Red wetsuit worn by Iain Murray

Maker American Surfer Suits

Date1970s-1980s

Object number00004648

NameWetsuit

MediumNeoprene

DimensionsOverall: 1360 x 724 mm, 0.95 kg

ClassificationsClothing and personal items

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Mr and Mrs Iain and Alex Murray

Terms

DescriptionThis red jersey and neoprene full length wetsuit was worn by Sydney sailor Iain Murray on the 18-foot sailing skiff COLOR 7 in the 1970s and 1980s. Made by American Surfer Suits during the 1970s, the wetsuit has short sleeves with a metal zipper at the back. On the left breast is decorative motif of a sail boat with an Australian flag and the text 'sail skins'.HistoryWetsuits are used by sailors, surfers and divers for thermal insulation, as well as for protection against sun exposure, jelly fish, coral and other marine hazards. Different forms of open and closed neoprene are used in warm-water and cold-water suits, and they come in a variety of styles to accommodate the differing needs of the wearer. Wetsuits were developed in the 1950s, and were first made out of foam rubber neoprene that did not have any form of backing material. In order to stabilise the suits and stop them from easily tearing apart, a layer of nylon was applied to the inside of the neoprene. The more colourful suits of the 1970s were a result of the introduction of double-backed neoprene, where neoprene was set in between two protective outer layers. The external layer meant that designers were now able to incorporate decorative colours, logos and patterns into the suits.SignificanceThis wetsuit was worn by skipper Iain Murray on the 18-foot sailing skiff COLOR 7 that won six consecutive World Championship titles from 1977 to 1982. It is a representative example of the textile and design developments that influenced water sports during the second half of the 20th century.