Development of Olympic Swimwear Dress Code Rules: Skin-baring Conflicts, Bodysuit Bans and the Moment ‘ Technology Went Too Far ‘

August 2, 2024

One of the few activities that has been a part of the since 1896 is swimming. Since then, the athletes ‘ swimwear has changed, with the latest technology radically altering the sport.

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The international body for swimming, diving, and water polo, FINA, has changed the types of suits and materials that are permitted in competition as recently as 2010 ( formerly ). Learn more about the rules for clothing and how the Olympics have evolved.

over the years at the Olympics

Racerback clothing, created by leader Alexander MacRae, debuted at the 1928 Olympics. The picture, which revealed the shoulders and back, allowed for a better range of motion. However, its split at the time was deemed controversial because swimmer Clare Dennis was almost denied entry because of her excessive back mass while competing at the 1932 Olympics.

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Clare Dennis was nearly disqualified for showing too much shoulder while competing at the 1932 Games, swimsuit olympics rules
When Clare Dennis competed at the 1932 Games, she nearly lost all of her back control.

In 1936, people eschewed the idea of a full-body fit entirely, going nude at the Berlin Games. This remains popular now, though in 1996, the “bodysuit trend” arrived. Some players at the Atlanta Games sported neck-to-knee matches and by the 2000 Olympics, athletes started wearing full-body models. Some at the time objected to World Aquatics ‘ decision to allow the new suit.

Swimmers wearing bodysuits at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, swimwear, uniforms, sports, athletes
Athletes wearing bodysuits at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Getty Images

Speedo’s LZR Racer

The LZR Racer was a clothing brand-new in 2008 thanks to Speedo. NASA helped scientist the full-body coat, which decreased move by 24 percent. Using a storm pipe and a liquid pipe, researchers examined materials.

Michael Phelps models the now-banned Speedo LZR Racer ahead of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, swimwear, swimming, sports, bodysuit
Michael Phelps designs the now-banned Speedo LZR Racer ahead of the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Universal via Getty Images

Polyester made up 50 cent of the LZR Racer, increasing athletes ‘ density and velocity. At the Beijing Olympics, 23 earth documents were set by sports wearing the new layout.

Now, the Olympics say that the 2008 Games marked” a time when technology went very much”.

Bans on polyester and neprene

Polyurethane and Rubber suits, according to World Aquatics, offer better advantages to larger athletes, so the business banned the use of those components at events like the Olympics in 2009. Clothing must now only be made from textiles, as the ban was actually implemented in 2010.

Suit Guidelines

Suits may extend past the arms and legs for both men and women. Women’s suits may extend from shoulder to knee, whereas men’s suits does stretch above the belly or below the knees.

NANTERRE, FRANCE - JULY 30: Arno Kamminga of the Netherlands competing in the Men's 200m Breaststroke during Day 4 of Swimming - Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Paris La Defense Arena on July 30, 2024 in Nanterre, France. (Photo by Joris Verwijst/BSR Agency/Getty Images)
On July 30 at La Defense Arena, the Netherlands ‘ Arno Kamminga competed in the 200-meter swimming at the 2024 Olympic Games. Getty Images

For aquatic athletes, there are a variety of suit lengths, some choosing briefs over more jammers, and some choosing one-piece or knee lengths. Additionally, it seems to focus on the sport in which they compete: for example, the majority of men in swimming competitions wear briefs, while divers and water polo players, for example, prefer briefs.

PARIS, FRANCE - JULY 29: Thomas Daley and Noah Williams of Team Great Britain look on after competing in the Men’s Synchronised 10m Platform Final on day three of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Aquatics Centre on July 29, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
At the 2024 Paris Olympic Games Aquatics Centre on July 29, Team Great Britain’s Tom Daley and Noah Williams watch from the backs of their 10-meter timed 10-meter program last. Getty Images

Furthermore, World Aquatics may inspect and endorse each suit due to competition. Clothing also has to fall within the firm’s width and buoyancy regulations.

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