The Olympics is a roller coaster of emotions. Every four years, we’re witness to a series of momentous sporting events, unforgettable moments both inspiring and ridiculous.

We’ve seen South Korean fencers weep in defeat, Australian cyclists done for doping and Michael Phelps take home a staggering 18 gold medals (and chow down on a whopping 12,000 calories a day). We’ve also seen dancing jellyfish, a weird dance segment about Brits using social media (yes, that really did happen), and a Chinese girl overdubbed because, despite being deemed adorable, she reportedly just didn’t have the pipes for the job. (Harsh, China, way harsh.)

Yet none of these moments can overshadow the glory of some of the Olympics’ opening ceremony outfits. Designed to showcase what a country is all about, we’ve seen countries flourish (and flounder) with their takes on national style.

So as Rio 2016 begins, we’re running down the finest and foulest ensembles over the years. Turns out the 1980s wasn’t the worst-dressed era after all.

The Best:

Lithuania, Barcelona 1992

Newly-liberated Lithuania drafted Issey Miyake to design this pleated kit complete with metallic baseball caps and drawstring caped jackets.

Part-Lanvin menswear, part-Hood By Air, if independence means clothes that look this good – not to mention collaborating with one of the greatest designers of all time – then bring on the revolution.

Russia, Albertville 1992 Winter Olympics

Repping Balenciaga men’s silhouettes before they were a thing, the Russians killed it in 1992 with oversized mint green coats and military-inspired arm patches. (And there’s everyone thinking Demna and co. did it first.)

Italy, London 2012

Who needs glaring national stereotypes when you’re kitted out in Giorgio Armani?

The Italian team gave a masterclass in natty tailoring and nonchalance in 2012 – dressed for men’s fashion week, yet channelling top-level business execs about to close some serious deals (pre-meeting phone calls and all).