Looked at the sellers list of products including Speedo padded triathlon briefs in different colours. Although some of the items are in the current Sports Direct catalogue others seem either to have been specially made or are from historic sources.
Have been looking at internet printed lycra and spandex suppliers, have discovered a wide variety of plaid and tartan printed stretch fabrics for sale. Although some are available in the UK many more can be bought in the USA.
These printed fabrics tend to be ordered by the clothing makers who after making a production run sell off 2nds, part rolls and surplus rolls to the fabric stores.
The cost of setting up a print run is such that only big clothing manufacturers can order the quantities involved. The same set up is often used with different colours to produce smaller quantities of a range of colours.
By largely pulling out of printed fabrics swim brief manufacturers have reduced their commitment to stocking large quantities of printed fabrics slow to move.
It is fun to go through the internet fabric stores, find an interesting printed lycra, order some and make an entirely unique swim brief, thong etc.
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