Men's 1978 Canadian Commonwealth Games briefs
Maker
Speedo International Ltd
Date1978
Object number00019019
NameSwimsuit
MediumNylon, cotton
DimensionsOverall: 250 x 335 mm, 0.03 kg
ClassificationsClothing and personal items
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Speedo International Ltd
DescriptionThese briefs feature a fabric pattern based on the 1978 Canadian Commonwealth Games swimming team uniform design, and were produced in Australia by Speedo. The print incorporates Canada's national colours and a maple leaf motif. They have a white gauze gusset, red and white cotton seams and a white nylon cord draw string waist.
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 briefs demonstrate the influence of Olympic and Commonwealth Games team designs on Speedo's commercial swimwear ranges.