What is an Olympic jacket?
Olympic jacket — is a lightweight, long-sleeved sports jacket with a zipper and elastic cuffs, originally designed as the top of a tracksuit.
The term is purely Soviet in origin. The name gained currency thanks to the uniform worn by the USSR national team at the 1952 Olympics, and the jacket gained widespread popularity after the 1980 Moscow Olympics. In international terminology, this garment is referred to as track jacket (running jacket).
Today, the tracksuit has transformed from a purely athletic piece of clothing into a standalone element of everyday wardrobe. It's widely used in sport-chic, streetwear, and casual styles.
Distinctive features
The construction and design of the Olympic jacket have several distinctive features that distinguish it from other types of lightweight jackets:
- Stand-up collar. The classic track jacket has no hood. The neck is protected by a high, tight collar that can be unbuttoned and turned back like a shirt collar.
- Fittings. A central zipper is a must-have feature. It runs the full length of the garment or reaches mid-chest (in anorak styles).
- Cuffs and waistband. The jacket's hem and sleeves are finished with wide elastic ribbing. This ensures a secure fit and wind protection.
- Materials. Traditionally, the garment is made from smooth synthetic or blended fabrics (polyester, nylon, elastane) that hold their shape well and resist wrinkling. Velour, heavy cotton, and raincoat options are also available.
- Decor. The jacket is often decorated with contrasting stripes on the sleeves, geometric color-block inserts, or sports brand logos on the chest.
What to combine with
Modern fashion allows the Olympic jacket to fit into a wide variety of stylistic trends, moving away from an exclusively sporting context.
- Sports total look. A classic pairing with a pair of sweatpants (joggers or straight-leg pants) and sneakers, this outfit creates a relaxed silhouette perfect for active wear.
- Streetwear. Pair a vintage or oversized tracksuit top with wide-leg or cargo jeans. Complete the look with a basic white T-shirt and chunky shoes.
- Eclecticism and sport chic. A play on contrasts, with a sports jacket layered over a feminine slip dress. An alternative option is pairing it with a pleated midi skirt and leather ankle boots.
- Multilayered. A thin, buttoned-up sweatshirt is worn as an inner layer. It's worn under a classic, oversized trench coat, a tailored wool overcoat, or a leather jacket.
