History of Costume Friday: The Bikini

Here in good ole’ Kent, OH, the weather forecasters are predicting a chance of snow in a few days. This makes me want to slit my throat just in time for Dia de los Muertos, so I thought I’d uphold the masochism by talking about bikinis.

Women started wearing bikinis at stylish resorts as early as the 1930s. The first two-piece consisted of a bra top and modest, trunk-like bottoms. Today, the bikini represents a social leap that emerged during that time period, one involving moral concerns, sexual attitudes and body consciousness. The first time that one was seen at a fashion affair was at a poolside show in Paris at the Piscine Molitor on July 5, 1946.

Though popular in postwar France, the bikini was considered too risqué in America until Hollywood starlets like Rita Hayworth and Ava Gardner were photographed wearing them. The first suits in the early 20th century were made from wool and terrycloth until the 1930s when Lastex and nylon were developed. Early suits were boned and cupped before the 1960s when the string bikini was designed. But probably the most controversial style was Rudi Gernreich’s monokini introduced in 1964. Thin straps were connected to the bottom brief leaving the torso completely exposed. Women were actually arrested on beaches for wearing it.

We have so many choices today regarding bikinis and swimsuits in general, but it’s hard not to be a little jealous of those fashionistas living on the edge. “How was your vacation?”

“Oh you know, got a tan. And was arrested for being avant-garde and fabulous.”

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