National Bikini Day
National Bikini Day is celebrated on July 5, and it is the perfect excuse for you to dust off your favorite two-piece that has been sitting in the back of your closet for a long time.
This bright and shiny day is dedicated to the beach essential and celebrates the confidence and freedom it brings along.
But, National Bikini Day is celebrated to honor the invention of the bikini by French engineer Louis Réard in 1946. The design was named after Bikini Atoll, the site of the first atomic tests conducted after World War II, with the aim of creating an explosive fashion statement similar to the impact of those tests.
The bikini first appeared in Paris and was presented by Réard and 19-year-old nude dancer Micheline Bernardini at the Piscine Molitor was the first one to model it.
However, it was received with a lot of outrage at first, so much so, newspapers rejected from clicking it. Nevertheless, Réard's bold design eventually embodied the spirit of a changing world, becoming a symbol of female empowerment and liberation.
The Evolution Of Bikini
Bikinis are now iconic fashion symbols that have influenced several industries across the world like runway shows, photoshoots, movies, and commercials. The two-piece swimsuits have played significant roles in women's swimwear, clothing, lingerie, and has options for both modesty and comfort.
Prior to World War II, women's bathing suits were made of heavy flannel and focused on conserving modesty rather than allowing sunbathing or swimming.
French designers Jacques Heim and Louis Réard introduced the bikini, and it took about ten years for bikinis to gain acceptance, helped by films featuring Brigitte Bardot and Ursula Andress.
Over the years, bikinis underwent severe style evolution with the 1960s introducing spandex fabrics, metallics, psychedelic prints, florals and memorable appearances in films like “Dr. No.”.
On the other hand, the 1970s featured mismatched pieces, crochet, fringe, and sexy cutouts, with accessories becoming popular. The 1980s saw bold colors and patterns dominate, with plunging necklines and high-cut legs becoming the norm.
The 1990s made bikinis mainstream, with neon swimwear and the introduction of the microkini and tankini. The 2000s continued trends from the 1990s with the rise of more risqué and sports-oriented swimwear.
In 2023, long-sleeved swimsuits became trendy, featuring asymmetrical designs and swim mesh textiles. Overall, the evolution of bikinis reflects cultural shifts and changing attitudes toward women's fashion and empowerment.
Celebrate Bikini Day In Style
Embrace your own skin on National Bikini Day by sporting your favorite bikini to the beach, sand, or pool. Make sure to apply lots of sunscreen, grab some snacks, and enjoy the sunshine. Invite friends along to celebrate the freedom and joy of wearing what you want while swimming.
Throw a bikini pool party with themed decorations and invite friends for a day of fun in the sun. If bikinis aren’t your style, put on your favorite one-piece and join the festivities—everyone can enjoy the spirit of the day.
