Man buns, tattoos, wrap sunglasses; fashion trends from Rio 2016

Sport, sport, fashion baby.
 By  Elise Cooper, Jerico Mandybur  on 
Man buns, tattoos, wrap sunglasses; fashion trends from Rio 2016
Hands down, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce has the most amazing hair of Rio. Credit: AFPAFP / Damien MEYER/Getty Images

Competing on a world stage has got to be nerve-wracking, close to pants-wetting business. But some Olympians display a certain swagger, thanks in part to their strong accessorising and/or hairstyle game -- as well as their athletic prowess. Don't pretend you haven't noticed the fashunz.

Here are just some of the looks we've trend-spotted at Rio 2016. Let's take a cheeky look.

1. Performance altering man buns

The man bun is an easy target and gymnast for team Great Britain, Louis Smith was just one guy who copped a sizeable dose of criticism on Twitter because of his. The man bun was even blamed for the gymnast's second place. Ignore the haters, Louis.


You May Also Like

Mashable Image
Louis Smith and his much talked about man-bun during the medal ceremony where Smith picked up silver. Credit: jean catuffe/Getty Images

Zimbabwean soccer player Marjory Nyaumwe caught the attention all of the medals for best hair on field, with some even hypothesising that it was a tactical ploy as some sort of glorious follicle force field.

2. Permanent Olympic ink

Surprise gold medallist and all around heart warmer Joseph Schooling celebrated his Rio victory like so many athletes before him. With a tattoo of the Olympic rings, representing the five continents joining together under the banner of unity, friendshipand athletic prowess.

Mashable Image
Joseph Schooling shows off the latest edition to his body; a permanent reminder of his Rio gold win. Credit: Suhaimi Abdullah/Getty Images

3. Wrap-around sunglasses

Mashable Image
I can run, I can jump, I can see when the sun shines in my eyes. Credit: Salih Zeki Fazlolu/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images

Yasmani Copello of Turkey was just one of so many Olympians sporting saucy specs (affectionately known as "speed dealers" by Australians) that have the added bonus of being able to stare at someone without them noticing. Steezy and with sun-diminishing properties. Lovely.

4. Plenty of baby oil

You can't scrimp on the baby oil if you're going to pull of this risqué trend successfully. While Tongan athlete Pita Nikolas Aufatofua is sole winner of the category of most oily flag bearer, there's still time you guys. The more slippery an athlete, the faster they go. Don't quote us on that.

5. Festive fan wigs

Nothing says patriotism like donning a colourful, synthetic wig and hitting the stadium. Okay, so it's more of a fan look than a legit trend amongst athletes, but we're here for it. Naysayers may call it tacky, but the sartorial bravery of these sports fans can only be described as weird committed.

Mashable Image
Getting wiggy with it. Credit: Getty Images

Topics Olympics

Mashable Image
Elise Cooper

Previous Watercooler Web Culture Intern - Sydney Australia // misc burden on society

Mashable Potato

Recommended For You
CES 2026: These color-changing sunglasses are like something out of a sci-fi movie
man wearing color-changing sunglasses at ces 2026

Owala Tattoos add a new layer of customization to our favorite emotional support FreeSip bottle
the Owala Tattoos customization options on many water bottles and a dog bowl, displayed on a table together with a neon "open" sign in the background

Was 2016 the last good year?
Stylized illustration of a viewer facing TV screens showing the 2016 election, a gorilla, and two rival political figures celebrating.

Instagram is nostalgic for 2016 again (yes, really)
2016 glasses on a table

Find a gift that kids will actually like
gift ideas

Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 3, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 3, 2026
Wordle game on a smartphone

Google launches Gemma 4, a new open-source model: How to try it
Google Gemma

NYT Strands hints, answers for April 3, 2026
A game being played on a smartphone.

What's new to streaming this week? (April 3, 2026)
A composite of images from film and TV streaming this week.
The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!