As superstar swimmer Michael Phelps makes his return to competition in Mesa, Arizona, the launch of his first MP branded suit, the XPRESSO, dropped on Wednesday.
This suit is significant in that Phelps isn’t just wearing it; rather, the most decorated swimmer in history and his coach Bob Bowman played a significant role in designing the suit. In the above video, released by Aqua Sphere, Phelps and Bowman discuss the specific specifications and requirements that they and the design engineers used to develop the new suit.
MORE ABOUT XPRESSO
The MP XPRESSO combines Aqua Sphere’s proprietary Exo-Foil and Aqua-Core fabrics to deliver the innovative dual fabric technology, Exo-Core, in a racing suit that not only provides compression, hydrodynamic material and bonded seams, but also offers increased flexibility and range of motion that allows athletes to maintain relaxed muscles before and during competition to maximize peak performance. The Exo-Core construction features strategically placed panels designed to reduce energy dissipation through compressive support while allowing for increased circulation throughout the leg and femoral artery. The panels work in conjunction with the XPRESSO’s proprietary fabric to offer athletes an unprecedented range of motion in a competitive racing suit. The XPRESSO was created using Italian design and fabrication.
“We are extremely excited to officially introduce Michael Phelps’ signature brand, MP, to the international marketplace highlighted by our fully integrated collaboration in the development and release of MP’s first competitive racing suit –XPRESSO,” said Todd Mitchell, Business Line Manager, Aqua Sphere. “Michael and Bob challenged Aqua Sphere to develop a racing suit that distinguishes itself from the other technologies available in the marketplace with particular attention to finding a way to increase the level of flexibility and range of motion to help improve performance. Our team of designers and engineers utilized Aqua Sphere’s proprietary technologies to develop a ground-breaking dual fabric technology, Exo-Core that is an innovative design combination of stability and flexibility fabrics, which serves as the signature feature of the XPRESSO.”
— Todd Mitchell, Aqua Sphere Business Line Manager
About Aqua Sphere
Established in Genoa, Italy, in 1998, Aqua Sphere is the premier swimming equipment manufacturer for fitness and recreational swimming, aquatic exercise and triathlons. With the launch of its cutting-edge Seal Mask—the world’s first swim mask, the company set the industry standard and today continues to innovate with a complete range of premium products, including eye protection, swimwear, triathlon wetsuits, footwear, and swim fitness and training accessories. The designs have gained the respect and loyal following of many celebrities and notable athletes, including the world’s most decorated Olympian Michael Phelps, with whom Aqua Sphere is partnering to develop a global brand partnership. Alongside its parent company Aqua Lung and supported by an international distribution network, Aqua Sphere has grown into a worldwide enterprise representing unparalleled design, development and manufacturing expertise, with a global footprint in more than 90 countries. For more information, visit www.AquaSphereSwim.com, www.Facebook.com/AquaSphereSwim, or www.Twitter.com/AquaSphereSwim.
About Aqua Lung
Aqua Lung pioneered the creation of modern diving equipment in 1943 when Captain Jacques-Yves Cousteau teamed with Emile Gagnan to develop the first “aqua-lung” that made underwater exploration possible. Today, the brand continues to be the leading global designer and manufacturer of dive and water sports gear. With a deep commitment to quality, research and testing, Aqua Lung has revolutionized the scuba diving experience by setting industry standards for scuba equipment in technology, comfort, safety and design. The company’s rich history as an expert in the dive and water sports industry has led to the demand of Aqua Lung equipment for recreational, technical and military applications in more than 90 countries around the world, under brand names, Aqua Sphere, Apeks, U.S. Divers, and Stohlquist. For more information, visit www.AquaLung.com, www.Facebook.com/AquaLungDivers, or twitter.com/AquaLungDivers.
Honestly, I think this is great for Phelps. A lot of people think that all he needs is some new confidence to get him back into the swing of things and this is doing exactly that. Also, the suit looks fantastic and price depending, I would love to get my hands on one when its released.
Agreed with comments. A PE (professional engineer) rather than professional athlete should be a perquisite for this idea. Contact me if there’s interest in my prototype.
Oh, this is the tech suit that gives you the compression to go fast but it’s also comfortable and the range of motion is great.
Same old buzzwords. Let’s see some results.
OK OK OK, so I hate BRANDS and MARKETING and all that stuff.
BUT. Watching this video, noticed they were referring to the components as “Exo-Foil” and “Exo-Core.” Then like, forgot exactly what the name of the suit was. CLEARLY SHOULD’VE CALLED IT THE EXO-SPRESSO.
Almost just as dumb as Xpresso. Srsly, say it out loud. It just sounds silly. Like if you were a badass named Dick Liquor – as soon as you say it out loud, it all falls apart. (Credit.)
“This suit is significant in that Phelps isn’t just wearing it; rather, the most decorated swimmer in history and his coach Bob Bowman played a significant role in designing the suit. ”
You mean like every speedo suit since like 07?
Suit looks good, but obviously looks like the new arenas
On the one hand, I know SwimSwam is covering this because if the line takes off it could be like Air Jordans for basketball. On the other hand, it is hard to tell if you are reporting on the product line, or promoting it. They don’t happen to be sponsors, are they?
I see your point, but SwimSwam is about covering the sport of swimming. Something like this is groundbreaking in the sport, and it’s the biggest headlines there’s been in a while.
To think, Phelps could be racing at the Olympics and see his competitors swimming in a suit with his name logo on it. I wonder if certain swimmers won’t wear it simply because he’s their competition and they don’t want to give him any nod of the hat by wearing it, so to say.
Do we have a price estimate for both male and female versions?
How much can be said about a pair of swim shorts? The real advance will be head transplants , one of which is lined up with a volunteer , just waiting, just waiting ……..
How many of us , especially here on SWSW have the perfect swim head but not the body? How many competitors have the perfect swim body but , alas , not the head? It will bring equality & diversity onto the racing blocks and a brave new world.
In the meantime , I am all for boys keeping it tight& these look to do that very important job.
Bravo. .