Men's Speedo board shorts
Maker
Speedo International Ltd
Date1960s
Object number00003300
NameBoardshorts
MediumCotton
DimensionsOverall: 500 x 580 mm, 0.25 kg
Clothing size: 32
Clothing size: 32
ClassificationsClothing and personal items
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Palm Beach Press
DescriptionManufactured by Speedo, in collaboration with Australian surfer Nat Young in the 1960s, these two-tone cotton boardshorts feature a draw-string waist and a button and velcro zip.HistoryBorn in Sydney, Nat Young grew up in Collaroy, on the Northern Beaches. In 1964 he was runner-up in the Australian Junior Surf Championship at Manly, and was named World Surfing Champion in 1966. He won the title again, and then the Smirnoff World Pro/Am, in 1970. Young has also won three Australian Surfing titles, in 1966, 1967 and 1969, together with the Bells Beach Surf Classic four times.
During the 1960s Nat Young worked as a manager of a division of Speedo Knitting Mills, and assisted in the design of a series of 'surf shorts' that carried his name on the label. During the 1960s boardshorts such as these were generally associated with beach sports, like surfing and wakeboarding, though they have since grown in popularity as casual everyday wear in Australia and North America. They were designed to be durable and quick drying, and were commonly made from polyester or nylon.SignificanceThe boardshorts are a rare example of Australian men's beachwear fashions produced by Speedo and designed by surfer Nat Young during the 1960s.
