What is an Olympic jacket?
Olympic jacket — This is a lightweight, zip-up sports jacket with a stand-up collar and elasticated cuffs, originally designed as the top part of a tracksuit.
The term originated in the USSR in 1952 during the Helsinki Olympics. Soviet athletes competed in distinctive blue jackets with white details, which quickly gained the popular name "sports jacket."
In the 1980s and 1990s, this item moved beyond the stadium and became a standalone streetwear staple. Today, it's a wardrobe staple in sporty-chic and retro styles.
Distinctive features
The tracksuit jacket's cut is characterized by a straight or slightly loose silhouette. Essential design elements include a full-length center zipper and a distinctive stand-up collar to protect the neck from the wind.
Traditionally, the garment is made from smooth synthetic fabrics such as polyester, nylon, and elastane. These materials provide high wear resistance, dimensional stability, and a characteristic subtle sheen.
Modern versions are also made from velour or thick cotton blends. Details include knit or elastic ribbing at the sleeve cuffs and hem, as well as contrasting stripes or color-blocked inserts.
What to combine with
For everyday looks, wear the tracksuit unbuttoned over a basic white T-shirt. This layer is complemented with straight-leg or wide-leg jeans and classic leather sneakers.
The sporty-chic style is built on integrating a sports jacket into feminine ensembles. It's worn over a silk slip dress or paired with a pleated midi skirt and chunky lace-up boots.
Eclectic combinations with business style involve using a thin track jacket as a midlayer. It's worn under a voluminous structured jacket and paired with wide-leg, pleated suit trousers.
