One of the things that surprised me about the Olympics was that the athletes wore their uniforms
everywhere, even when they weren't competing or parading!
We would see the Belarussian hockey team at Albertson's buying snacks -- in their outfits. The Canadian ice skaters would be walking down the streets in their outfits (Canada House was right around the corner from us). The Japanese, the Norwegians, the Germans, the Brits, The French.... Everybody wore their outfits everywhere. I thought that was really cool!
And the berets... I think one reason for the hats (other than warmth) is so the athletes have some place to put their pins. The athletes (and everybody else) traded pins with folks from other countries. One of the most sought-after pins at the 2002 Olympics was the 'Lime Jell-o' pin!
Back on topic... I wonder if other athletes get upset that their outfits aren't made in their own countries -- or if they're so thrilled at finally having a chance to compete they'll wear anything the Committee gives them?