The bikini was born in 1946, but was only "cleared" on beaches, first overseas and then Italian, about thirty years later, between the 70s and 80s. Its history, however, is much older and the first depictions of two-piece women's swimsuits can be found as early as some mosaics from the Egyptian and Byzantine era.
Born in 1946 from the idea of a Parisian tailor, the bikini has come a long way since its conception. Yet, depictions of it can be found as far back as the ancient Romans, yet no one talks about it. Because this beloved piece of clothing, which inevitably evokes memories of beach vacations, was actually quickly banned from the market: women never dreamed of going to the beach more revealing than they already were in their swimsuits, and designers didn't create them. But what is the history of the bikini in Italy? Let's find out together.
The history of the bikini in Italy and in beauty contests
The history of the bikini has always seen it as a popular item, both on the beach and during beauty pageants. Unfortunately, it wasn't always this way. In 1951, despite the resourcefulness and desire to break the rules typical of overseas populations, the bikini was banned from the Miss World beauty pageant. That same year, in Italy, beaches were constantly monitored by traffic police, who punished the most libertine girls with hefty fines. Only cinema and the popularity of the bikini on the big screen changed things, and from then on, the bikini was "accepted" on Italian beaches too, with the approval of the men.
The most famous bikini in the history of cinema
In the history of the bikini, in cinema, there are some that certainly haven't gone unnoticed. Remember that in its inception, the bikini was considered scandalous. Do you have any idea how scandalous a white one, even a vaguely transparent one, could be? Such is the case of Ursula Andress's famous white bikini, seen emerging from the water in 1962's Dr. No, wearing a stunning two-piece. Other famous bikinis include Raquel Welch's aggressive black leather one, worn in 1966, and the first bikini in cinema history, worn by a beautiful and very young Brigitte Bardot in 1958's "And God Created Woman."
A staple of every summer, the bikini has managed to navigate the myriad controversies, discussions, and censorship it has been subjected to over the years. A faithful companion on every vacation, this distinctive swimsuit has over time become a means of seduction and practicality, essential features during the hottest and most anticipated time of year.
Which bikini to choose?
When chosen carefully and paired with the right accessories, such as a raffia hat, scarf, or whimsical sunglasses, a swimsuit can be a truly striking piece. One-piece, bikini, bandeau, high-waisted, or low-waisted, there's a swimsuit for every taste and body shape.
For small busts, the most suitable styles are strapless: bandeau, crossover bandeau, and those embellished with ruffles, which create the illusion of volume. For those with larger busts, triangle bikinis with ties that tie behind the neck are preferable, providing greater support and thus greater comfort and freedom of movement. As for the lower body, those with narrow hips can afford ties and low-waisted swimsuits, while curvy women or those with a pear-shaped body shape are advised to wear high-cut bottoms that make the legs look longer, and ruffles at the back ensure a fuller butt.
