• Brand Name: Speedo
• Founded: 1914 (brand name “Speedo” introduced in 1928)
• Founder: Alexander MacRae
• Industry: Sportswear, Swimwear
• Headquarters: Nottingham
• Parent Company: Pentland Group
• Origin: Sydney
• Products: Competition swimsuits, training swimwear, goggles, swim caps, footwear, apparel, equipment, and accessories
• Market: Worldwide

Early Beginnings (1914–1928)

Speedo traces its roots to 1914, when Scottish immigrant Alexander MacRae established a clothing company in Sydney, Australia. The company originally produced underwear and hosiery under the Fortitude brand before shifting its focus towards swimwear as Australian beach culture grew in popularity.1

In 1928, the company introduced a revolutionary racing swimsuit called the Racerback, which allowed greater shoulder movement than traditional wool swimsuits. Around the same time, the slogan “Speed on in your Speedos” inspired the adoption of the name Speedo, marking the birth of the brand.1

During the 1930s and 1950s, Speedo became closely associated with competitive swimming.

Key milestones include:

• Swimmer Clare Dennis won Olympic gold at the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics while wearing Speedo.
• In the 1950s, Speedo introduced the men’s swim brief, which became one of the most iconic swimwear designs in history.
• At the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, the Australian swim team competed wearing Speedo and won eight gold medals, significantly increasing the brand’s international reputation.1

From the late 1960s onward, Speedo established itself as the leading brand in competitive swimming.

Notable achievements include:

• At the 1968 Mexico Olympics, 27 of 29 gold medalists wore Speedo suits.
• Swimmers wearing Speedo set 22 of the 23 world records at those Games.
• At the 1972 Munich Olympics, swimmers wearing Speedo broke 21 of 22 world records.
• By the 1970s, Speedo had become one of the most trusted brands among elite swimmers worldwide.2

Speedo is known for pioneering numerous swimwear technologies.

Aquablade (1996)

Introduced a fabric designed to reduce water resistance by approximately 8%, helping swimmers move more efficiently through the water.2

Fastskin (2000)

Inspired by the texture of shark skin, Fastskin swimsuits were engineered to reduce drag and improve hydrodynamics.

Fastskin LZR Racer (2008)

One of Speedo’s most influential products, the Fastskin LZR Racer, was developed with advanced materials and compression technology to reduce drag and improve body position in the water.

The suit was worn by many athletes during the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where an exceptional number of records were broken. Soon afterwards, swimming’s governing body restricted the use of full-body polyurethane suits, leading to new regulations on competition swimwear.1

Speedo manufactures a wide range of swimming equipment, including:

• Racing swimsuits
• Training swimsuits
• Recreational swimwear
• Swim briefs
• One-piece swimsuits
• Jammers
• Rash guards
• Goggles
• Swim caps
• Kickboards
• Pull buoys
• Fins
• Snorkels
• Water shoes
• Towels
• Bags
• Apparel

The brand serves Olympic athletes, professional swimmers, triathletes, fitness swimmers, children, and casual beachgoers.

Throughout its history, Speedo has partnered with many of the world’s greatest swimmers, including:

• Michael Phelps
• Ian Thorpe
• Grant Hackett
• Nathan Adrian
• Missy Franklin
• Caeleb Dressel

These partnerships have reinforced Speedo’s image as a leading performance brand in competitive swimming.

Speedo is built around three primary values:

• Performance – engineering products for speed and efficiency.
• Innovation – continual research into fabrics, fit, and hydrodynamics.
• Confidence – helping swimmers perform at their best regardless of skill level.

Its products are designed for everyone from beginners to elite competitors.

Speedo products are sold in more than 170 countries through sporting goods retailers, specialty swim shops, department stores, and online marketplaces. The brand maintains a strong presence in international competitions and continues to develop new swim technologies and training equipment.3

For over a century, Speedo has been one of the most influential brands in swimming. It transformed swimwear from heavy wool garments into lightweight, performance-focused apparel and helped shape modern competitive swimming through continuous innovation. Its technologies, athlete partnerships, and Olympic history have made Speedo one of the best-known names in aquatic sports worldwide.1

1. Speedo Story | About Us And Our History
2. Brand History | Speedo（スピード）公式サイト – GOLDWIN
3. Speedo