Posts Tagged ‘Clothing’

Save More Money on Plus Size Designer Clothing

Wednesday, January 11th, 2012

Article by Kim Smith

Incoming search terms:

  • Published News Upcoming News Submit a New Story Groups photography contests
  • Published News Upcoming News Submit a New Story Groups satin lingerie models
  • Published News Upcoming News Submit a New Story Groups vivid entertainment stars
  • Published News Upcoming News Submit a New Story Groups retro fitness
  • Published News Upcoming News Submit a New Story Groups underwire open cup babydoll
  • Published News Upcoming News Submit a New Story Groups young photography contests
  • Published News Upcoming News Submit a New Story Groups open heart diamond
  • Published News Upcoming News Submit a New Story Groups moving gears optical illusion
  • Published News Upcoming News Submit a New Story Groups anime girls in diaper
  • Published News Upcoming News Submit a New Story Groups open cup bra satin underwire

Bringing Retro Back With Edwin Clothing

Thursday, October 13th, 2011
cardigans sweaters

One thing that is always constant in the world of fashion is that everything is cyclical. Old styles are constantly being reintroduced and re-imagined with current trends for retro throwbacks. There are many different brands that specialize in this type of clothing. Here are some of the main types of retro fashions available and the designers that are resurrecting them.

Edwin Clothing has a SS Gasoline t-shirt with an old style logo across the chest replicating old gas station signs from the 50’s. It has a royal blue base color with a red and white logo across the front. This shirt along with many others available from Edwin clothing are all machine washable and pre-shrunk when purchased.

Another type of retro shirt that is coming back into demand is the flannel shirt. Edwin’s LS Akira and Shin LS long sleeve both feature a two color plaid design. The LS Akira is available in blue and grey as well as black and grey. The Edwin Shin LS Shirt 2 comes in a burgundy and red color scheme. These shirts are long sleeve and have 2 patch pockets on either side of the chest. Both shirts are machine washable and pre shrunk as well.

]]>

For other options in retro tops you can look to the Junk De Luxe Nat or Reuben Cardigan sweaters. Both sweaters feature an old style pattern. The Nat cardigan is green and grey while the Reuben is available in white and blue. These sweaters can be worn by themselves or over a t-shirt or button up shirt for a more formal retro look.

Also available for the retro look of the 50’s and 60’s is the Edwin Left Field Jacket. In the style of high school letter jackets everywhere this black jacket has authentic leather sleeves and a distinct retro look to go with any casual outfit.The Nudie Conny Dry Denim Jacket is another type of throwback piece to the eighties. It is a thin cut denim jacket with two chest pockets and a dark blue denim color offset by the contrast light gold stitching. The stitching carries over to the back of the jack with a logo stitched across the upper back yoke of the jacket.

For a different style of retro clothing you can try one of the many old style hats available as well. The Luke 1977 Baker Boy Cap has a clip down front, is made from tweed fabric, and comes in a dark grey tweed pattern. The Brixton Brood Cap provides another authentic old English distinguished style look with a black bill and a light grey Herringbone fabric. The hat also includes a black peak and snap button fastener for a different type of look. One other option to compliment a more formal look is the Penfield Stedham Tweed Cap. This retro tweed hat comes in a khaki shade of color. An adjustable buckle with a Penfield badge make this hat a one size fits all 100% cotton option.

What Fashionable in Men's Clothing this winter

Wednesday, October 12th, 2011
cardigans sweaters

Men love to shop for Bargains, good bargains can be found online and this season is no exception. If your boyfriend’s wardrobe is looking a little worn, then these 4 must have clothing items will be just for him:

Jeans
This may sound like an obvious inclusion and the truth is – it is. Jeans never go out of fashion; they go with everything and can be worn for pretty much all occasions. For 2010 and the foreseeable future, the faded, worn look is set to stay, so be sure to have a pair or 2 ready.

