# Streamlined Prosthetic Flippers The Elle Swimming Suit Enables Amputees to Compete and Swim Meets By Amelia Roblin | Published 2014-09-26 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/elle-prosthetic References: [yankodesign](http://www.yankodesign.com/2014/09/25/no-limits-for-a-swim/) & [dellatos.in](http://www.dellatos.in/elle) Aquatic sports are fun and effective means of exercise that can be made a great deal more accessible with inventions like the [Elle](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/elle) prosthetic leg. Designed by Della Tosin, this piece of equipment would enable people with one or two amputated legs to participate in swimming for pleasure and competition alike. A vacuum socket facilitates a functional and comfortable way to wear the prosthesis, which is enhanced by the donning of a supportive wetsuit. The piece itself would be made from polyurethane and woven elastane-nylon; together, the composition would repel water and control buoyancy. A chamber inside can be adjusted to suit the weight of the wearer, preventing the Elle prosthetic leg from floating or sinking. Conceived with [interchangeable flippers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kikfin), the swimmer can customize and optimize his [aquatic experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aquatic-fitness). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.8/10 - Popularity: 58% | Activity: 79% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Health](https://www.trendhunter.com/health) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Accessible Athletic Equipment:** Innovative prosthetic equipment, like the Elle swimming suit, is creating new opportunities for amputees to participate in sports and competitions. - **Customizable Swimming Gear:** Interchangeable flippers and buoyancy control features in the Elle prosthetic leg are leading to the development and demand of customizable swimming gear. - **Functional Fabrics:** Polyurethane and woven elastane-nylon are proving to be functional and effective materials for aquatic equipment, as seen in the design of the Elle prosthetic leg. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Prosthetics:** The development of the Elle prosthetic leg is an opportunity for the prosthetics industry to expand into the field of aquatic sports. - **Sports Apparel:** The incorporation of functional materials, like polyurethane and woven elastane-nylon, into athletic apparel and gear opens up a disruptive innovation opportunity for the sports apparel industry. - **Swimwear:** Innovations in swimwear designs, such as the integration of supportive wetsuits, can be a disruptive innovation opportunity for the swimwear industry to expand into inclusive and adaptive swimwear. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Modular Slip-Proof Prosthetic Legs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lytra-prosthetic-leg.md) - [Celebrated Athletic Prosthetics](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ffate.md) - [Revolutionary Swimming Flotation Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/swimming-flotation-device.md) - [Bionic Knee Prostheses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/httpswwwmediamitedu.md) - [Buoyant Swim Support Boards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/swim-fit-board.md) - [Affordable 3D-Printed Prosthetics](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lunet.md) - [Bespoke Scuba Diving Drysuits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/diving-drysuit.md) - [Wellness Focused Swimwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bathing-belle.md) - [Compact Packable Diver Fins](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/folding-fins.md)