Since July 5th, 1946, women have been hitting the beaches and pool sides in bikinis and this is why we celebrate National Bikini Day marking the anniversary of the invention of the revealing two-piece bathing suit. I don’t know about you but you would never find me in a #bikini because I would spill out in places I shouldn’t no, matter the size of the bikini. How about you. Do you wear a bikini when you go swimming or a 2 piece? Or are you like me and use a T Shirt and shorts when possible to hide your body under?
The bikini is named after the Bikini Atoll, where the United States conducted atomic tests, the two-piece bathing suit made its debut in Paris. French designer Jaques Heim wanted to name revealing bits of fabric “atom,” but designer Louis Réard named his piece, revealed on this day in 1946, with the name “bikini” and the word stuck.
By World War II, Sunbathers cast aside the chaste one-piece bathing suits for simple two-piece bathing suits. However, nothing prepared the United States for the revealing bikini when it hit the beaches on July 5th, 1946. The skimpy strips of fabric were seen as less than a women’s unmentionables. While Europe enthusiastically donned the bikini after a long and arduous World War, American’s sense of decency kept them from accepting the bikini until the 1960s.
Today, the bikini comes in all shapes, sizes, colors, and fabrics. Designers expanded the style to flatter more body shapes, enticing more women to wear the fashion. Throughout the Summer, the beaches and pools call for swimwear. If you’re considering the bikini, to celebrate National Bikini Day today is the day to pick a bikini that fits your style.
If you have a #Bikini you love use this hashtag and share a picture with us #NationalBikiniDay
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
