Gum's the word for the Australian Olympic Winter team when it comes to their uniforms for February's Games in Vancouver. The uniforms were released on Monday and have a distinct feel of the Australian Alps, using the colours of the native gumtree for inspiration.

Sportscraft created the formal uniforms which were modelled by Winter Olympians Damon Hayler and Jenny Owens who are aiming for their second Games and medals in Vancouver.

The native Australian snow gum provided the inspiration for the colour palette of olive green which is paired with contrasting colours of chartreuse and ivory. A modern take on Australia’s traditional sporting green and gold.

The uniform features a classic suit for both male and female athletes made from 100% Australian merino wool. With a nod to the ultimate Olympic dream, the suit is lined with gold trim. The women’s blouse is made from 100% silk and features a fitted button through round neck with pleat details on neck and long sleeves with gathered cuffs. A black leather belt with gold hardware which is embossed with the Australian Olympic Winter Team logo, the Australian coat-of-arms atop the Olympic rings, completes the look.

To combat the chill of the Vancouver winter athletes will also wear a brushed melton overcoat, the design of which picks up on the current military trend, ensuring athletes look fashionable while staying warm at the same time.

In consideration of their different sizes, Sportscraft individually measured each athlete and produced the uniforms exclusively for the team.

“The Athletes Commission wanted a formal uniform that the athletes could wear with pride that was comfortable whilst still being fashionable,” States Sportscraft General Manager Sonia Wong.

"Having previously designed uniforms for both the 2006 Olympic Winter Games in Torino and the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, Sportscraft have gained an invaluable understanding of what is required by athletes in order for them to feel confident and professional while still incorporating elements that are recognisably Australian. We also took into consideration that the uniforms need to be functional, comfortable and very importantly provide warmth to combat the cool Vancouver climate. Most importantly as Sportscraft is a fashion brand, the uniforms reflect current fashion trends.”

Sportscraft has been at the forefront of Australian fashion for 95 years and has been an official supplier to the Australian Olympic team three times previously.

The Official Team Reception will be held in Vancouver 24 hours before the Opening Ceremony. This is just one of the occasions that the Australian Olympic Winter Team will be wearing the formal uniform.

World Championship medallist Holly Crawford was on hand to model the Karbon Delegation Wear. Similarly, this uniform has an earthy Australian bush look with the waterproofed jacket in a gum leaf green colour with gold trim and oatmeal colour pants.

Karbon is a Canadian company that has had an association with Australia’s Olympians and prospective Olympians since 2003, through sponsorship of the Olympic Winter Institute of Australia and the 2006 Australian Olympic Winter Team that did Australia so proud in Torino, Italy.

Karbon is the Official Supplier of Competition, Training, Opening Ceremony and Delegation wear for the 2010 Australian Olympic Winter Team.

AOC