World Cup Gear: U.S. Team Jerseys Still Not Made In America

In 2012, Ralph Lauren received backlash regarding the uniforms he designed for U.S. team to wear during the opening ceremonies at the Summer Olympics. People said that the beret was “too European”...
World Cup Gear: U.S. Team Jerseys Still Not Made In America
Written by Val Powell

In 2012, Ralph Lauren received backlash regarding the uniforms he designed for U.S. team to wear during the opening ceremonies at the Summer Olympics. People said that the beret was “too European” while others said that the athletes looked like chic crossing guards. However, the main reason the designer faced criticism was that the uniforms were made in China.

“Why shouldn’t we have pride not only in the American athletes but in the American manufacturers and laborers who are the backbone of our country,” fashion designer Nanette Lepore asked.

The 2012 incident was not the first time the designer found himself in hot water. In 2008, there were reports that Lauren’s uniform for the Beijing Olympics were also manufactured in China.

After the backlash, Lauren committed to making the uniforms for the 2014 Winter Games in the USA. In a statement, the company said, “Ralph Lauren promises to lead the conversation within our industry and our government addressing the issue of increasing manufacturing in the United States.”

Now, the World Cup is fast approaching and Nike soccer uniforms are available to the public. Many would think that the 2012 incident with Ralph Lauren wouldn’t happen again. However, the uniforms are still being made outside the U.S.

According to reports, the Nike soccer uniforms including dri-fit shirts, t-shirts, and polo shirts were made in Sri Lanka, Honduras, Vietnam, and Turkey. People are now wondering whether it’s really that difficult or expensive to have the uniforms manufactured in the good ole’ U.S. of A.

Well, for soccer fans who aren’t opposed to buying imported World Cup gear, Nike offers a wide array of caps, shoes, jerseys and the shirts for all 32 teams competing in this years event.

This year, Brazil will host the 2014 FIFA World Cup. The event is set to kick off on June 12, Thursday, and will run through July 13, Sunday.

Check out the U.S. team’s World Cup jersey

 Image via YouTube

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