Team USA’s opening ceremony looks at the Winter Games always spark conversation, but this year one accessory has stolen the spotlight in the most unexpected way. New Era, the brand behind the official headwear, outfitted athletes with oversized fedora-style hats that have left many viewers scratching their heads. Social media quickly lit up with reactions ranging from outright confusion to reluctant amusement. The hats have become the talking point everyone can’t stop discussing.
It all started when 23-year-old ski jumper Paige Jones from Park City shared a TikTok video trying on the look. She captioned it with a plea for someone to create a Reddit thread because the topic felt ready for endless debate. Her lighthearted commentary captured the exact mood of countless fans watching at home. Within days the clip spread widely and drew thousands of responses.
Fedoras once enjoyed a moment as the go-to accessory for musicians and trendy crowds in the early 2010s. Over time though they picked up an unfortunate reputation online. Memes like the infamous “tips fedora” gesture tied the hat to a very specific and often mocked stereotype. A viral video featuring an awkward greeting of “hello pwincess” only cemented that image further.
@pesh.delesh Someone get me a Reddit account asap #teamusa #olympics ♬ original sound – Bofem
Many online voices focused more on the hats than on other bold elements of the uniform, such as the eagle-patterned pieces. One popular comment simply asked if the hat was absolutely necessary and wondered aloud about the reasoning behind it. Another viewer suggested swapping them for classic cowboy hats instead. A few people defended the choice by noting it seemed like an attempt to blend fedora and cowboy influences for a uniquely American feel.
Some athletes appear to be embracing the style and pulling it off confidently on the world stage. Paige Jones and others have shared moments rocking the look despite the mixed feedback. The official hats retail for $54.99 on the New Era site and come in five different sizes for anyone wanting to join in. Fans curious about the full collection can easily find them available online.
The eagle motifs elsewhere in the outfit nod clearly to national pride and strength. Pairing those with a fedora creates a mix that feels both retro and daring. Designers likely aimed to capture a broad sense of American identity through unexpected choices. Whether the combination fully lands remains up for debate.
Part of the surprise comes from how far the fedora had fallen from mainstream favor. Once linked to sharp dressers and performers it later became shorthand for outdated internet tropes. Seeing Olympic athletes bring it back on such a visible platform feels like a deliberate rehabilitation effort. The timing during a major international event gives the style a fresh chance to shift perceptions.
@gracehendersonski Eagle skirt for the win #teamusa #olympics ♬ original sound – Shelby Willis
A few observers even joked that the hats mirror the current cultural moment in the United States perfectly. They called the look uncomfortable yet unmistakable just like certain national conversations these days. Others wondered if an influential decision-maker at New Era simply loves the classic shape and saw the Games as the ideal stage for a revival. Whatever the intent the result has everyone talking about headwear in a whole new way.
Cowboy hats came up repeatedly as the alternative most people would have preferred. That option would have leaned fully into one iconic American silhouette without the complicated baggage. Still the middle-ground approach taken here shows bravery in trying something different. Fashion risks at the Olympics often spark the strongest memories years later.
@bofem Where are you pwincess
♬ original sound – Bofem
The conversation around these hats proves how much small details matter in team uniforms. Athletes train for years to compete at this level yet their clothing can dominate headlines overnight. Paige Jones turned a simple try-on moment into a viral discussion that captured the collective reaction perfectly. Her video continues to gain views as more people weigh in.
Whether the fedora makes a broader comeback in 2026 remains to be seen. Olympic exposure has revived trends before and this could be another example. For now the hats have succeeded in one important way by getting everyone engaged with Team USA’s presence. Style choices like these keep the Games feeling fresh and unpredictable.
What do you make of Team USA’s fedora hats at the Winter Olympics—bold statement or total miss? Share your thoughts in the comments.
