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Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Polka Dot Bikini

Swimsuit season has hit us full force, ladies. Instead of showing you the hottest trends in swimwear, I thought I'd share the history of the classic bikini style swimsuit.

Ava Gardner

Although, the bikini style has been around for centuries, the original bikini bathing suit shocked people when it first came out in the late 1940s. It was believed to be risque because it was worn by pin up girls and innappropriate women. It was created by a frenchman named Louis RĂ©ard who wanted to cause an uproar just like the atomic bomb site it was named after; Bikini Atoll. Two-piece bathing suits in the past had not exposed the navel and used much more fabric. France accepted the new trend right away, but other countries were much more resistant to the idea.

Micheline Bernardini modeling the very first bikini in 1946

Over the years, the bikini has become more acceptable, as well as much smaller. There are many variations of how much coverage you want, including the thong style bottom. Even topless is sometimes considered to be apart of the bikini family. These styles are not going to be found at a family pool party, but many have dared to wear these in public. Most women like to stick to the full coverage bikinis that cover just enough to keep momma happy.

Kate Upton on the 2012 cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition

Bikinis have become the norm for girls and women from a young age up until their adult years. There is a full Sports Illustrated issue dedicated to them, there are songs written about them, and there are thousands worn down the runways across the world. There is no better way than kicking off summer than to find the right bikini for you. Happy tanning!