Scottish Commonwealth Games uniform ridiculed

Posted by : Unknown Friday 11 July 2014

Commonwealth Games 2014 Glasgow

Members of the Scottish Commonwealth Games team in their controversial uniforms.

Scotland has this week revealed its team uniform ahead of the games starting in Glasgow at the end of the month, winning gold for the worst Commonwealth Games kit in the process.

The parade uniform, according to the Scottish team's official statement, has a "subtle flag-inspired theme" on the bright blue men's shirts and the dresses worn by the female competitors.

This clashes magnificently with the kilts and shawls made from "distinctive Team Scotland tartan, with its turquoise, fuchsia and navy blue set on a burnt caramel background".

The apparel apparently received a "positive reception" from the 400-odd team members and officials at the unveiling. Even the athletes modelling the uniforms said they were pleased with the uniform.

Cyclist Charline Joiner said she loved that the design was different, and was especially pleased the girls got a bag to put their phones in.

Australia's uniform for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, starting later this month

However social media reaction has been a little more severe.

Australian journalist Sally Sara called it a 'McFashion Crime', and there have been many independence-related jokes.

UK columnist Paul Rifkind tweeted that the bright blue is "a colour that clashes with itself".

At least Twitter user Stuart Burns could see the bright side of the garish uniform:

"So, the Scottish Team uniform for the Commonwealth Games seems to have united everyone."

The uniform's designer, Jilli Blackwood, said her brief was to "come up with a parade uniform that was high on impact and made a real statement, but also had a contemporary feel. There will be no mistaking that this is the Scottish team as they proudly step out at the opening ceremony."

The sporty-luxe Canadian uniforms.

As for the rest of this year's uniforms, Australia wins the silver medal for worst uniform thanks to three clashing shades of green, a private-school-type of design and stone-coloured dad pants.

Malaysia receives the bronze medal after going for bold as well, with an orange tiger-striped theme.

The Canadian team has chosen to stick with a safe red and white ski suit theme for their uniform this year, keeping them out of the worst uniform medal tally.