Men's 1988 Australian Olympic briefs
Maker
Speedo International Ltd
Designer
Gloria Smythe
Date1988
Object number00019048
NameSwimsuit
MediumNylon, elastane (spandex or Lycra), cotton
DimensionsOverall: 190 x 300 mm, 0.04 kg
Clothing size: 14
Clothing size: 14
ClassificationsClothing and personal items
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Speedo International Ltd
DescriptionThese 'platypus' print briefs were based on the design created by Gloria Smythe (Mortimer-Dunn) for the Australian women's Olympic swimming team in 1988. They have a white nylon cord drawstring waist with a green gauze gusset and green seams. On the left hip is a printed yellow panel with the Australian Olympic shield.
The fabric features an all over print of yellow stylised platypus on a dark green background, with the text 'Australia' in white. This print was chosen instead of the original design of water creatures inspired by Aboriginal rock carvings. The background of the Mabo native title land rights case in 1988 led the committee to decide that the inclusion of Indigenous motifs would be too controversial.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. 1976 was the first year in which lycra was introduced as part of a blend with Nylon. This allowed a two-way stretch that gave swimmers greater freedom of movement.
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 team designs on Speedo's commercial swimwear ranges.