Speedo - About the Brand

Speedo Goggles

Speedo originated in 1914 under the brand name 'Fortitude', which was taken from he motto on the clan MacRae crest. The company was started by a young Scot called Alexander MacRae, who migrated to Australia in 1910, and set up an underwear manufacture business called MacRae. By 1914 MacRae quickly expanded his operations to include swimwear and changed the company's name to MacRae Knitting Mills. Speedo didn't become known by it's now famous brand name until 1928. During the 1920's e swimwear market grew rapidly, thanks to the acceptance of swimming as a sport and a liberal attitude towards mixed bathing. 1928 MacRae introduced the classic figure-hugging "Racerback" costume, which permitted greater freedom of movement, allowing wearers o swim faster. The inspired staff member Captain Parson's to coin the slogan'Speed on in your Speedos' and the Speedo brand name was born. Speedo's success allowed them to expand on a range of materials to develop high quality products. By 1970's Speedo was the first of many to start producing swimwear made of nylon/elastane - which is still the most popular swimwear fabric today. 1976 Speedo was also the official swimwear licensee of the 1976 Montreal Olympics, where 52 out of 54 wore their swimsuits. In 1977 swimmers were finally allowed to wear goggles. 2012 Speedo launches its revolutionary Fastskins3 range bringing together for the first time performance  swimwear and swim accessories designed to work together.