Refined elegance isn't a term that immediately comes to mind when one thinks of attire for Olympic and Paralympic athletes.

But that's how U.S. athletes will look at this year's Summer Olympics in Beijing thanks to Ralph Lauren, the king of American fashion design. And he's bringing his trademark classic-meets-contemporary aesthetic to the U.S. team's sportswear and activewear.

Some clothing for U.S. athletes has been created by Roots, XP and -- of course -- Nike. But the lion's share of apparel and accessories, including villagewear and attire for the opening and closing ceremonies, will be by Polo Ralph Lauren, the official parade outfitter for the U.S. team.

Although some villagewear pieces are available now for the public to buy, folks won't get a glimpse of the opening-ceremony pieces until that day, Aug. 8. Mr. Lauren said he designed modern, tailored looks to reflect the heritage and sensibility of the 1920s and '30s.

Ensembles will be sportier for the closing ceremony parade: polo knits tipped in bright red and royal blue piping and white chino Bermuda shorts, all adorned with the iconic Polo pony and the 2008 "look of the team" logo. Completing the looks will be red, white and blue ribbon belts and white canvas sneakers with red and blue stripes.

Villagewear -- casual clothes athletes wear during the Olympics when they're not competing -- includes zip-up hooded sweatshirts, track jackets and brightly colored cotton polo shirts, all with the team and Polo pony logos. Chinese characters that spell "Beijing" also adorn some apparel, and athletes will get limited-edition sunglasses with special detailing. Villagewear can be bought at Polo Ralph Lauren stores, select department stores, RalphLauren.com and usolympicteam.com.

Scoring this gig is a coup for Mr. Lauren, who has designed sports apparel for numerous high-profile teams and events since 1979. About 4 billion people worldwide are expected to watch the Summer Olympics this year.

Norman Bellingham, chief operating officer for the U.S. Olympic Committee, called the 68-year-old designer "uniquely suited to deliver an outstanding product. Polo Ralph Lauren is a quintessential American brand that represents a timeless and classic look, which we believe our athletes will be excited to wear."

The deal will undoubtedly boost the Polo Ralph Lauren Corp., which is coming off a strong fiscal year as the home of Ralph Lauren Purple Label, Polo Jeans Co., American Living, Chaps, Club Monaco and more than a dozen other brand names.

In late May, the publicly owned company reported that net revenues for the fourth quarter increased 20 percent to $1.24 billion over the prior fourth quarter. Net revenues for the fiscal year grew 14 percent to $4.88 billion over the prior fiscal year, thanks largely to sales increases at retail, factory and Ralph Lauren stores and a 36 percent vault in sales at RalphLauren.com.

Mr. Lauren, the company's chairman and CEO, has surpassed Italian icon Giorgio Armani as the world's wealthiest fashion designer. Last year, Forbes magazine estimated Mr. Lauren's net worth at $5 billion and Mr. Armani's at $4.5 billion. There are individuals and families who own fashion brands and have a higher net worth, but when it comes to designers, Mr. Lauren is at the top of the heap.