Pinstriped Pants
The classic item for formal or casual occasions, the detailing on pinstriped pants spices up what might otherwise be something very simple. It doesn’t matter what colour you go with, they are all good. They especially go well when matched with a fun striped shirt or sweater.

]]>

Blazer
The vast variety of blazer styles currently available really create a look of their own, including patch pockets, elbow patches, big lapels and double-sided vents. You can go with bright and colourful options but neutral tones work best with jeans and a dress shirt. The blazer adds a new dimension to your mans wardrobe and is indeed a must have for all men this year.

Slim Cardigan
Not your granddads old woolly cardigan but the cardigan sweater that has a slimmer, more modern cut that your man can wear to the office or out for a nice meal. It’s one of the most versatile items he can have in his wardrobe – thin enough to wear over a dress shirt or underneath a jacket.

Boots
Men’s suede boots are always the rage for winter. Suede boots are usually a bit more casual and laid back than their shiny leather counterparts and so offering more versatility; great for weekends and for wearing with jeans or cords.

Clothing Women This Fall – The Essentials That Rule

Sunday, October 9th, 2011
cardigans sweaters

Have you started shopping for new chic apparel this season? Have you seen the flattering women’s casual clothing collections that can instantly make you want to grab the whole collection? Then you’re not alone. Women are sure to go gaga about this season’s colors, silhouettes and the lovely soft materials. The way the jackets, sweaters and wraps hugs the body is simply irresistible, the perfect cover when the chilly wind sets in.

 

Clothing women this fall is actually not as easy as it seems. First, the colors now are subdued, bordering on the neutrals and earth tones which can easily make the total look boring and uninteresting. Second, the silhouettes are relaxed so it helps if you have kept your body toned (just like last summer). Third, you can unwittingly overdose on accessories because you want to bring on color to your wardrobe. Fourth, boots can be expensive (at least the ones that you really like) so you are in a predicament of wearing only a few pairs for the whole season. The list can go on and on but the good news is, with affordable collections (try one like Elan International’s), you can easily fit in the season in high fashion.

]]>

One important thing to remember this fall is to stay focused on the overall look. Clothing women in utilitarian pieces is essential. Because these days, more and more lead a busy lifestyle so they prefer flexible and chic women’s clothing pieces. It means work or day casual clothes that can extend up to the dinner date.

Therefore, investing in high quality pieces this fall is the way to go. Pick up something that can be combined in many ways with your classic pieces. White chic tops or tees will never go out of style but you can always add up a piece or two every season.

A wise fashion investment this fall would be in classic black, brown and gray. Good thing, cardigans, sweaters, wraps, jackets and any other forms of covering this fall have interesting shapes and shades. One of the standouts is a piece like long-sleeve ribbed cardigan sweater precisely because of its feminine shape despite being just straight and narrow. Made of soft material, it drapes the body in a refreshingly sexy way. To go with your cardigan are more new pieces in classic shapes, like a body-hugging top (preferably plain) and skinny pants or leggings in muted shades. And the boots, you can’t go wrong with it this season no matter how high it goes.

Cropped pants too are still in and can get a boost with sexy heels for occasions where you want to give your boots a respite. Clothing women in flexible and easy to care for clothes this fall is what clothing collections offer. Dreamy, deconstructed, narrow, short, sleeveless, ruffled and geometric cover-ups can easily meld even with your older but still fashionable pieces.

Layering and accessorizing are important this season too. Add a dash of bright accessory like a necklace or a bag to bring a smart casual get-up a different twist. It’s always nice to experiment with your looks. Don’t be afraid to mix and match your pieces this season because despite the toning down of colors, fall is a great time to show off your fashionable side.

How to Highlight Women's Clothing Chic This Fall

Sunday, October 9th, 2011
cardigans sweaters

Dressing up is a woman thing. Who could be more meticulous about it than them? The way the skirt falls, the color combination, the trendy silhouette—all these are scrutinized, analyzed, discussed upon and adjusted according to season and sometimes for no reason at all. Fortunately, women’s clothing is blooming even after spring and more and more collections are available to flatter every shape and sizes so the choices are as exciting as ever. So why not gather your favorite gal pals and start shopping!

