Women's 1976 United States of America Olympic swimsuit
Maker
Speedo International Ltd
Date1976
Object number00019031
NameSwimsuit
MediumNylon, elastane (spandex or Lycra), cotton
DimensionsOverall: 600 x 340 mm, 0.06 kg
Clothing size: 12
Clothing size: 12
ClassificationsClothing and personal items
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Speedo International Ltd
DescriptionThis swimsuit was developed as United States Olympic team merchandise in 1976, and was produced in Australia by Speedo. The fabric pattern features the stars and stripes of the American flag, in the country's national colours of red, white and blue. The garment is skirtless, has a white gauze gusset and blue cotton seams.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.
SignificanceProduced as a stock item, this swimsuit demonstrates the influence of Olympic team designs on Speedo's commercial swimwear ranges.