Bikini

A bikini is a two-piece swimsuit designed for women, typically consisting of a top that covers the bust and a separate bottom that covers the pelvis and buttocks. Modern bikinis are made in a wide range of styles and fabrics, commonly including nylon and Lycra, and feature various cuts such as triangle tops, string ties, bandeau shapes, halter tops, and high-waisted bottoms. Variants exist to balance coverage, support, and aesthetic, and some designs are adapted for athletic use in swimming and beach sports.

The term and the garment’s origin trace to the mid-20th century. In 1946, French designers Jacques Heim and Louis Réard introduced a two-piece swimsuit that was smaller than prevailing designs. Réard named the new design after Bikini Atoll, the site of nuclear tests, arguing it would create a bigger impact than the atomic bombs. The first public wear is often credited to model Micheline Bernardini at a Paris fashion show in 1946. The bikini’s reception was initially controversial and it faced bans and censorship in various countries, but it gradually gained mainstream acceptance as fashion and social norms evolved.

Cultural impact and evolution have been significant. The bikini became a symbol of postwar freedom and changing gender norms, aided by media, film stars, and later, fashion cycles. Today it encompasses a broad spectrum of silhouettes—from minimalist string and triangle styles to more modest high-waisted or full-coverage variants—and is used for leisure, sun exposure, and competitive swimming. Regulatory attitudes toward swimwear vary by country, culture, and institution, affecting where and how bikinis are worn.