The advent of fall means change in fashion so clear out your closet to make way for dreamy tops and sexy bottoms that will cover the essentials in a chic and ultra-feminine way. The skin-baring collections of summer’s past are totally out but a hint of color would surely balance the need to cover up this season. This time around, jackets, sweaters, cardigans are fashion staples. And the boots are the coolest footwear to keep your total look fabulous.

Women’s clothing switches to muted colors this fall but does not indicate in any way that the collections are lacking in style. Sexy is all about confidence and it is here to stay in yet another interesting incarnation. A hint of skin is enough because the focus this fall is to show off slim, unrestricting and relaxed silhouettes.

]]>

Defining the season’s look is evident in the latest women’s casual clothing collections (check one like Elan International or Elan clothing wholesale).  Subtle curves definitely exude femininity as cardigans, sweaters and jackets follow the body’s precious curves. To give off a definitive statement that freedom is a sexy thing, check out chic apparel like turtleneck butterfly sweater that comes in black, charcoal and stone. Neutrals all but when paired with skinny jeans (or leggings) and ankle to knee-high boots, it completes the look of comfort and style.

To translate this into your own collection, take note that women’s clothing this fall is all about layering and combining the right elements. Classic white chic tops can very well make a statement again and again when paired with a flowing sweater. If you prefer the sweater short, grab a nice pair of long necklace to balance the total look.

Another great thing to look forward to this season is the flexibility of the pieces. You can choose between flowing sweaters extending to the knees or short and sweet that stops at the waist. The only rule to follow actually is to put it all together and have fun.

Accessorizing is also so chic this season. Boots and bags can be totally hot in bright color and may be the only things that you need to change if you want to extend your day casual clothes to date-night get-up. What’s more interesting are the gorgeous combinations that you can come up with.

Since the colors of chic women’s clothing this season are on the subdued side, it is so easy to make a statement anytime you feel like it. Even the boots can take a rest for a day and let sexy heels show off pretty cropped pants. Highlight your personal style and you’ll stand out anywhere you go.

 

How To Find A Swimsuit

Sunday, October 9th, 2011
plus size swimsuit

It is the time of the year that every woman dreads – Swimsuit season!  No matter what size a women is, she probably panics over picking out a swimsuit and worries that it fits her figure well.  Of course, every woman wants to accent her best features while minimizing her weak spots in any clothing, but this is especially true in swimsuits.

Swimsuits are so revealing, there is very little margin for error when trying to choose the right one.  All women want a swimsuit that looks good on them, but if they are going to be spending a lot of time in the water over the summer, then comfort is also important.  Here are a few tips and hints you can follow that will make your swimsuit shopping much less stressful.

Large Busts

Woman with large busts should find a swimsuit that fully supports them.  The best swimsuits for that are ones with halter-tops or molded under wire cups to keep everything in place.  A swimsuit with the additional strap across the back, along the bust line, also provides additional support.  Women with an inverted shape (their top is wider than their hips), should choose a two-piece with a skort or shorts.  This will help balance their top and bottom, making them look more proportional.  

Large Hips and Thighs

A woman with a large rear end should look for swimsuits with boy cut bottoms.  This helps hide your rear but also looks cute and is comfortable.  The skirted bikini bottoms are also cute – giving a hint of your legs, but still hiding your rear end.  Avoid the skimpy bikini briefs at all costs!  For the top, you can also choose something that is catchy and brightly colored.  This will draw attention upwards away from your rear end.  Again, avoid horizontal stripes, as they will make your rear look even larger than it actually is, although diagonal stripes might create a more flattering illusion.  

]]>

Curvy women should consider the tankini.  The tankini is a two-piece swimsuit with a top that resembles a tank top.  With it, you can pair the hipster bottoms.  These cool looking bottoms provide far more support for your curves than the traditional bikini bottoms.  You may also want to try on one of the one piece swimsuits with cutouts on the sides.  This can have a slimming effect while still showing off your curves.

