There are a few reasons why I couldn’t participate in the Winter Olympics: I haven’t renewed my passport, I can’t snowboard, and I can’t stand the frigid cold. However, thanks to Ralph Lauren’s new USA Olympic uniforms, the cold might no longer be a hindrance for me.
For the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics in South Korea, temperatures aren’t expected to be tropical. But the chilly weather will be no match for Ralph Lauren’s Opening Ceremony looks that feature embedded wearable heating technology, according to USA Today. USA Olympians will wear the self-heating uniforms for the Opening Ceremony on Feb. 9.
Here’s how it works: The patriotic down parkas feature a button on an attached battery pack that delivers and instant jolt of warmth. Athletes can choose from three temperature settings using their cellphones, and the heat can last up to five hours on the high setting and 11 hours on the low setting when fully charged.
“It’s the most technologically advanced jacket ever produced,” said David Lauren, son of Ralph Lauren and chief innovation officer for Ralph Lauren Corp, according to USA Today. “There have been heatable blankets for kids before but they have wires. This is a fabric with ink that heats up—it’s weightless, it’s conductive and it’s immediate.”
The heating system is embedded in an American flag inside the jacket printed in carbon and silver, which Lauren called “a symbolic ode to our flag.”
The uniforms also feature large brown suede explorer gloves with fringe and hand beading to encapsulate the classic American Western look.
We’ve got to say, we’re pretty impressed with these uniforms. Not only do they look great, but this heating technology is giving us major James Bond vibes. Is there any chance this tech is coming to consumers or the promotional products industry anytime soon? Because we think our east coast winters could really use a heat jolt.
