Men's 1980 Australian Olympic training briefs
Maker
Speedo International Ltd
Date1980
Object number00019043
NameSwimsuit
MediumNylon, elastane (spandex or Lycra), cotton
DimensionsOverall: 175 x 285 mm, 0.04 kg
Clothing size: 10
Clothing size: 10
ClassificationsClothing and personal items
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Speedo International Ltd
DescriptionThe design of these racing briefs was based on the training suit worn by the 1980 Australian Olympic swimming team. Made in Australia by Speedo, they have a green gauze gusset, green cotton seams and a white nylon cord draw string waist.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 Olympic team designs on Speedo's commercial swimwear ranges.