In Varese, Italy, American freestyle skier and Olympic silver medalist Jaelin Kauf marked her initial day at the Milan Cortina Winter Games with a celebratory fitting of her Team USA uniforms, crafted by Ralph Lauren. At a hotel near Milan airport, Kauf and several U.S. teammates gathered with enthusiasm, ready to prepare their ceremonial attire.
Displaying palpable excitement akin to that before a competition, Kauf examined her closing ceremony ensemble, featuring a knit turtleneck adorned with the American flag. This was paired with belted canvas twill pants designed with Ralph Lauren's classic tuck into striped socks, and finished off with hiking boots, creating a look that blended tradition with functional style.
Kauf’s fellow moguls teammates, Olivia Giaccio, Tess Johnson, and Elizabeth Lemley, joined in the occasion, trying on vibrant patriotic pieces such as a red, white, and blue puffer jacket labeled with “2026” and “USA,” and a Nordic-inspired knit cap complete with playful tassels. The group engaged in collective selfies within the showroom space as tailors took measurements to adjust the length of the trousers and stylists applied custom enhancements.
"Participating in this process is an incredible experience that brings the reality of the Olympics into focus," said Kauf, who is attending her third Olympic Games. "Being in Italy and starting our journey by receiving these amazing outfits helps build the excitement as we approach the competition."
Team USA athletes arriving for the Winter Games typically stop at the Milan airport hotel, where sponsors supply them with essential gear including sunglasses and apparel appropriate for ceremony appearances, media engagements, medals presentations, and leisure time. Among these offerings were American-designed undergarments by SKIMS, an innovative inflatable jacket by Nike for medal ceremonies, and Oakley sunglasses alongside the distinctive Ralph Lauren outfits.
Complementing the ensembles for the opening ceremony, Ralph Lauren outfitted Team USA with a winter white duffel coat, a Nordic-knit turtleneck featuring the U.S. flag and Olympic rings, and pleated wool trousers noted for their softness. Giaccio praised the fabric's quality, calling the look "very classy," while Kauf admired the subtle yet patriotic branding details such as "TEAM USA" engraved on the coat's wooden buttons.
Johnson succinctly summarized the team’s sentiment by declaring the uniforms impeccably designed with "zero notes." Lemley also donned the Ralph Lauren uniform during fittings, embodying Team USA’s strong visual identity.
This 2026 collaboration marks the sixth consecutive Winter Games where Ralph Lauren has served as Team USA's official outfitter. Beyond ceremonial attire, athletes are provided with around 30 pieces of village wear, creating a cohesive and patriotic presence throughout the Olympic venues.
Peter Zeytoonjian, senior vice president at the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee’s commercial division, affirmed, "This is by far the best team outfit we have ever had. Since the 2010 Vancouver Games, we have made steady improvements, and this collection tops them all." He personally favored the red-white-and-blue cable-knit turtleneck he was wearing and highlighted his enthusiasm for the flag sweater designated for the closing ceremony, which prominently displays red, white, and blue colors alongside Team USA insignia.
The women’s moguls team, including Kauf, arrived at the Games on a wave of competitive success. Just a month before their Olympic appearance, the team achieved a historic sweep by taking the top four positions in a World Cup dual moguls event in Livigno, Italy, near the Swiss border. This location serves as the Olympic debut venue for the freestyle discipline, underscoring the significance of their recent performances.
Kauf remarked on the team's strength and unity, stating, "Our results speak volumes about how powerful our women's team is. We are formidable skiers and competitors who have come to win. The upcoming events promise to be an exciting challenge for all of us."