be that guy. Aspire to be the guy who wears body paint and a wig to Men’s halfpipe. Everybody loves that guy. 

USA! USA! USA!