Larger Belly

If you have a large stomach, you should stick to a one-piece suit.  However, if you really want a two-piece, look for one of the halter-tops that fall over the waist of your bikini bottoms.  This not only hides your stomach, but also helps elongate your body, making you appear taller and thus slimmer.  You may also want to check to see if the store has a swimsuit that offers tummy control.  A printed suit will also take the focus away from your stomach and make you look slimmer.  

Plus Size Swimsuits

Large women probably have the hardest time picking out a swimsuit.  If you are overweight, you are probably self-conscious enough when choosing regular clothes, but do not let this discourage you from enjoying some fun in the sun.  Stick to dark colors like navy blue and black to help make you look slimmer.  Avoid a swimsuit with horizontal stripes, as that gives the optical illusion that you are wider than you actually are.  Spandex is a good choice for swimsuit cloth because it stretches, but it is very important that you get the right size swimsuit.  Do not try to squeeze into a swimsuit that is two sizes too small for vanity reasons.  Picking the appropriate size will always look better on you.  Many stores let you mix and match tops and bottoms, so if you are top heavy or bottom heavy, you can make sure you get the correct size for each section.  Remember that swimsuits usually run smaller than regular clothes, so you may have to set a size or two larger than you normally wear.  

The most important thing for you to know when purchasing a new swimsuit is to know what works best for your features.  And, don’t purchase the first suit you try on unless you just really love it.  Take several in the dressing room with you and see which one looks best.  It may even help to take along a friend to give you an honest opinion of how it looks.

Finding your Maternity Swimwear

Friday, October 7th, 2011
bandeau swimsuit

The one clothing item that no longer works for you once you are pregnant is your pre-pregnancy swimsuit. You will definitely need new maternity swimwear. No matter how stretchy or forgiving your suit may be (or your thought it was), if it is not made for maternity chances are it will not fit you for more than a few weeks into your pregnancy. The belly minimizing styles that most regular one piece suits now cleverly use to suck in your belly is the last style that your doctor would recommend for an expecting mom to wear! Fortunately for you, there are a lot of great maternity swimsuits out there that can comfortably fit your changing body through all stages of your pregnancy and actually flatter your figure!

Prego Maternity Swimwwear specializes in maternity swimsuits for expecting moms and offers a wide variety of styles and patterns from serious one piece swimsuits, like the Empire Tank to the modest but cute BabyDoll styles to the sassy tankinis and hipkinis and the bare the belly maternity bikini. Many other upscale maternity designers are also branching into swimwear styles that are hip and fashionable, so there is no reason to shy from the pool or the beach!

]]>

The first step to finding your perfect maternity bathing suit is too look for the style that best flatters your shape. Figure out what your priorities are in choosing a suit in terms to fit and support: bust support, more room in the hips or bottom, covering the belly or letting a little peek out, a serious swim or water aerobics suit or a frolic at the beach or lounge poolside suit? Determining your fit goals and your most likely use of your suit, be it serious swimming or wading along the beach, helps narrow down what selections to consider.

If you are buying online, look carefully at the product descriptions or call the customer service number to review any questions you have on the fit of the suit. Some brands run bigger than others and some use more lycra for better stretch. Ideally you would like a maternity swimwear to have about 20% lycra so it can be used throughout your entire pregnancy. Suits that have the best bust support typically fit higher in the back, have wider adjustable straps and less cleavage. Typically maternity halter tops do not offer as much support as tanks unless they fit higher across the bust. Some halter suits have ruching across the front of the busts to offer better fit and support. Also look for suits that have padded cups to offer more structure and support in a bra like fit.

If you are looking mainly for a serious workout maternity swimsuit, the one piece tank style suits provide the least resistance in the water and the best overall support for swimming. If the suit fits higher on the back it will function as a more supportive suit for the serious swimmer.

