Women's 1968 United States opf America Olympic swimsuit
Maker
Speedo International Ltd
Date1968
Object number00019026
NameSwimsuit
MediumNylon, cotton
DimensionsOverall: 700 x 340 mm, 0.08 kg
Clothing size: 36
Clothing size: 36
ClassificationsClothing and personal items
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Speedo International Ltd
DescriptionThis swimsuit design was based on the 1968 United States Olympic swimming team uniform, and was produced in Australia by White Stag under license from Speedo. The striped style is constructed out of vertical panels and has a quarter skirt, a white gauze gusset and blue cotton seams. A machine embroidered fabric shield featuring the stars and strips of the American flag has been sewn onto the chest.
1964 was the first year in which the American team design incorporated panels of different colours, and in 1968 designers used striped fabric. Previously competitors had worn costumes in solid colours.
HistoryIn 1955 Speedo introduced nylon into its competitive swimwear designs, and the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne saw the widespread use of the new fabric.
From 1957 the half skirt was replaced with the quarter skirt, and the introduction of the panel at the front gave more shape to the body and a better fit. By 1972 the Federation Internationale de Natation (FINA) allowed women to swim skirtless.
The US Olympic team wore Speedo for the first time in 1964. The 'White Stag' Speedo line was selected on merit by the US Olympic swimming committee for all the 1964 and 1968 US Olympic swimmers and water polo players.SignificanceProduced as a stock item, this swimsuit demonstrates the influence of Olympic team designs on Speedo's commercial swimwear ranges.