Women's 1980s Australian team swimsuit
Maker
Speedo International Ltd
Date1980s
Object number00019050
NameSwimsuit
MediumNylon, cotton
DimensionsOverall: 600 x 300 mm, 0.07 kg
Clothing size: 10
Clothing size: 10
ClassificationsClothing and personal items
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Speedo International Ltd
DescriptionThe 'ocean green' fabric, print and cut of this swimsuit were based on a 1980s Australian women's team uniform. The 'A' of the 'Australia' text is in the shape of a kangaroo.
Designed for freedom of movement and reduced drag, the suit has a cross over back, is cut high at the hip, and has a high round neck. It has a green gauze gusset, and green seams.
HistoryIn 1955 Speedo introduced nylon into its competitive swimwear designs, and the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne saw the widespread use of the new fabric. The Australian swimming team first wore the Prestige Nylon Tricot fabric at the Rome Olympic Games in 1960. 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.
From 1957 the half skirt was replaced with the quarter skirt, and the introduction of the panel at the front gave more shape to the body and a better fit. By 1972 the Federation Internationale de Natation (FINA) allowed women to swim skirtless, though it was not until the 1976 Montreal Games that the Australian team design followed this trend.
SignificanceProduced as a stock item, these briefs demonstrate the influence of international competition team uniform designs on Speedo's commercial swimwear ranges.