Can You Patent a Swimsuit?

Most swimsuits are not patentable - they fall under copyright law. However, there are patents that have been issued for innovative swimsuits. Carol Wior patented the Slimsuit, a women's swimsuit that was guaranteed to take an inch or more off the waist or tummy and look natural.

• History of Swimsuits
• History of the Bikini Photo credit: Morguefiles

Speedo's Revolutionary LZR Racer Suit
According to Speedo, their new racing swimsuit (made with materials developed by NASA), "aids in streamlining, minimizes drag and reduces skin vibration and muscle oscillation." In fact, twenty-four new world records in swimming have been set from mid-February '08 to April '08 by swimmers using the new suit. The International Swimming Federation (FINA) ruled that it won't ban Speedo's new high-tech LZR Racer suit in the Olympics and other events despite criticism for claims of buoyancy. Buoyancy in bathing suits has been against the rules for years.

The FASTSKIN LZR RACER suit has international patents pending – application numbers: UK 0715653.2, 0715652.4, Europe EP07253218.7, EP07253221.1, USA 11/839870, 11/839879, and more countries.

The FASTSKIN LZR RACER suit has international design registrations pending – applications numbers: Europe 000778592001 to 023, 000841564-0001 to 0005, USA and more countries.