Speedo has pioneered every major technological innovation in swimwear since its inception in 1928. Over 90 years later and the latest chapter in the story of Speedo’s iconic collection, the new Fastskin performance range, boasts a combination of the latest technologies and almost two decades of evolution.
In consultation with 330 elite swimmers (as well as club swimmers and leading coaches to ensure the new suits meet the exact needs of everyone), Speedo alongside our expert research and development team, The Aqualab (experts in textile technology garment engineering, sports science, computational fluid dynamics, testing protocols and design), covered 350,000 miles throughout a three-year testing and development programme to create its most technically advanced suits to date. Speaking about the latest Speedo performance range, Caeleb Dressel (USA) said: “Having been a part of this phenomenal development process, I’m incredibly excited about the new Speedo Fastskin suits. I’ve seen first-hand the work that has been put into creating the best swimsuit in the world and the technology that goes into that.
“This is exactly why I signed with Speedo – they’re in a league of their own when it comes to producing swimsuits that help me to go as fast as I can. I’ve already spent a lot of hours in the pool wearing the LZR Pure Intent and have seen the benefits it brings me and that only makes me even more excited for what is to come.”
Rob Hicking, Speedo brand director said: “It’s been incredible to have the support from swimmers to shape the products exactly to their needs and the result of this is a new generation of elite Fastskin racing suits which are our smartest yet. This suits draw upon almost two decades of pioneering Fastskin technology and we’re now taking it to the next level.
“2020 is going to be a huge year for our athletes and this suit is a statement to the rest of the competitive swimming community – we’re taking this very seriously.”
INTRODUCING THE LZR PURE INTENT:
The first swimsuit to use a smart fusion of three fabrics, resulting in additional compression and helping swimmers to feel POWERFUL, FLEXIBLE AND FAST.
Developed from a deeper understanding of hydrodynamics and the biomechanics of swimming, the suit offers flexible zoned compression which allows the swimmer a wider range of motion and makes it more comfortable to wear. There are three brand new fabrics which directly target flexibility, compression and drag reduction in the areas that need it. The fabrics have been through vigorous flat plate testing, with multiple textures used to identify which were fastest both individually and when combined.
The male swimsuit is available with a high or regular waist and has a unique textured fabric zone on the rear to target drag reduction through turbulence management, inspired by their most in-depth study of shark scales to date. The male suit also features new band technology supporting the hamstrings for a more powerful leg kick and faster upbeat recovery.
The female version features textured fabric zones around the chest and rear, newly engineered precision straps to provide greater comfort and range of movement, and a choice of open or closed back to cater for different body types and preferences
Compressive dual layering along with an improved ergonomic seam placement has been added to the legs of both male and female swimsuits to give maximum compression to key muscle groups to support a stronger kick and harness the power athletes generate in their starts and turns.
Team Speedo Aus Ambassador, Emma McKeon was quietly confident in her Intent Suit: “The Speedo LZR Pure Intent is a lot easier to put on. The shoulders are much more comfortable and I feel fast wearing it! When I stand on the blocks, I’m feeling confident that the suit is going to help me.”
Mack Horton whilst not sold on changing from a full black suit to a brighter pop of colour, felt comfortable in declaring his love for the new suit fit and feel: ““On tanned people it looks good! Seriously though, I feel really flexible in the Speedo LZR Pure Intent and it’s helping me power through the water. This is the best racing suit in the world and I’m really looking forward to wearing it this year.”