Men's 1968 South African Olympic team-inspired swimming trunks
Maker
Speedo International Ltd
Date1968
Object number00019013
NameSwimsuit
MediumNylon, cotton
DimensionsOverall: 420 x 325 mm, 0.05 kg
Clothing size: 42
Clothing size: 42
ClassificationsClothing and personal items
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Speedo International Ltd
DescriptionThese swimming trunks were made in Australia by Speedo in 1968. They have a green gauze gusset, green and white cotton seams and a white nylon cord draw string waist.
The green, black and white panelled style was probably based on the South African Olympic swimming team design. 1964 was the first year in which designs incorporated different coloured panels. Previously competitors had worn costumes in solid colours.HistoryIn 1955 Speedo introduced nylon into its competitive swimwear range. The 1956 Olympics in Melbourne saw the widespread use of the new fabric, as well as a change in men's swimwear design.
At the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games the Federation Internationale de Natation (FINA) allowed men to swim skirtless. At this time trunks were still to the waist with 20cm side seams. The development of Speedo's brief design followed the competition guidelines dictated by FINA. The process of lowering the waist and raising the leg line was a slow, though by 1972 FINA had allowed men to swim in suits with 5 cm side seams.SignificanceProduced as a stock item, these trunks demonstrate the influence of Olympic team designs on Speedo's commercial swimwear ranges.Canterbuury, under license from Speedo
1964