Bikinis Today

History of Bikinis

Two-piece, swim suit, bikini—- call them whatever you like, but the bikini indeed plays a popular part in our fashion industry as well as in our culture.

Although this two-piece swimming attire may look something very modern, they have actually been around for quite a while.

Here are some details about the history of bikinis:

• Early Bikinis

Bikinis can trace their roots back in the Chalcotithic era where it was worn as a sort of costume. Ancient Greek women wore bikinis for athletic purposes. Paintings which date back to 1400 BC depict women wearing a breast band. Men on the other hand wore high cut briefs and loincloth.

In ancient Rome, bikinis were also present in the form of a loincloth or leather which was called subligar. They were wrapped around the breast for support. These types of clothing were often used during physical activities.

• 19^th century Bikinis

The modern bikini started to appear in 1830. It was called a prison suit as the attire goes down from the wrist to the ankle. It was Annette Kellerman who first wore the first form fitting one piece which then became popular by 1910.

By 1913, Carl Jantzen created a functional swimwear that featured a one-piece suit with a short sleeves top and shorts on the bottom.

As the 30s entered, Hollywood endorsed a one-piece swimwear that featured a plunging back cut. Body hugging materials such as latex and nylon also became very popular during the mid 30s.

By the 40s, the two-piece swimwear became ubiquitous in beaches. Popular silhouettes at that time where constricted bust lines and clinched waist cuts.

• 1940s and 50s Swimwear

The first modern bikini was designed by Jacques Heim and Louis Reard. Reard came up with the idea when he saw a swim suit pulled up to get a better tan. Thus, he came up with the idea of two clothing pieces. He then advertised the swimsuit as “the smallest bathing suit”.

This idea became popular to both men and women, as more and more people were seen wearing Reard’s bathing suits. It was then seen in being worn in numerous Hollywood films such as My Favorite Brunette and God Created Woman.

• 1960s to 1990s nothing suit

By the 60s, two-piece bathing suits became more popular and more acceptable. In fact, they have been used in a number of films and movies such as Dr. No. Some actors such as the Bond girl Ursula Andress became well known for their unforgettable bikini- wearing scenes.

• 1990s to present

Two-piece bikinis are now accepted and very common. In fact, two-piece bathing suits now come in various designs and styles. Example includes G-strings that is supported by a narrow piece of string as well as tankinis which feature a top that covers the belly area of the wearer.

There are now also bathing suits and two-piece especially designed for sports such as beach volleyball. However, unlike regular swimsuits, sports swim suits are designed for functionality rather than aesthetic or fashion.

About the Author

Donald Varner

bikinistoday.com