Canadian Pan Am uniforms: Medalling in style

Canada is leading the medal count in the Toronto 2015 Pan Am Games, with 38 gold, 36 silver and 23 bronze for a total of 97 medals as of Friday morning. Every time a Canadian athlete steps on the podium, the country should be proud of their achievement. What also might cross their mind though is that the Canadian team looks sharp.

Last chance! Contest closes today. Join the🍁 #OlympicClub now (link in bio) to win the entire #TeamCanada Pan Am clothing kit. Including: 3 jackets, 6 shirts, 2 pants, 4 shorts, 1 backpack, 1 hoody, 1 hat, 1 luggage piece, 1 rally scarf, Oakley sunglasses, adidas sandals & running shoes. // Joignez-vous au #ClubOlympique🍁 (lien dans la bio) et courez la chance de gagner la trousse de vêtements des Jeux panaméricains d’#ÉquipeCanada.

A photo posted by Canadian Olympic Team (@teamcanada) on Jul 14, 2015 at 11:43am PDT

Adidas designed custom Team Canada shoes for the Pan Am team and the kit was designed by quintessential Canadian company, the Hudson’s Bay. The Bay was inspired by the 50th anniversary of the Canadian flag. There are 22 pieces in the collection, primarily red and white, but with grey, black and gold accents. The rally scarf being sold at events features the words “En Garde” (on guard), playing homage to both the Canadian national anthem and the nature of elite sport. At only $15, the line also manages to strike a reasonable balance between quality material and price.

Join the 🍁 #OlympicClub for a chance to win #TeamCanada shoes from @adidas. Link in bio. // Joignez-vous au 🍁 #ClubOlympique pour avoir la chance de gagner des chaussures Adidas d’#ÉquipeCanada. A photo posted by Canadian Olympic Team (@teamcanada) on Jul 8, 2015 at 12:02pm PDT

It’s not just the athletes who are looking good. The crowds at events have been seas of red and white, the Team Canada logo flashing at every turn. It’s no surprise: the Bay has managed to create a line stylish enough for spectators to continue wearing after the Games finish.

The clothing available to the public isn’t overly Pan Am branded, but just Canadian-focused. People who purchase product designed for the Pan Am Games can easily wear it to cheer on World Junior Hockey, future Olympics or any other international sporting event.

Uniforms are tricky because they require balance between style and functionality. The public is a tough crowd to please. Canada has had it’s fair share of unpopular uniforms (Beijing 2008 Olympics, anyone?). But it’s safe to say this year, on home soil, the Canadian team and spectators are looking and behaving in the most Canadian way: classy, sportsmanlike and like they’re here to win.

The Canadian Pan Am clothing is available, here.