Speedo

Speedo is an iconic brand in the swimwear industry, with a rich history that dates back to its inception in 1914. Founded in Sydney, Australia, by Alexander MacRae, a Scottish emigrant, Speedo has grown from a small hosiery manufacturer to a global leader in swim-related products. The brand's journey began when MacRae, initially working as a milkman, established MacRae and Company Hosiery, producing underwear under the brand name Fortitude, which was inspired by his family crest.

The brand's pivotal moment came in 1927 when it introduced the "racer-back costume," a revolutionary design in swimwear that offered greater freedom of movement in the water. This design quickly became popular among competitive swimmers for its performance-enhancing features. The following year, a staff-naming contest led to the creation of the slogan "Speed on in your Speedos," giving birth to the brand name Speedo. The winner of the contest, Captain Parsonson, received a monetary prize for his contribution to the brand's identity.

Speedo's reputation for innovation and quality was cemented in 1932 when Clare Dennis, a 16-year-old Australian swimmer, won the Women's 200-meter Breaststroke at the Los Angeles Olympic Games while wearing a Speedo swimsuit. Despite facing controversy over the suit's design, Dennis set a world record, and the brand gained international acclaim.

Over the years, Speedo has continued to push the boundaries of swimwear technology. It was the first to use nylon in swimwear in 1957 and introduced the first chlorine-resistant fabric in 1994. The brand's commitment to innovation led to the development of the Fastskin line, including the LZR Racer, which has been worn by numerous Olympic athletes.

Today, Speedo's product range extends beyond swimsuits to include accessories, footwear, and digital resources like their YouTube channel. The brand's mission is to inspire people to swim, catering to a wide audience from Olympic gold medalists to casual beachgoers and children learning to swim. Speedo's ethos is rooted in a passion for life in and around the water, aiming to provide the perfect swimwear and equipment for every type of swimmer.

Now a subsidiary of the British Pentland Group, Speedo maintains a strong presence in the swimwear market, with its products being synonymous with quality and performance. The brand's iconic status is such that the term "Speedo" has become a generic trademark for racing bathing suits. With a boomerang as its symbol, a nod to its Australian origins, Speedo continues to be a beloved brand for swimmers around the world.