Men's 1964 Australian Olympic training swimming trunks
Maker
Speedo International Ltd
Date1964
Object number00019036
NameSwimsuit
MediumBri-nylon, cotton
DimensionsOverall: 290 x 340 mm, 0.04 kg
Clothing size: 34
Clothing size: 34
ClassificationsClothing and personal items
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Speedo International Ltd
DescriptionThese swimming trunks feature the 1964 Australian Olympic swimming team training uniform design, and were produced in Australia by Speedo. They have an Australian machine embroidered fabric shield, and have a green gauze gusset, green cotton seams and a white nylon cord draw string waist.
1964 was the first year in which the competition suit of the Australian Olympic team incorporated striped fabric. Previously competitors in international competitions had worn costumes in solid colours. In 1964 the training costume for both men and women was made in green.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.SignificanceThough not actually worn during the Tokyon Olympics, these trunks demonstrate the designs and technologies incorporated into Speedo's Olympic uniforms.Canterbuury, under license from Speedo
1964