Team USA in Tokyo to Sport Navy Blazers, Stripes, Flag Scarves

NEW YORK - The Team USA flag bearers in steamy Tokyo will likely be the coolest members of their packs.

Ralph Lauren has built a personal air-conditioning system into a roomy white jacket to be worn by the yet-unannounced athletes who will have that honor during opening ceremonies for the Olympics and Paralympics, the company said Wednesday. The technology disperses heat from the wearer's skin through a fan device at the back of the neck, with a lightweight personal battery controller stashed inside. It's akin to how large computers are kept cool. "The more we can think about our personal space and personal thermal dynamics, that's the future that we're all going to have to think about," said David Lauren, Ralph Lauren's son, vice chairman of the company's board, and chief branding and innovation officer.