Speedo + HeiQ = Fastskin

Modifying the surface of fabric at the microscopic level is at the heart of Fastskin, an innovation for a swimwear line by HeiQ and Speedo. Competitive swimmers always want to break their own records, according to a news release from HeiQ. Reducing drag as their bodies go through water is one way to accomplish additional speed. 

To reduce drag, Speedo and HeiQ developed a shark skin–inspired fabric technology that has been combined with Speedo’s LZR PURE INTENT, which is made of a triple-fabric construction designed to enhance compression and flexibility. 

Speedo’s new LZR PURE VALOR is light and flexible to allow the racer to increase power and reduce drag through streamlining. The fabric was co-developed with HeiQ to give the racer a greater range of motion and core stability. This helps swimmers feel lifted in the water and stay strong into the finish, the company says.

HeiQ was founded in 2005 as a spin-off from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich and focuses on creating effective, durable and high-performance textile technologies.