300AD
Artwork dating to the Diocletianic era portrays women in a similar garment to the bikini, while competing in athletic events. The skimpier alternative to the toga, featuring a bandeau top, was thought practical for ladies playing ancient sport.
1946
On July 5th 1946, French designer Louis Reard unveiled a navel baring two-piece swimsuit at the Piscine Moliter, a popular Parisian swimming pool. Reard got the idea for his bikini when he saw women rolling up their beachwear to get a better tan, and named it after the island Bikini Atoll.
40s
Bikinis began appearing on US beaches during the forties, helped in part by the government ordering a 10 per cent reduction in fabric used for women’s swimwear as part of wartime rationing. However, they remained prohibited in Spain, Italy, and Portugal.
50s
The first Miss World contest took place in 1951, and was won by Sweden’s Kiki Hakansoon, with all competitors donning the garment. Some countries threatened to withdraw from the competition, meaning evening gowns were brought in for subsequent editions of the beauty contest.
60s
In 1960, Brian Hyland’s song, ‘Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini,’ prompted a spike in sales. Then, in 1962, Playboy magazine featured a bikini on its cover for the first time, with Sports Illustrated following suit two years later.
Current
Despite a brief comeback for the one-piece in the early nineties, the bikini remains the swimwear of choice for many women, starring in films such as James Bond, and on the catwalk. The suffix ‘kini’ has even fund its way into Middle Eastern fashion, with the invention of the birkini.
