Bikinis and their history

Did you know that bikinis were once banned in several countries? Or that the first swimsuit looked more like a dress? Beachwear has a rich history, full of curiosities, censorship, revolutions, and, more recently, marked by diversity, sustainability, and freedom of expression.

These days, it's hard to imagine summer without a bikini or a stylish swimsuit. But these pieces, which today embody freedom, were once synonymous with scandal, prohibition, and even oppression.

Yes, the journey of beachwear is as fascinating as the sea itself. Come with me on this journey through the history of the bikini and swimsuit—from the 19th century to today's sand walkways.

🌊 When it all began: the 19th century

The concept of a swimsuit emerged in the 19th century. Before that, people wore everyday clothes to bathe. With the growing popularity of beaches as leisure spaces, swimwear began to appear—although far from what we know today.

They were usually made of wool, long and heavy, covering almost the entire body. For women, the ensemble included dresses with shorts underneath. The priority was maintaining modesty, not mobility—and certainly not a tan.

These pieces reflected the conservative social values of the time, in which the female body was to be hidden, and the act of swimming was almost secondary.

🧵 Turn of the century: the beginning of some freedom

Already in the early years of the 20th century, we began to see subtle changes. Fabrics remained robust, but cuts became more practical. Women wore jumpsuits that exposed their arms and part of their legs—a step forward, albeit a small one.

The truth is that functionality was starting to gain ground. Mesh swimsuits for women and bib shorts for men marked the beginning of a new era at the beach. Still no tan or sensuality, but mobility was slowly becoming part of the equation.

✨ 20s to 40s: freer silhouettes and tighter fabrics

In the 1920s, the female body was finally beginning to take center stage—at least in beachwear. Swimsuits became shorter, tighter, and featured discreet necklines. Legs emerged, arms were freed from sleeves, and for the first time, pieces with a touch of style appeared.

In the 1940s, the world of beachwear took another leap forward: new materials and cuts emerged that allowed for a better fit. The silhouette gained shape and... freedom. And then came the moment that changed everything .

💥 1946: The birth of the modern bikini

It was in Paris in 1946 that Louis Réard introduced to the world what would become the modern bikini: two small pieces of fabric joined by knots. At the time, it was a scandal, so much so that it was banned in several countries —including Portugal.

The name "bikini" was chosen intentionally. Réard was inspired by the Bikini Atoll, where the United States conducted nuclear tests. He wanted to make an explosive impact on fashion. He succeeded!

🌺 60s to 80s: from scandal to pop culture

With the sexual revolution of the 1960s, the bikini transformed from a symbol of provocation to a banner of female freedom. More daring cuts emerged, such as the thong or the famous triangle, always accompanied by vibrant prints.

The 70s and 80s brought the bikini to cinema, television and the icons of the time: Brigitte Bardot , Raquel Welch , Ursula Andress — all of them immortalized the bikini in pop culture.

It was also during this period that the monokini was born, a provocative hybrid between a bikini and a swimsuit.

🏄 90s and 2000s: sports, branding and minimalism

The '90s brought new trends: surfing, urban culture, and a lot of branding. Bikinis became more low-cut, cuts more functional, and fabrics became more stretchy and comfortable.

Bandeau tops, prominent logos, and asymmetrical thongs became part of the beach visual lexicon. Trikinis also emerged, with bold cutouts, worn both for swimming and to impress at a sunset party.

🌿 Today: Beachwear for everyone — literally

Today, the swimwear world is more inclusive, functional, and conscious than ever. There's room for all bodies, all ages, all stories.

We see bikinis with reinforced support, shapewear, classic cuts, and others completely out of the box. Sustainability is at the heart of the discussion: many are made with recycled fabrics like ECONYL , and there's a growing appreciation for local production and artisanal work .

Bikini tops come in a variety of shapes, such as bandeau , bralette , triangle , underwire , and others. Depending on the cut at the back, the bottoms can be wide , medium , short , or high cut.

Brands like Cosita Linda from Colombia represent exactly this: tropical luxury with a handmade soul, made for real women, Maaji from Colombia represents Reversibility and Sustainability, and many others.

🔮 And the future?

The trend points to smarter pieces: UV-protected fabrics, temperature sensors, even AI-powered swimwear. Beachwear is increasingly linked to well-being, identity, and, of course, the planet.

And if the past was about hiding, the present (and the future) is about showing — who we are, how we are, with pride.

✨ Conclusion

The bikini and swimsuit have come an incredible way: from oppression to expression. From scandal to celebration. And the truth is, every piece you choose today carries a little piece of that history.

Want to write the next chapter? It starts here.

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