This year’s uniforms were designed and tailored by Bean Pole and The North Face, and are coated with insect repellent by another undisclosed company. The design of the uniforms was inspired by Korea’s traditional hanbok, according to officials, with a brooch using a traditional knot on navy blazers. (image: Bean Pole)
SEOUL, Aug. 2 (Korea Bizwire) – The Summer Olympics is just three days away, and amid the Zika scare that still lingers among athletes and visiting sports fans, South Korea’s mosquito-proof uniforms are attracting foreign media attention.
CNN introduced the uniforms Monday, commenting that “South Korea is taking precautions to protect its athletes at the Rio Olympics” by making use of “uniforms with built-in mosquito repellent.”
Earlier in June, Forbes also presented the uniforms, which it ranked as the fifth-most stylish uniforms of the Rio Games, complimenting their fashion and functional elements.
This year’s uniforms were designed and tailored by Bean Pole and The North Face, and are coated with insect repellent by another undisclosed company. The design of the uniforms was inspired by Korea’s traditional hanbok, according to officials, with a brooch using a traditional knot on navy blazers.
According to Bean Pole, the uniforms have about 80 percent increased effectiveness in repelling mosquitos than clothing made from conventional materials.
“The repellent function does not fully protect athletes from the Zika virus, so they should still take extra caution against mosquitos,” said a Bean Pole official.
By Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
