Men's 1980s Australian team briefs
Maker
Speedo International Ltd
Date1980s
Object number00019051
NameBriefs
MediumNylon, cotton
DimensionsOverall: 280 x 300 mm, 0.04 kg
Clothing size: 12
Clothing size: 12
ClassificationsClothing and personal items
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Speedo International Ltd
DescriptionThe 'ocean green' fabric, print and cut of these briefs were based on a 1980s Australian men'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 briefs are cut high at the hip and have a low waistband. They also have a green gauze gusset and green seams.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. 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.
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.
SignificanceProduced as a stock item, these briefs demonstrate the influence of international competition team uniform designs on Speedo's commercial swimwear ranges.