Aquablade

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Aquablade was the beginning of the high-tech line of suits that Speedo now offers today. It was made available prior to the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia. The suits are made of a very chlorine resistant blend of 80% Polyester and 20% Lycra/Spandex. Over the entire surface of the suit channels have been pressed into the suit resulting in a series of raised portions and depressed sections. These channels, that run continuously down the entire length of the suit, are claimed to aid in controlling the flow of water over the wearers body, resulting in less drag.

The material was hailed by Speedo as "slicker than skin" and "as the most technically advanced suit of its time". It was also asserted that it reduced surface resistance up to 23% when compared to conventional competition swimwear. It was created with comfort and speed in mind. The legs are longer and tighter to allow for more coverage and better muscle compression control.

At the 1996 Olympics 77% of medal winners wore the Speedo Aquablade. The benefit of the Aquablade and other such suits have been widely debated, especially in the context of swimwear v. swimmer.