There are many styles to choose from if you are looking for a cute, flattering all purpose maternity swimsuit. If you want to totally hide your belly, go for a style with bottoms that cover the belly and longer skirt for the top. The babydolls come in both tank and halter styles and also cover the hips and bottom.

If you don’t mind showing a little belly as you grow, the maternity hipkinis and maternity tankinis styles come with under the belly bottoms and belly skimming tops. There are many fun patterns out on the market in these styles as well as classic solids that work well for the whole year.

If you need a little extra room in the hips or bottom, look for a style with adjustable side ties in bottoms. This option is available in many of the tankini and hipkini styles as well as the maternity bikinis.

If you are a bikini person pre-pregnancy, there is a good chance you will also want to wear one when you are expecting as well. There is no substitute for a high quality maternity bikini as it is specifically made to fit your changing shape with more stretch, more room in the bust and adjustable ties. There are also many cute bandeau type wraps you can wear with your bikini for pool or beach lounging if you are looking for that option.

Many expecting women find that they really need at least two maternity swimsuits if they frequent the pool or beach or even if they are going to a beach vacation destination. It is easy to burn out on one suit, especially if you are using it several days in a row. Like the maternity or nursing bra rule, you need at least one to wear and one to wash! So, have fun in the sun and find the maternity swimwear that suits you.

Historical past of the Cheerleader Uniform

Friday, October 7th, 2011
cardigans sweaters

However you may well not think it by the outfits nowadays, cheerleading uniforms commenced out really conservatively. At the turn of the twentieth century the majority of cheerleaders ended up male, and they did not use uniforms but just participated putting on street clothing. Women did join the ranks of cheerleaders, and as they did the cheerleading uniforms they wore had been appropriate for the day. There is a postcard from Cornell University, printed in 1906, that exhibits a feminine cheerleader carrying a college banner, sporting a extremely conservative outfit in college shades – a long sleeved dress with a great neckline and long, flowing skirt.

For far more info about “cheerleading uniforms”, you ought to pay a visit to: cheerleading uniforms

In the starting phases of cheerleading, uniforms frequently consisted of a sweater (generally a cardigan) and the college letters on the front. Often a turtleneck shirt would be layered under the cardigan sweater for further warmth for cheerleaders outside. A megaphone (a device utilized to amplify the voices of the cheerleaders) would generally accompany the cheerleading uniforms and they would have the college letters on them as effectively. Pom poms, one more well-known cheerleading accessory, commenced to seem as a component of the cheerleading uniform in the 1930\’s. The authentic pom poms were created of paper – Fred Gastoff invented vinyl pom poms in 1965.

 

In the beginning phases of cheerleading, the male cheerleaders would dress in trousers even though the females would wear ankle length wool skirts. In the 1950\’s the lengths of the skirts began to get shorter but ended up nonetheless on the conservative aspect. Saddle shoes have been the footwear of alternative for feminine cheerleaders. Male cheerleaders would often use flat, canvas sneakers.

]]>

 

For the duration of the 1960\’s the duration of skirts altered – the under the knee length skirts worn as the uniform for female cheerleaders gave way to shorter, pleated skirts. Cotton started getting utilised as the material of selection for cheerleading uniform skirts, and the use of cotton made the skirts lighter and produced for less complicated motion. Cardigan sweaters ended up changed by crew neck sweaters that had been typically short sleeved. You would usually find the school letters on the sweaters but some squads would include the identify of the cheerleader on the cheerleading uniform sweaters as nicely.

 

As time progressed, cheerleading became much more organized and the routines grew to become a lot more complicated. Cheerleaders required to have uniforms that authorized for much more freedom of movement. Throughout the 1970\’s most cheerleading squads commenced to wear athletic sneakers instead of the old fashioned saddle shoes. As an alternative of sweaters with the college letters, some cheerleading uniforms have been sweaters with stripes in the college shades, even though some squads moved to putting on vests instead of sweaters. The 1970\’s also was the time when the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders became a element of common culture, with their skimpy, kind fitting cheerleading uniforms consisting of boots, white scorching pants (short-shorts) and very long sleeved blue button up shirts that uncovered their waists.

