Invista has announced that its Lycra fibre has been chosen by Speedo for the revolutionary FASTSKIN³ swimsuit collection unveiled on 30th November 2011, during an exclusive global launch.

"With a heritage spanning more than 35 years of helping swimwear fabrics provide exceptional fit, form and function for the water, the Lycra fibre brand has a natural alliance with the world of swimming, and Invista has a long history of providing Speedo with its premium fibres,"  Invista said in a statement this afternoon.

The Speedo FASTSKIN³ collection comprises three tiers of technology that are tailored to the requirements of swimmers of differing abilities and  Lycra fibre has been used across all three levels of the FASTSKIN³ collection.

The FASTSKIN³ Super Elite Swimsuit uses the highly innovative HYDRO-K ZONE 3D FABRIC which contains Invista's premium fibre for swimwear - Xtra Life Lycra fibre. The varying counts of Lycra fibre knitted throughout the fabric help to create the graduated compression across different body zones.

For female swimmers, Speedo has developed an innovative Arm Hole Entry system which makes the garment easier to get on and off, yet still providing maximum coverage of fabric over the body, and thereby optimising hydrodynamic performance. The high Lycra fibre content helps to create the extreme stretch and recovery required for the athlete to physically fit into the suit through the armhole.

FASTSKIN³ Racing System

Speedo has also launched a world first concept which aims to revolutionise the world of swimming - a cap and goggle as well as the FASTSKIN³ suit, and all are engineered to work together as one Racing System. According to Invista, swimmers using the entire FASTSKIN³ Racing System have experienced a reported 11% improvement in oxygen economy**, a 5.2% reduction in active drag*, up to 16.6% reduction in passive drag*, and a 3% improvement in starts**.

"The FASTSKIN³ Racing System is Speedo's most advanced swimwear and equipment technology launch to date. Time and again, Speedo has confirmed its world class reputation as one of the most innovative sports brands, and Invista is proud that Lycra fibre was chosen as a key ingredient in this development," the Invista statement said.

Lycra fibre has for many years been an important ingredient for swimwear and Invista has recently added innovations to its portfolio by launching Xtra Life Lycra fibre which helps enhance the longevity of costumes. Swimwear is often exposed to harsh conditions such as chlorine and sun creams, lotion and oils that can reduce the life-span of the garment.

The benefits of Xtra Life Lycra fibre include:

• Long-lasting, beautiful fit
• Up to 10 times more resistant to chlorine than standard elastane
• Resists "bag and sag"found in swimwear made with standard elastane
• Ensures swimwear has stretch and recovery power and fits like new for longer

¹versus standard suit, aquasocket goggle and flat silicone cap on male athlete

²versus standard suit, aquasocket goggle and flat silicone cap