Article

Bikini

Overview

A bikini is a two-piece swimsuit, usually worn by women, consisting of a bra top and a separate bottom that covers the pelvis but leaves the midriff exposed. The top covers the breasts, while the bottom covers the groin and buttocks, with the navel typically exposed. Bikini styles range from full-coverage to highly revealing, such as thongs and microkinis. The term "bikini" is also used for certain styles of men's swimwear and underwear (see bikini panties).

Etymology and Terminology

The word "bikini" was coined by French engineer Louis Réard in 1946, named after the Bikini Atoll in the Pacific Ocean, where the United States conducted nuclear tests. Réard hoped the new swimsuit would create an "explosive" reaction. The name was inspired by the atoll's association with atomic bomb tests, symbolizing the swimsuit's impact on fashion and culture. The term has since become genericized, and spawned a family of related swimwear names: monokini, tankini, trikini, microkini, skirtini, and more.

History

Antiquity and Precursors

Two-piece garments resembling bikinis date back to ancient times. Mosaics from the Roman Villa Romana del Casale (4th century CE) depict women in bikini-like attire. Similar garments are seen in ancient Anatolia and the Greco-Roman world, often worn by female athletes. In the West, modesty norms limited swimwear to full-body garments until the 20th century. The 1900s saw the rise of form-fitting swimwear, with Annette Kellermann popularizing the one-piece suit in 1907. By the 1930s and 1940s, two-piece suits exposing the midriff appeared, but still covered the navel.

The Modern Bikini

In 1946, French designers Jacques Heim and Louis Réard introduced new two-piece swimsuits. Heim's "Atome" was advertised as "the smallest swimsuit in the world" but still covered the navel. Réard's "bikini" was even smaller, exposing the navel and featuring a bra top and triangular bottom. The first model, Micheline Bernardini, was a nude dancer, as no professional model would wear such a revealing design. The bikini was initially banned in many countries and condemned by religious and cultural authorities, but gained popularity through film stars like Brigitte Bardot, Ursula Andress, and Raquel Welch.

Social Resistance and Acceptance

The bikini faced significant resistance in the 1940s–1960s, being banned from beaches and public pools in France, Australia, Spain, Italy, and the US. Beauty pageants and Hollywood films often prohibited bikinis. Over time, the bikini became a symbol of sexual liberation, body confidence, and changing attitudes toward modesty. By the 1960s and 1970s, it was widely accepted in Western fashion, boosted by media, music, and pop culture (e.g., "Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini"). The 1970s' broader sexual liberation and beach culture helped normalise two-piece swimwear in many Western countries; see the decade hub: 1970s for context.

Global Perspectives

Acceptance of the bikini varies worldwide. In South Asia, Bollywood films and celebrities helped popularize the bikini, though it remains controversial in conservative regions. In East Asia, bikinis are common at beaches, but many women prefer additional cover-ups. In the Middle East, bikinis are often banned or replaced by modest alternatives like the burkini. The bikini is a symbol of both modernity and controversy, reflecting local cultural, religious, and legal norms.

Coverage and Styles

A bikini generally covers the breasts and pelvic region, leaving the abdomen, back, and legs exposed. Coverage varies widely:

String bikini: Minimal coverage, with thin strings at the sides.
Bandeau: Strapless top, often paired with various bottoms.
Halter top: Ties or fastens behind the neck for more support.
High-waisted: Retro style with a bottom that covers the navel.
Thong/G-string: Minimal rear coverage, exposing the buttocks.
Microkini: Extremely minimal, covering only the essentials.
Skirtini: Bikini top with a skirted bottom for more coverage.
Monokini: Originally a topless suit, now refers to a one-piece with cutouts (see monokini).

Materials and Construction

Early bikinis were made from cotton and jersey. Modern bikinis use synthetic fabrics like lycra, nylon, polyester, and spandex for stretch, durability, and a "second skin" fit. Some designs use mesh, lace, velvet, leather, or crochet. The choice of material affects comfort, fit, and the "wet look" (see wet look). Metal and stone jewelry, ruffles, and other embellishments are common. Some bikinis are designed for quick drying, UV protection, or even tan-through fabric.

Cultural Impact and Controversies

Bikinis have played a significant role in fashion, popular culture, and debates about body image, modesty, and sexuality. The bikini has been both celebrated as a symbol of liberation and criticized as an instrument of objectification. It has been banned, censored, and regulated in various contexts, including beauty pageants, sports, and public spaces. The rise of social media and "bikini bodies" has fueled both empowerment and unrealistic beauty standards, contributing to body image issues and eating disorders. Movements for body positivity and inclusivity now promote bikinis for all body types and ages.

In Sport

Bikinis are the official uniform for women's beach volleyball, bodybuilding, and are common in surfing and other sports. The use of bikinis in sport has sparked debate over objectification, comfort, and performance. Some athletes support the bikini for its practicality in hot weather and sand, while others criticize it as exploitative. Recent rule changes in some sports allow for more modest alternatives.

In Media and Pop Culture

Iconic moments include Ursula Andress in "Dr. No," Raquel Welch in "One Million Years B.C.," and the annual Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. Bikinis are featured in music, advertising, and social media, shaping trends and perceptions of beauty and sexuality.

Global and Religious Perspectives

Attitudes toward bikinis vary globally. In some countries, bikinis are symbols of modernity and freedom; in others, they are seen as immodest or even illegal. Modest swimwear alternatives, such as the burkini, have emerged to accommodate religious and cultural norms.

Body Image and Health

The bikini is closely linked to body ideals and the "bikini body" concept, which has evolved over time. Early etiquette dictated bikinis were only for "perfect figures," but modern designers and body positivity advocates encourage all body types to wear bikinis. The pressure to achieve a "bikini body" has contributed to dieting, fitness trends, and sometimes unhealthy behaviors. Bikinis also led to the popularity of bikini waxing and sun tanning, with associated health risks (see tan lines, sunscreen).

Environmental and Ethical Issues

The production of synthetic swimwear materials raises environmental concerns, including microplastic pollution. Some brands now offer eco-friendly bikinis made from recycled materials. The global swimwear market is a multi-billion dollar industry, influenced by fashion, media, and social trends.

References

This article cross-references related topics in swimwear, body image, tan lines, and swimwear malfunction. For more on anatomy, see breasts, hips, and skin.