 

Throughout the 1980\’s the necklines of cheerleading uniform sweaters ended up additional frequently than not v-neck lines rather of the classic crew necklines. During the 1990\’s the duration of the skirts grew to become even shorter to provide much better flexibility of movement for the jumps, lifts and tumbling expertise that are a part of cheerleading routines. To decide how quick is also quick when it comes to the duration of skirts in cheerleading uniforms, most squads followed a rule that the cheerleading skirt would finish no shorter than the fingertips when the arms ended up held at the cheerleader\’s aspect. Turtlenecks were frequently left out as a portion of the cheerleading uniform.

 

The supplies employed in today\’s cheerleading uniforms are polyester, or a mix of polyester and spandex. The cheerleading uniform leading is type fitting, but based on the squad it could be brief sleeved, very long sleeved or even sleeveless. The Nationwide Federation of Higher Colleges have a rule that the tops worn by cheerleaders must cover their midriffs when their arms are resting at their sides, a alter from the tops of the 1970\’s and 1980\’s that would present off the abdomen of the cheerleader. Cutouts on the chest, shoulders, back again or arms are permitted in today\’s cheerleading uniforms. Skirts are about 12 to 14 inches in length, but most women wear briefs in a school coloration underneath the skirt for modesty. Some cheerleaders refer to these briefs as lollies or spankies.

 

Even although the designs of cheerleading uniforms have modified as a result of the many years, there is one thing that has remained consistent – a cheerleader will be decked out in his or her college hues to present spirit and loyalty although top a crowd in cheers.
Record of the Cheerleader Uniform

Spring Prints and Fashions for Women in 2011

Thursday, October 6th, 2011
cardigans sweaters

With spring right around the corner, fashion-conscious women everywhere are eagerly awaiting the new designs that will be hot for spring 2011. The trends for spring of 2011 will see many different styles, colors and patterns available in blazers, cardigans, polo tops, skirts, women’s dresses, jackets and knitwear.

Semi-fitted Shirts in Colorful Stripes

The shape of the semi-fitted shirt makes it a basic staple item for any woman’s wardrobe this spring. The slightly cinched waist of this blouse is figure-flattering and comfortable. This shirt also has a relaxed fit that makes it perfect for spring weekend outings. The vertical striped fabric is slimming and also works well as a cover-up for camisole tops.

Chiffon Skirts and Dresses in Fun Patterns

Skirts for spring 2011 will be flirty and fun in multi-patterned tiered Chiffon. Dresses will be ultra-feminine and spring-like with girly details like floral-inspired prints in shades of rosebud red, mint green and crisp navy and white.

]]>

Cardigans and Hoodies

Cardigans and Hoodies are a must-have item for spring. The lightweight qualities of these cover-ups provide the right amount of warmth in the evenings when the temperatures drop. They are practical and look great layered over short-sleeve tops and tanks. Pretty shades of peach and mint will make any women’sjacket spring perfect. Cardigans are another wardrobe staple for spring that every woman should have. Cardigan sweaters work as casual apparel and also function perfectly on the job.

Soft Knit V-neck Sweaters

A V-neck sweater can be one of the most versatile of clothing items in a woman’s wardrobe. They work with dress pants, jeans, skirts, leggings and shorts. This spring finds knit sweaters in shades of pastel pink, white, basic black and nautical stripes. Dressing up a knit sweater with the latest chunky jewelry trend for spring can make a stunning fashion statement.

Buying Spring Separates Is Fashion Smart

It makes fashion sense to invest in separates. Each piece can be mixed and matched to work well and look fabulous with other pieces. The Cardigan jacket looks elegant over a spring dress and can be made into different looks by changing up the color combinations of the dress pattern and cardigan shade.

