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France's Olympic Uniforms Aren't Vetements, Unfortunately

Courtesy of Lacoste

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France is the self-proclaimed fashion capital of the world, so it's only right that the country's 2016 Olympic uniforms reflect that, right?

Sadly, there won't be any Vetements-clad Olympians this year — no oversized sweatshirts with a "How to be French" explainer on the back or sweatpants that look like they've been hacked at the ankle with a pair of dull scissors. Instead, the very preppy, very sporty Lacoste will be outfitting Team France this year.

The French brand debuted the outfits the athletes will wear in Rio this summer to an audience at the Palais de Chaillot in Paris last night.

"The idea was to do something chic that is representative of the Lacoste spirit, founded by [tennis legend] René Lacoste — so very clean cut and very precise," Lacoste's artistic director Felipe Oliveira Baptista told WWD.

The brand has produced most of the team's Olympic kit, which will be worn at the opening and closing ceremonies, on the winner's podium, and throughout the Olympic Village in between events.

Sure, Lacoste may not be bringing you the couture-level track suits you've always wanted, but they paid attention to other important things, like functionality and keeping the athletes comfortable.

We're talking marine blue trench coats (because warmth), soft cotton hoodies (how cozy), rain-resistant ponchos (how sweet), and thermal zip-up sweaters. Honestly, the cropped, ankle-baring white pants are the closet thing to high-fashion we're going to get this year, but even they have a practical element (elastic waistbands!).

This is the second time Lacoste has been tasked with designing France's gear, the first being the 2014 winter games in Sochi. You can get a sneak peak of the uniforms in Lacoste's Instagram photos, below:

A photo posted by Lacoste (@lacoste) on

A photo posted by Lacoste (@lacoste) on

A photo posted by Lacoste (@lacoste) on

A photo posted by Lacoste (@lacoste) on


Watch: A Look at Olympic Uniforms