Man's Moscow Olympics briefs
Maker
Speedo International Ltd
Datec 1980
Object number00029542
NameSwimsuit
MediumPolyester elastane
DimensionsOverall: 185 x 250 mm, 0.05 kg
ClassificationsClothing and personal items
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Speedo International Ltd
DescriptionThese Speedo briefs were designed as Olympic merchandise. The fabric features a green, white and yellow pattern incorporating the Olympic rings and two boomerang shapes, together with the text 'Moscow 1980'. They have a drawstring waist and a Speedo logo on the right hip.
HistoryAt the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games, the Fédération Internationale de Natation (FINA) allowed men to swim skirtless. The swimsuits remained at the waist, with 20cm side seams.
It was a gradual yearly process to lower the waist and raise the leg line on men's swimwear, as FINA dictated the requirements of official international competition designs. In 1964 the side of the briefs worn by competition swimmers was 20cm long, slowly changing to 5cm in 1972.
The racing brief's function was to reduce the drag of the swimmer in water. For this reason briefs were made of close-fitting materials that would minimise friction and water retention.
Lycra briefs generally produce less drag, but are also more vulnerable to prolonged exposure to chlorine than nylon. As a result, nylon suits are preferred for training and practice, where increased durability is required for the long periods of usage and the extra resistance brings a training benefit. In 1955 Speedo introduced nylon into its competitive swimwear range, and the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne saw the widespread use of the new fabric.
SignificanceThe briefs are representative of swimwear designs produced by Speedo as merchandise for the Moscow Olympic Games in 1980.