Sharkskin: LZR Swimsuit Drag Reduction — Speedo, NASA

Biological model: Sharks (various species with dermal denticles)

Company: Speedo, NASA

High-performance swimsuit featuring sharkskin-inspired surface texture to reduce drag and improve swimming speed.

The challenge

Water drag limits swimming speed; conventional swimsuits don't address hydrodynamic efficiency; athletes seek marginal performance gains.

Nature's strategy

Shark dermal denticles (microscopic grooves) that reduce drag.

What was emulated

Microscopic surface texture for vortex control and drag reduction.

The innovation

Sharkskin-inspired surface texture in swimsuit to reduce drag and improve speed.

Full case study

Sharkskin has microscopic grooves (dermal denticles) that reduce hydrodynamic drag. Speedo and NASA collaborated to develop the LZR Racer swimsuit incorporating sharkskin surface technology. The suit's texture mimics shark dermal denticles to reduce water drag, resulting in measurable speed improvements.