Controversial Speedo design to appear at V&A

Swimsuit caused moral outrage in the 1920s for being so revealing

The V&A Dundee is to showcase the first-ever design of one of the world’s most controversial garments – the Speedo swimsuit.

Australian company Speedo, which was founded by Scottish immigrant Alexander MacRae, caused moral outrage when it released the revealing item in the 1920s.

The first outfit, named the Racerback, centred on a full-body, tight-fitting design made from cotton or silk.

This was scandalous, compared to most swimsuits at the time which were made from wool and had sleeves to protect the wearer’s modesty.

The company claimed the costume’s hydrodynamic design allowed swimmers more freedom of movement and reduced drag. However, the revolutionary design was banned from some beaches amid public outrage.

Despite the controversy, it quickly became popular among swimmers – especially Olympic athletes.

Meredith More, V&A Dundee assistant curator, said the outfit “challenged moral codes” in the 1920s.

She said: “We are delighted to be able to include such an early Speedo swimsuit in our Scottish Design Galleries.

“Alexander MacRae was one of many Scottish entrepreneurs who moved abroad to make his fortune.

“Capitalising on Australia’s growing beach culture, he created a groundbreaking swimsuit design that appealed to competitive swimmers and sunbathers alike.

“The Racerback’s revealing back straps challenged moral codes in the 1920s, when mixed bathing was only just becoming acceptable, but nobody could deny his hydrodynamic design allowed swimmers to achieve faster times.”

Swedish swimmer Arne Borg, who won five Olympic medals and broke 32 world records, embraced the daring design and he featured in several Speedo advertisements.

Speedo also designed swimsuits for women. In 1932 Claire Dennis was almost disqualified from the Olympics in Los Angeles for wearing a Speedo deemed to show too much shoulder.

In 1936 Speedo, under the leadership of MacRae, caused yet more controversy when it dressed the Olympic men’s Australian team in swimming shorts instead of the traditional one-piece during the Berlin Games.

The Racerback, believed to be the only one in a UK collection, will feature in the Scottish Design Galleries when it opens in Dundee on September 15.

The Racerback’s revealing back straps challenged moral codes in the 1920s

The company claimed the costume’s hydrodynamic design caused less drag for swimmers.