Hoodies and skirts make super-cute fashion partners. Buy having one piece of apparel in each style; a woman can rotate her wardrobe around creating new and exciting looks for spring without spending huge amounts of money. The hard part will be choosing from the great fabric choices and designs available for spring 2011.

Incoming search terms:

  • Published News Upcoming News Submit a New Story Groups latin female models
  • Published News Upcoming News Submit a New Story Groups latino swimsuit models
  • Published News Upcoming News Submit a New Story Groups female fitness models
  • Published News Upcoming News Submit a New Story Groups black and white optical illusions
  • Published News Upcoming News Submit a New Story Groups latin bikini fitness models
  • Published News Upcoming News Submit a New Story Groups fitness wear
  • Published News Upcoming News Submit a New Story Groups fitness models gallery
  • Published News Upcoming News Submit a New Story Groups white entertainment center
  • Published News Upcoming News Submit a New Story Groups bootleg movies online
  • Published News Upcoming News Submit a New Story Groups black and white photography

The History of the Modern Bikini

Thursday, October 6th, 2011
bandeau swimsuit

When we think of summer we think of bikini season – getting the perfect bikini body, finding the perfect swimsuit, and of course, going to the perfect beach. Although some variations of have been around for hundreds of years, the bikini has its own story:

Ancient Times:

The first bikini-esque attire dates all the way back to 5000B.C but is more notably depicted on Ancient Greek urns showing athletic women dressed in two-pieces.  Artwork in Sicily depicts women in bikinis as far back at 285AD!  At the Villa Ramona del Casale, the mosaic artwork features images of ten women, dubbed the “Bikini Girls,” exercising in clothing that would pass as today. In fact, there were even images found from the ancient city of Pompeii that depicted women wearing bikinis!

Modern Inklings:

Between the 6th century AD and the late 1800s portrayals of bikinis become scarce.  In 1830 the first “decency” swimsuit appeared.  Prior to then swimsuits were considered immoral due to religious and Puritanical beliefs about showing skin and the human body. 

]]>

The decency swimsuit covered the entire body – from ankles to wrists – and had stripes like a prison uniform.  Over the next hundred years as people become more comfortable about showing skin and laws become more lax, bathing suits became skimpier and revealed more of the body. 

By 1913, women were allowed to show some leg and arm thanks to Carl Jantzen’s design.  He made the first functional , a close fitting one-piece with shorts on the bottom and short sleeves on top. By the 1930s, sleeves of bathing suits were removed and necklines started to get lower. 

Popularity Begins:

In the 1940′s the United States and most of the world was at war causing the government to order a 10% cut in fabric used for .  More and more two-piece suits were being made now and started to be seen more on the beaches.  Popular actresses at the time like Ava Gardner, Rita Hayworth, and Lana Turner boosted popularity by wearing two pieces.

The Modern Bikini:

1946 saw the creation of the modern bikini in France by both Louis Réard, an engineer, and designer Jacques Heim. It was met with both acceptance and disapproval.  The swimsuit was banned in Spain, Portugal, and Italy.  Here in the United States, women could be issued citations for wearing bikinis, which were considered scandalous and lewd.

Cultural Acceptance:

The taboo status of the bikini began to change in the 60s thanks to actresses like Ursula Andress who donned the now famous white bikini in the James Bond film Dr. No. Between more mainstream depictions, in films and tv, and the burgeoning hippie movement, the bikini slowly became more acceptable.

In the 80s and 90s the bikini continued to push the envelope of both fashion and what was considered appropriate. Thong and g-string bikinis made regular appearances on the cover of Sports Illustrated and images of tanned bodies on the beaches of South America showed off a much more revealing style than Americans were used to. Slowly these different styles have made their way into U.S beachwear along with other swimsuit innovations such as the monokini, tankini, top, and many more.

Today’s bikinis are a far cry from the cumbersome two pieces of the 40s and 50s and bathing suit designers continue to find new, creative ways to design stylish, flattering pieces that every women will want to wear!