Speedo 'paper suit' worn by Petra Thomas
Maker
Speedo International Ltd
Date1996
Object number00039499
NameSwimsuit
MediumNylon, elastane
DimensionsOverall: 550 x 230 mm, 0.06 kg
Clothing size: 10
Clothing size: 10
ClassificationsClothing and personal items
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Petria Thomas
DescriptionThis Speedo 'paper suit' was made in Australia for use at the Atlanta Olympic Games. The Racerback design features a yellow and green pattern on the left breast with the Australian coat of arms and the Olympic rings. The text 'Australia' runs down the right side of the garment.HistoryThe Speedo 'paper suit' fabric was a lightweight, paper-thin blend of nylon and spandex, and was invented soon after lycra. While 'paper suits' became popular in the late 1980s, the material was actually developed in 1974.SignificanceThe Speedo 'paper suit' was worn by Olympian Petria Thomas at the Atlanta Olympics in 1996. It is an important example of the technological developments in swimwear during the 1980s and 1990s.