National Bikini Day

National Bikini Day is the anniversary of the invention of the bikini in 1946 by a Parisian fashion designer, Louis Reard. The goal of this holiday is to get to the closest beach, or find some cheap travel deals to the Philippines, Bali, Hawaii or anywhere with lots of beaches, and spend the day– or even a whole week – in that bikini!

History of National Bikini Day

Over the years, the suits worn for swimming have evolved along with modern culture. In the early 1900s, swimming costumes were rather bulky, including long skirts for women and long pants for men. Their styles were often inspired by sailor suits, including stripes as well as large collars, but certainly covering up the arms, legs and neck.

As swimwear and fashion changed, styles began to use less fabric and became more form-fitting, likely for practical reasons because swimming with a lot of clothes on can be a safety hazard. But modesty continued to be an issue and in the 1920s-40s there were often beach “police” who would monitor the swimsuits women wore. A woman could be sent to jail for wearing a swimsuit that was too revealing!

The introduction of the bikini in the mid-1940s brought with it a new era of freedom as women began showing their midriffs at the beach and swimming pool. Since the time of its creation in 1946, the bikini has been celebrated as a symbol of a woman’s right to dress as they like.

Falling at the perfect time in the hot days of summer, National Bikini Day pays heed to the freedom women (and men!) have to wear the swimsuits they want. In a culture that has had a tendency to be body-shaming, this day encourages people of all shapes to forget about the need to look like a swimsuit model and just enjoy themselves!

How to Celebrate National Bikini Day

Enjoy some fun in the sun and celebrate National Bikini Day at the same time! Try out some of these ideas for enjoying the day:

Wear a Bikini

Be body-positive on National Bikini Day and put on that two piece suit for the beach, the pool, the sand volleyball court or somewhere else in the sunshine. Slather on some sunscreen, pull out that beach ball or surfboard and head on over to catch some rays. Invite some friends along to celebrate the day and enjoy the freedoms women now have to wear what they want while swimming.

Make a National Bikini Day Playlist

One favorite way to celebrate any sort of holiday is by having a load of music that goes along with the theme. Because everything is better with music! In honor of National Bikini Day, get involved with the day by listening to some bikini themed tunes. Start off with some of these song titles and build a playlist from there:

• Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini by Brian Hyland (1960). This classic beach song offers a smash hit homage to the swimsuit of the day.
• Ghost in a Bikini by The Judys (1985). Featured in the movie Married to the Mob, this one leans on the edge of being an eighties classic song.
• California Girls by The Beach Boys (1965). Another popular ode to beaches, and the girls who occupy them, lets everyone sing along.
• Girls in Bikinis by Poppy (2018). This song aims to celebrate the empowerment of women while encouraging people to just wear what they want.