The word "Canada" is showcased in a large, colour-blocked band emblazoned on jackets, T-shirts and hoodies, a style inspired by uniforms from the 1976 Montreal Olympics.

"The inspiration is just summer," said Suzanne Timmins, Hudson Bay's vice-president of fashion direction. 

"Outdoors, adventuring, activity, and those iconic Canadian pieces.

"That's our formula."

Beavers, elk, owls, oars and evergreens are among the images on the collection of Olympic patches, designed to showcase Canada's Provinces, indigenous animals and sports. 

There will also be two patches dedicated to the 2012 team - one in English, one in French.

"We believe that's iconically Canadian because badges and patches you earn as a young child through merit, you may earn them through sport, you may earn them through travel," said Timmins.

Among the signature pieces are a vented, lightweight windbreaker with a hideaway hood, and retro varsity-style track jacket with contrast stripe details.

The line also features crew neck sweatshirts and matching pants designed as a layering piece for athletes prior to warm-up and training.

Canada's team is expected to be made up of 320 athletes and 250 officials.

They will each receive 29 items as part of their uniform, including leisurewear, jackets, pants and accessories which they will wear throughout the Games.

The entire 2012 Olympic collection can be purchased by the public until September 2012. 

The designs are a departure from the approach used for the 2008 Summer Games in Beijing, when the pieces fused Canadian and Chinese symbols and influences.

"What we learned from Beijing - which was very much a nod to the host city and country - was that didn't work," said Timmins.

"When we're going to the Games, we're going as Canadians so we've got to look and feel like Canadians.

"It's not about all of a sudden these guys wearing Union Jacks.

"They've got to be proudly supporting the Canadian flag."

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