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After being postponed for a year due to Covid-19, the 32nd Summer Olympics are officially here with the Tokyo Olympics (still officially referred to as the 2020 Olympic Games), running through August 8. It’s the first time an Olympics has been postponed, and it will be strikingly different this year.
How Will the Tokyo Olympics Work This Year?
For starters, the International Olympic Committee and Tokyo organizers confirmed that the Olympics will remain branded as the “2020 Olympics,” despite it being moved one year back to 2021. That’s why official merchandise and all signage still says “Tokyo 2020.”
For safety, international spectators are barred from attending, so only people from Japan will be present. There will be exceptions for athletes, officials, and some news media.
As for the athletes, they also have strict rules in place to remain safe and healthy. While they’re competing, they will be tested frequently and won’t be allowed to take public transportation. They also will not be allowed to visit any public spaces that aren’t approved by Olympic officials. Everyone will be encouraged to practice social distancing.
How to Watch the Olympics
The 2020 Summer Olympics will begin at 8 p.m. Japan time, which is 7 a.m. EST /4 a.m. PST. Since Japan is 13 hours ahead of the Eastern time zone, there will be awkward times for viewers in the U.S. will have to wake up early to watch the Olympics live.
The games will be available on numerous television channels, including NBC and its affiliates. If you’ve cut the cord and don’t have cable, you can get NBC, NBCSN and MSNBC through Sling TV. Sling is offer a free trial that will let you watch these live TV channels on your television set, computer or phone. Get the deal here.
If you want to stream the Olympics online, you can do so by signing up for a free trial with Peacock.
Related: How to Watch the 2021 Olympics Online for Free
What is the Best Tokyo Olympics Merch?
In honor of the 2020 Olympics, we rounded up some of the best Tokyo Olympics merch to wear while watching comfortably in front of your screen (or in Japan, if you live there). Some of these are officially-licensed pieces for Team USA, while others are just Olympics-inspired pieces that brands are created to get in on the team spirit.
1. Men’s Yellow Team USA 2020 Summer Olympics Road to Tokyo T-Shirt
Team USA Shop
From the official Team USA Shop, this 100% cotton tee is perfect to wear but also to display as a collector’s item. Tokyo 2020 is exciting since it’s only the second time the city has hosted the Olympics since 1964.
2. Polo Ralph Lauren Team USA Closing Ceremony Jacket
Ralph Lauren
This closing ceremony jacket by Ralph Lauren is a sporty beauty. It was designed for Team USA to wear during the Closing Ceremony of the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020. The jacket is lightweight, moisture-wicking, and made out of recycled polyester.
3. Polo Ralph Lauren ECOFAST Pure Team USA Polo Shirt
Ralph Lauren
Want some Olympic merch you can wear to the office? Opt for this polo that supports Team USA, made out of 100% cotton and dyed with an eco conscious treatment called “ECOFAST Pure.” This innovative textile treatment technology reduces the amount of water, chemicals and energy needed to dye cotton. The special-edition polo also is a nod to the style of the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.
4. Canadian Olympic Team Collection x Levi’s Unisex Replica Closing Ceremony Trucker Jacket
Hudson's Bay
Maybe you’re Team Canada. In that case, this denim jacket in collaboration with Levi’s and Canadian department store, Hudson’s Bay, is a standout piece with an edge. It’s inspired by the actual trucker jacket Canadian athletes will wear to the Closing Ceremony. Go double denim and pair it with jeans for a modern “Canadian tuxedo” look or make this your summer layering piece for a night out or day at the beach or cottage.
5. KonaMasks Tokyo Olympics 2021 Face Mask 2020 Olympics
Etsy
Celebrate the Olympics with this simple design while staying protected from bacteria and particles in the air. The handmade mask has adjustable ear loops and a hidden shapeable nose clip for optimal fit. The inside is breathable cotton and outside is polyester, so it’s sure to be gentle on your face. Reviewers note that it’s especially comfortable. Plus, it comes with two filters.
6. Tokyo Olympics 2020 Canceled Akira Japan Classic T-Shirt
Redbubble
Designed by an independent artist, Mkawaii, this tee is available in multiple colors that include white, heather grey, and black. The design plays with the status of the Olympics — if it were cancelled, as some have argued for that.
7. to.k.y.o Olympics 2021 T-Shirt
Amazon
Here’s another cheeky tee shirt design. The 2020 Tokyo Olympics remain branded as 2020, but it’s really happening in 2021. If you love irony, this is a good purchase. The best part is that it’s customizable in style, color, and size, so you can have made it specially for you.
8. Team USA 2020 Summer Olympics Road to Tokyo Vintage Bucket Hat
Team USA Shop
A bucket hat is one our favorite fashion-forward, normcore accessories. Show your Team USA spirit in this breathable cotton hat that has a vintage feel.
9. TOKYO CITY Sweatshirt
Etsy
This may not state directly anything about the Olympics, but why not get a cool crewneck sweatshirt with Tokyo written on it? It’s made with air-jet spun yarn for a soft feel and reduced pilling. The best part: since it’s not official Olympics merch, you can wear it in time for the Summer Games but also wear it afterwards too.
10. Fresh Clean Tees All-American Pack
Fresh Clean Tees
Sometimes you just want to keep it simple and this three-pack of T-shirts from Fresh Clean Tees does exactly that. Get one shirt each in red, white and blue in a super-soft blend of ringspun cotton and polyester. Choose from a classic crew neck style or a V-neck in sizes small to 2XL.
11. Shinesty
Shinesty
And then there’s a fast-fashion apparel site like Shinesty, known for their novelty tees and getups, like this pair of limited-edition Budweiser “Tall Boy” overalls. If you’re really getting patriotic, the site has everything from bald eagle-themed robes to The Reagans-inspired swimwear. Yes it’s a little over the top, but celebrating your love for your country is what the Olympics are all about right?
