Men's 1964 United States of America Olympic swimming trunks
Maker
Speedo International Ltd
Date1964
Object number00019021
NameSwimsuit
MediumNylon, cotton
DimensionsOverall: 300 x 330 mm, 0.05 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 United States Olympic swimming team 'panel' design, and were produced in Australia by White Stag under license from Speedo. They have a blue gauze gusset, blue cotton seams and a white nylon cord draw string waist.
1964 was the first year in which the United States team design incorporated panels of different colours, with 2.5 cm vertical panels of red and white inserted into the blue suit. Previously competitors had worn costumes in solid colours.
The style incorporates a United States machine embroidered fabric shield in the 'smooth beveled' or 'classic' shape that was used on commercially distributed garments. The actual garments worn by the Olympic team had shields that were 'badge' or 'elegant' in shape.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.
The US Olympic team wore Speedo for the first time in 1964. The 'White Stag' Speedo line was selected on merit by the US Olympic swimming committee for all the 1964 and 1968 US Olympic swimmers and water polo players.SignificanceProduced as a stock item, these trunks demonstrate the influence of Olympic team designs on Speedo's commercial swimwear ranges. The 'panel' suit was released world wide for general sale after the Olympic Games in October 1964.
