US Open’s Official Uniform Maker Ralph Lauren Creates Kit From Tennis Ball Cans
Ralph Lauren has been the official uniform designer of the US Open, supplying all the clothes for every on-court official, from umpires to the ball crew. As such, the ball is in its court for the message it wishes to convey.
With the tennis championship kicking off on August 29, the label is taking inspiration from the court itself, using abstract white lines and bold contrasting colors against a navy blue palette.
Perhaps the most striking quality of the clothes is the fact that they are made from recycled plastic. To be more specific, plastic from the empty tennis ball cans that were collected by the US Open and Ralph Lauren during last year’s championship.
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According to Observer, a total of 560 pounds of empty plastic cans were collected last year. The collected cans were turned into yarn, which was then spun to create this year’s fun and bright on-court wear.
The collection also includes over 90 pieces for spectators to dress up in, with items ranging from the classic polo to tennis skirts, button-downs, hoodies, cable-knit sweaters, varsity jackets, caps, and more. Each garment is branded with the famous Ralph Lauren pony and different motifs to mark the 2022 US Open.
The fashion brand is also offering an option for fans to customize their own graphic tees and create their own special souvenirs from the championship.
The partners are aiming to collect unused tennis ball cans again this year to turn into next year’s uniform collection as well.
If you find yourself with tickets to the US Open and nothing to wear, you can cop the on-court uniforms and the spectator’s collection from the website, with prices ranging from US$16 to US$248.
[via Observer and Robb Report, cover image via Ralph Lauren]
