History of the Bikini

There is evidence of what we know as the modern day bikini dating back to 286-305 BC

1907 – Australian Swimmer arrested on a 

Boston beach for wearing a form-fitting one-piece swimsuit. 

This became accepted in 1910

 

 

1930s necklines plunged at the back, sleeves disappeared and sides were cut away.

1930-39 – Synthetics invented

WWII

Famous Actresses of the 40/50s include Judy Garland and Rita Hayworth, Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor  

  

1940 glamour swimsuits – inspired by the American film industry

 

Development of commercial television

 

Bikini1946

 1946 The bikini was patented by French designer Louis Reard. Corsets & bra cups were built into swimmers to create shape. Reard was running his mother’s lingerie boutique in Paris & so was inspired greatly by lingerie. Zippers were used in the centre back of swimmers.

Bikini named after the Pacific Bikini Atoll, a nuclear test site.

 

Clothing rationing ends after war 1948

 

1950s new pool culture developed – it was accepted to sit and sun bake by the pool

 

1960s Lycra & Nylon introduced, giving stretch to swimwear eliminating the need for zippers. Elastic was used around edges to hold them in place.

Famous contemporary bikini and swimwear designers include: Brian Rochford, Lisa Ho, Seafolly, Jessika Allen, Alex Norrie, Lisa Kelly

It is this development that has led to the freedom of what we can wear to the beach today. Now there are so many different types of bikinis and swimsuits available to suit every body type!