The aim of the collection, designed by Lee Cooper, has been to design an outstanding visual product and team look that breaks the mould of traditional parade wear; a collection that is adapted to Beijing's hot and humid weather conditions and is comfortable and fashionable yet classic.

 

Together with Olympic medalist Sarah Winckless, in the rowing women’s eight, Lee Cooper and designer Tim Browne designed the stylish uniform. rower Helen Casey and canoeist Ed Cox have been involved in the fitting phases to ensure that the uniforms would match athlete’s requirements.

 

The athletes will be wearing a selection of white jackets with blue bottoms, chinos for the men and skirts for the women, the dominant tones of white and blue with red touches echoing the colours of the British flag.

The jacket, especially cut to cater for the athletic physique, is made from a white stretch canvas coolmax fabric, offering performance, breathability and freedom of movement.

 

The inside breast pockets are embellished with gold buttons, details include union flag buttons. Inscribed on the interior gold piping are the words: "Inspired, Proud, Determined, Passionate".

The bottoms are cut in a blue fine weave coolmax gaberdeen fabric and will be combined with blue Pima cotton polo shirts, for ultimate comfort.

 

To complete the look, the Lee Cooper parade uniform is to be worn with blue traditional British canvas boater shoes.

 

Winckless said: “I found the whole thing really interesting.

 

"The detail and efforts the British Olympic Association goes into shouldn’t be underestimated.

 

"Clothing athletes and officials of such a range of body types and size is not easy.

 

"I am pleased with the results and the designers have done a fantastic job.”

 

Casey said: “I came in at a later stage – at the fitting - as I was checking that different sizes would fit different people.

 

"The manufacturer took an awful lot of trouble and the end result is amazing.”

 

Team GB’s Chef de Mission Simon Clegg said: “I believe our parade wear for tonight’s Opening Ceremony provides the ideal combination of comfort and style.

 

"The designers, in consultation with our athletes, have delivered a fantastic overall look and I am confident that Team GB will make an impact this evening.”