This Day in History: The BIKINI

TIMEPhotos: The First Bikini Introduced July 5, 1946

'The modern bikini was introduced by French engineer Louis Réard and fashion designer Jacques Heim in Paris in 1946. Réard named his swimsuit the “bikini”, taking the name from the Bikini Atoll, one of a series of islands in the South Pacific where testing on the new atomic bomb was occurring that summer.’

The swimsuit was so tiny it fit in the small box
she is holding in her right hand.

Evolution of the Swimsuit

(You've come a long way, baby !)

Swimsuits haven't always been typically baring. Peruse some of the earlier 'models' that led the way to the bikini. Which ones do you sometimes still see today? Which would you like to be available once again? Think carefully for you just may get your wish. Fashion is always going back in time presenting reflections on yesteryear.

Late 1800s

"What do you think, Babe?"

Cover-up, cover-up, cover-up is the way of swimwear in the 1880s until about the early 1900s. Women are not supposed to reveal too much skin for that would present too much ogling by the men! Swimsuits of this era resemble dresses thereby allowing for very little exposure to man, as well as the blazing sun! Not much chance for a bronze suntan, girls!

Not your cup of tea?

Roaring 20s

"I think you need to stop there, mister!"

Fashion history makes waves in the Roaring Twenties as styles take on a curvish nature -daring and sexier - allowing for more skin exposure. Liberated from long skirts, the introduction of the sleeveless tank suit huggs every body curve making women feel sexier than ever. However, restrictions are still in place (time isn't right yet for complete freedom): a city ordinance requires swimsuits to not be more than six inches above the knee! Imagine that! Um-m-m? Prelude to the mini-skirt?

Perhaps this style offers you the more rounded teacup?

Sassy 30s

Ooh, la-la!

Bearing some relationship to the swimsuit of today is the one-piece backless suit of the 1930s. Not as ugly as in the twenties, the suits become more sleek with scooped out backs to allow for tanning. Women during this era like to show off their tanned backs in backless and low-backed dresses. Favorite colors: navy, white, cream, grey, black and buff with touches of red. Also in this era, is the introduction of the two-piece swimsuit leading up to the bikini in the mid-1940s.

Does this one seem more your style, more on the oval side than round?


Darling 40s

"All my life I have been looking for class...but this, is real class!"

The 1940s are very popular for their halter top bathing suits promoting the sexy corset-style. Introduced are a darling two piece with bloomer-style bottoms and the stripy one piece. Some were even designed with straps that unfastened to prevent tan lines. This one would most definitely be admired by the sun bather!

Do you perhaps find this one a little more alluring to your style and taste?

Retro 50s

We never get tired of being told we're pretty!

Imitative of the recent past the styles of the fifties - fun and flattering retro-inspired swimsuits - blend the best of the old with the best of the new. Detachable straps are still in during this era with almost every woman appearing to be wearing what one would view as the equivalent of a beach corset! Flowered, polka-patterned swimsuits evoke the cheery styles of the 1950s with mustard being a popular color. These swimsuits epitomize perfection for a day in the sun whether or not your intentions are cruising the boardwalk.

Okay, this one has to be more of your liking - look at that cute little skirt! Yes?

Singing 60s

"Fun, Fun, Fun. . ."

In full swing, the beaches sing to the tune of the bikini: Bryan Hyland kicks off the Decade of the Bikini with his smash hit Itsy-Bitsy, Teeny-Weenie, Yellow Polka-Dot Bikini! The end of the 1950's, the waistline has been lowered and the fascination of the day is "the navel." The young and the restless lead the way with the shrinking bikini BUT not far behind are women of all ages.

Now, we're talking! Do you 'dig' this one for a great tan?

Disco 70s

No string or thong, just those with cut outs!

The string bikini and thong bikini are revealed to the world, pushing the levels of public exposure to previously unheard of extremes. More recent one-piece swimsuits include revealing cutouts that leave very little to the imagination.

How daring are you?

Back to the 80s

Windows, windows, windows. . .

What can be said about the 80's swimsuits or should I ask, what can't be said? Check out these descriptors:

o high leg line

o low armholes

o v-kini's, culotte

o low waistline

o topless

o side halters

o asymmetrical

o layered

o exercise inspited

o cut out one piece

AND, just when you thought that was enough. . .

o false belted waists

o skinny straps

o tying on sides

o knotting

o wrapping

o T-backs

o contrasting twists

o geometric seaming

o buttons, rings, zippers

Blast of the 90s

Did you really expect a thong?

The theme of the nineties is still the rising legline with its correponding rising waistline thus closeing the midriff from the bottom up, and recovering the navel. Throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, both men and women are arrested for wearing thongs on state property, e.g., state beaches. Therefore, they are worn at pools, on city, county and federal beaches, and occasionally, even on the street!

Did you find your best fit yet?

Into the 21st Century. . .

Just imagine. . .

Be sure to tune in tomorrow for

Guess the Celebrity. . .