New Zealand's Olympic jackets have a QR code in them with a heartwarming twist

Team New Zealand should win a medal for having one of the coolest jackets at the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics. 

The team will debut its technically-advanced jackets, designed in Aotearoa, New Zealand by apparel partner Kathmandu, during Friday's highly-anticipated Opening Ceremonies.

Each jacket features a QR-code badge woven on the inside, allowing athletes to scan and connect to a digital site filled with messages of support from fans back home and around the world. It's a cozy reminder of all the love they have behind them as they compete for the gold on the world's biggest stage. 

The coats were designed using 70 percent recycled nylon fabric and have already been described as an athlete favorite. 

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This is the first Kiwi-born apparel partner for Team New Zealand

In addition to the jacket, the athletes were also outfitted in trendy uniforms that were rigorously tested across New Zealand’s mountains, snow and winter conditions by Kathmandu to ensure that the athletes have plenty of warmth on the Italian slopes. For training and daily wear in the village, the NZ athletes were gifted a waterproof Trailhead Jacket created in a lightweight, breathable fabric to help keep them dry.

“Kathmandu has tested, adapted, and refined each garment through repeated feedback loops and real-world trials, ensuring the final collection reflects both performance requirements and athlete identity, for the harshest of all winter conditions," a press release stated. 

They also look pretty, although that matters much less. 

New Zealand Olympic Committee CEO Nicki Nicol said the uniform reveal was a significant milestone, as it's the first Kiwi-born apparel partner for the NZ Team and the first time they will appear on the Olympic stage.  

“I think Kathmandu has done a fantastic job with their first uniform – our team have already been packing it in the bags, bound for Italy. The athletes collaborated closely with the NZOC and Kathmandu to ensure the design delivers on both style and performance," said Nichol. 

So far the stylish uniforms are off to a lucky start, as three of NZ's snowboarders, Lyon Farrell, Rocco Jamieson, and Dane Menzies, all qualified through to finals in the Snowboard Big Air. Not a bad Olympic debut for the three young athletes who looked stylish to boot. 

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