Let the games Beijing

At the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games, Team GB paraded the clothing for the Olympics 2008 in Beijing. The aim of the collection was to design an outstanding visual product and team look that breaks the mould of traditional parade wear. The collection is created to be adaptable to Beijing's hot and humid weather conditions. Designed for younger and older members of Team GB, the collection is comfortable and fashionable, yet classic. Together with Olympic rowing medallist Sarah Winckless, British jeans brand Lee Cooper designed the uniforms. Olympian rowing champion Helen Casey and canoe flatwater winner Ed Cox have been involved in the fitting phases to ensure that the uniforms would match athlete's requirements.

During the Games, the athletes will be wearing a selection of white jackets with blue bottoms, chinos for the men and skirts for the women, finished with the colours of the British flag. The jacket is made from a white stretch canvas coolmax fabric, offering performance, breathability and freedom of movement. Pockets are embellished with union jack buttons and inside are a 08.08.08 label - the opening date of the Olympics. To complete the look, the Lee Cooper parade uniform comes with blue traditional British canvas boater shoes.

Sarah 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."

Lee Cooper is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, coinciding with the openings date 08.08.08 of the Olympics in Beijing. The company also manufactured the formal and parade clothes for the closing ceremony of the Olympic Games.

Image: Flag bearer Mark Foster and Katy Livingston