Why Team New Zealand’s sustainable kit is beating Australia and Scotland
While the world is still recovering from World Cup fashion goals and pink football boots, Commonwealth Games teams are being coy about their opening ceremony uniforms.
So far, only Scotland, Australia and New Zealand have been brave enough to reveal their formal attire, while Bermuda has also dropped major clues.
Here is the podium ranking of the current finalists.
Bronze for Team Scotland: Thistle do
Team Scotland’s ceremonial uniforms, unveiled with enough smoke to re-enact a Bonnie Tyler music video, would have benefited from an even deeper haze.
Men are decked out in Braveheart black tie with traditional sporrans, fly plaids and skirts designed by Siobhan Mackenzie, while women are given nightclub-ready black heels, skirts that can be pleated to your personal highs and sporran-shaped bags.
Tennis legend Martina Navratilova summed up the criticism on social media by commenting under a photo of the jerseys: “This is crazy… sexist AF.”
Mackenzie, who designed the women’s jersey for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games and the tartan outfits at Birmingham 2022, focused on traditional rather than contemporary values.
“The clothes are classic and timeless, with an emphasis on plaid,” Mackenzie said. “It’s also really important to me that everything that supports local textiles and craftsmanship is made in Scotland, from woven fabric to finished garments and accessories.”
Billie Eder, sports writer, from Glasgow: First, athletes in high heels? No thanks. If they want to choose to wear them during their free time, then go for it. But making it uniformly mandatory? It’s not nice at all. If I can put the sexism aside (it’s kind of hard), I think blue plaid is really cool.
Silver for Team Australia: First in class
From the ankles down, Team Australia’s jerseys are the envy of the world – or at least the female athletes of the Commonwealth Games in Scotland.
RM Williams’ coveted Craftsman boots with matching arches are rightfully a source of national pride.
The rest of the uniform is a respectful twist on private school blazers, in a nice hunter green with a hopeful touch of gold thanks to the team emblem. Thanks to the chinos and skirts, the fun smell of Dubbo Regional Livestock Market can be felt.
First Nations design is woven into the jacket lining, breast pockets and hair clips of men’s blazers worn with crisp white shirts ready for Rotarian speaking nights.
“Designing for Team Australia goes beyond looks,” said RM Williams designer Charles Kennedy. “It’s about capturing pride, identity and belonging, and creating pieces worthy of the moment when athletes represent their country.”
Billie Eder, sports writer: Sigh. Am I really going to download another Australian team jersey (see my previous work)? I am sure. For a country known for its exotic wildlife and spectacular landscapes, we definitely fall short in the creativity department when it comes to fashion. It would be a different story if we had put First Nations designs on the exterior; then people could truly see a part of our nation.
Gold for Team New Zealand: Very sweet
Sustainability without compromising on style is at the heart of New Zealand’s official uniforms, supplied by Kathmandu.
The theme of the jackets, produced using Merino wool, is “future nostalgia”, and there are QR codes on the inside pocket that link competitors to support messages from home. Wide-leg pants and baseball caps have a nice skater vibe. Unfortunately, skateboarding is not an official event at the Commonwealth Games.
The wool weave in the blazer was developed in conjunction with Woolmark and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) for maximum wind and water resistance without the use of synthetic coatings.
Some of the uniform pieces were made using recycled plastic waste, including car tyres, and the burns in Palmerston North have finally come to fruition.
Billie Eder, sportswriter: Yes, New Zealand is a great place and they know it. The mix between formal and casual hits the nail on the head and is so refreshing compared to the stiff uniforms of Australia and Scotland. This is actually a kit you might see athletes wearing again. One day, she offers street clothes that would cost quite a lot at a vintage store.
Things to Watch Out for, Team Bermuda
Only three of the seven athletes representing Bermuda will attend the opening ceremony wearing outfits inspired by calypso band The Talbot Brothers of Bermuda.
The three female athletes will wear carnival shirts, pants and straw hats inspired by the all-male group.
The look is a deliberate departure from Bermuda shorts.
“I chose a uniform depicting the Talbot Brothers” mission chief Donna Raynor told Bernews.
“We’re going to dress this way. I’m sure people will say, ‘Oh, no Bermuda shorts.’ We’re excited about that.”
Make the most of your health with us Live Well newsletter. Get it in your inbox every monday.
