The real way to wear this, if you must know, is without the (optional) top, beside a big empty pool with grey suited press men around you. That's how Rudi Gernreich, the designer of the original all woollen version, presented the topless maillot to the world in the sixties. If that image does not resonate with you, you probably won't see the sense in our homage, and we're probably wasting our time explaining it to you.
If you can't manage the big pool, any house designed by Paul Rudolph will do.
Leg Line
We minimise gaping at the rear (a standard problem with boylegs) by running tensioned rubber through the rear leg seam, then loosening the tension through the front leg for improved comfort. Our boy leg is slightly shorter than most, to do away with the need for any centre-back seam.
Fabric
Our's is not the only swim brand using "Vita" fabric from Carvico in Milan. The only reason brands don't, is to reduce cost! As well as being made using recycled plastic (ghost nets pulled from the ocean, for instance) it has proven itself to be more durable and figure controlling than any other knit nylon/Lycra.
Features
- Each piece finished and lined using twin layers of 195gsm nylon/Lycra, made in Italy from recycled waste plastic. Depending on your colouring, it may appear see-through when wet.
- the lining behind the upper-waist seam is secured to the rubber between the two layers.
Constitution
- Made from twin layers of 195gsm white "Vita" fabric from Carvico in Milan, comprising 78% Recycled Nylon and 22% Xtra Life Lycra. (See technical data from the Australian importer).
- All threads are UV and chlorine resistant.
- For elasticity and endurance, 0.63mm thick treated latex is used throughout.
- All metal hardware is moulded exclusively for Pride. Electrostatic rack plating contains no heavy metals, for example cadmium, chromium, copper, mercury, nickel or lead.
Credits
- Each piece individually cut and sewn in Newcastle East in Australia.
- Design by Steven Fleming with inspiration from Rudi Gernreich.