- The first Winter Olympics was held in 1924 in Chamonix, France, and athletes dressed for function rather than flash.
- Hockey players wore less protective gear in the 1936 Olympics than they do now.
- In the 1950s, figure skating apparel became lighter and more embellished.
- Speedskaters have also traded in thicker sweaters for sleek bodysuits.
When it comes to style, Olympic athletes have come a long way since the first Winter Games in 1924. Back then, bobsledders competed in thick sweaters and leggings. Figure skaters dressed for function rather than flash. And skiers wore nondescript clothing, not sponsored gear.
In the decades since, athlete's uniforms have evolved to keep up with new safety regulations and advancements in winter sports. Speedskaters now compete in aerodynamic bodysuits. Figure skaters tailor their costumes to their performances. And hockey players must wear helmets and other safety equipment.
Below, see how Team USA's uniforms have changed across multiple Winter Olympic sports, from the first games in Chamonix, France, to the current ones in Pyeongchang, South Korea. We included photos from every Winter Olympics except for the 1928 games in St. Moritz, Switzerland, for which we could not find any available pictures.
SEE ALSO: We're all pronouncing Pyeongchang wrong — here's the right way to say it
1924: The opening ceremony for the first Winter Olympics was held on January 25 in Chamonix, France.
The first Winter Games lasted from January 25 to February 5, 1924.
1924: That year, 258 athletes from 16 countries competed in 16 events.
American speedskater Charles Jewtraw made history when he won the first gold medal of the first Winter Games. Figure skater Beatrix Loughran and the US men's national ice hockey team took home Team USA's first two Olympic silver medals. And ski jumper Anders Haugen took home the US' first Olympic bronze medal.
1932: Those familiar with speedskating uniforms today will notice how different they looked at the first few Winter Games.
Back then, speedskaters kept warm in thick sweaters and leggings and did not wear helmets or goggles.
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