Perhaps no other item of clothing has ever caused such excitement than the bikini bathing suit. While many styles in clothing come and go, the bikini arrived on the scene and continues to reign as queen on the swimwear arena.
The bikini actually has roots in history that go back into 4th century Roman history. A mosaic displayed in the Piazza Armerina in Sicily clearly displays women in various poses of performing gymnastic acts while dressed in “bikini” garb. Although the name had not yet been attached to the outfits, there is no mistaking the thin material covering the breasts along with matching panty like bottoms. The two piece outfits allow the bellybutton to be visible, just as the bikini suit we know today does.
Naming the skimpy two piece swimsuit is an honor that is awarded to a designer in France named Louis Reard. Designing a suit that was so daring and so scandalous that none of the well known models of the day would even consider wearing it on the fashion runways, Louis Reard had to pay a woman who performed nude dancing to exhibit his creation. Since that time, the bikini bathing suit has undergone numerous design changes as manufacturers strive to develop a suit for every body.
Today, the bikini is a familiar and well known form of beach wear. There are many types of the suit, including a string bikini, thong bikini, micro bikini, ultra bikini and more. There are discreet and modest bikinis as well as shocking nude bikinis. Bikinis are great suits to wear for the optimal natural tanning experience as well as the best way to show off a perfectly shaped and toned body. Yet, in most cases, the bikini is still a suit that covers all of the specific areas that need to be left to the imagination.
Though the bikini emerged onto the fashion scene as a scandalous, evocative piece of clothing, in today’s society, it has become a standard beach wear item. The style has even been replicated to “suit” the youngest and possibly most enthusiastic of the beach set; children. Little toddlers with bulging tummies have never looked so cute as when they are making their way across the sand, bucket in hand, wearing their little bikini bathing suit.
While many clothing items have created great excitement for awhile and then fade into oblivion, the bikini bathing suit has not only remained but increased in design and popularity.