TresSugar

A Guide to the Ever-Changing Bikini Culture

Lizzie Fuhr — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 22:59:16 PDT

It's Spring break season, and we've got all things beachy on the brain. In a recent interview with Esquire, Sofia Vergara shared her thoughts on American-style bikinis being too modest and "diaper"-like, hailing the "dental-floss" style instead. While we've touched on the history of the bikini, it's time to talk about the evolution of bathing suit culture. Click through to check all the styles out!

Helen Mirren Is the Queen of Grankinis

TresSugar — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 14:30:31 PDT

Helen Mirren isn't your average 65 year old. Earlier this Summer she posed naked in a bath tub for New York magazine, and she's made splashes for wearing itty bitty bathing suits into her 60s. Her fearlessness might be encouraging everyday older women to suit up in two-pieces.

The Daily Mail says one retailer has seen a rise in the sales of bikinis to women over 50, and the paper credits the trendsetting actress for the wave of "grankinis." I can do without a cutesy word, but the two-piece styles apparently preferred by these women do come with wider straps for more support, and more material for better proportions.

I have a different explanation for the "grankini" craze. The bikini was invented in 1946, so any woman 64 and under has known it her whole life. Why would she stop wearing it now?

The History of the Bikini

TresSugar — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 06:00:45 PDT

Two-piece bathing suits may date back to antiquity, but modern history's first two-piece was designed in 1913 by Carl Jantzen. The same brand that came to Sterling Cooper Draper Price Sunday night on Mad Men to make its floundering suit desirable but not too sexy.

Notice I say two-piece not bikini. It wasn't a bikini Jantzen sold; it was a two-piece. The difference was the waistline: a two-piece covered the belly button - Hollywood's Hays Code, which was in effect until 1968, limited its exposure - while the bikini revealed it.

The first bikini was designed twice in 1946. Two French designers created similar suits independently, and both named it after the atomic bomb. One called it atome, but that didn't prove to be as explosive as le bikini. Named after Bikini Island, the island in Japan where the United States began testing the atomic bomb that same year, le bikini remained scandalous for most of the next decade.

Like many things, the bikini found acceptance in the '60s. Private pools made trying them out less risque, and by 1967 Time magazine said 65 percent of young women wore them. Pinup posters of Marilyn Monroe and Raquel Welch and movies like Dr. No and Beach Party made it more acceptable, clearing the way for the first Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue in January 1964. By the end of the decade, bikinis were the norm.

America completely changed its attitude toward bikinis in just a few years, yet 50 years later bathing suits still can be scandalous.

Source: Flickr User foundphotoslj

How To Find the Best Suit For Your Body!

FabTV — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 09:19:08 PDT

Finding a swim suit that showcases your best assets can be a challenge, so we brought in Canyon Beachwear swim expert Kathleen Mudd to help us find the best bathing suit for our shape. Whether its lengthening your legs or minimizing your bust, you can use these tips to help you find the perfect summer suit!

Would You, Could You Dress Nude?

GiggleSugar — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 07:00:00 PDT

Earlier this week, we explored the hype around naked-looking duds and arrived at the collective conclusion that it's all a bunch of "eww odd crap." Little Miss Nipple Won't Quit missed (or ignored) our memo and braved the beach in her breast looking bikini. The question is: Would you, could you dress topless too?

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Fabworthy: Kate Hudson's Indah Heart & Soul Red Bikini

FabSugar — Thu, 15 May 2008 06:00:22 PDT

If I remember correctly, Kate Hudson squashed pregnancy rumors just a couple months ago while on a tropical vacation in Florida. The bikini that helped her do that is this Indah Heart & Soul Bikini in Red ($118 ). Whether or not you're also trying to squash baby rumors, you should most certainly get this red stunner for the summertime. The vibrant color will make you stand out and the bandeau-style top will ensure zero tan lines.

Bauer-Griffin Online

Dressed to Ill

GiggleSugar — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 12:00:00 PDT

The male thong has reached new lows! Whoever said "less is more" never encountered Rudolph the red-thonged beach bum - and his very compromising pose...

Thanks, College Humor!

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Dressed To Thrill

GiggleSugar — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 11:30:00 PDT

I didn't know Janet Jackson released her own bikini line.

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Which Would You Rather Do?

FitSugar — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 09:30:00 PDT

I recently read an article in the United Press International explaining that a recent poll found that most women would prefer to visit the dentist, or even walk on hot coals (can't help but think of Pam from "The Office"), rather than prancing around in their bathing suits. Personally, I was a little shocked so I am curious which you guys would rather do...

You Asked: How Can I Lose Weight Fast?

FitSugar — Mon, 21 May 2007 08:45:00 PDT

Dear FitSugar,

I am going to Hawaii with my boyfriend and his family on June 4th and I don't have the best body. I'm 5'8, 145lbs, and a size 10. I have pretty thin limbs, but I have way too much fat on my upper thighs, upper arms, tummy, love handles, and back. I have procrastinated and procrastinated and now I am running out of time. I am not athletic at all, have little endurance, and am not very strong. Do you have any suggestions that would help me look a little better in a bathing suit by the 4th?
Thanks!!!

Thanks for the question and let me say, girl you are not alone. I have gotten so many similar questions like this in the past week alone. I wish I could give you the magic answer but the key to permanent weight loss is moderation and lifestyle change. A lot of people do things like the Master Cleanse, but I can't say I advocate this method or losing weight super fast. One thing you can do is start an exercise program asap. This means cardio for at least 30 minutes for three days a week (if you really want results try every day), and you should see results in a few weeks. Since you say you are not athletic it could be that even just ten minutes a day will help too. For those of you who are already relatively active, think about doing 30 minutes every day (or doing 45-60 minutes three times a week).

There are certain eating habits you can curb/start to eliminate bloating through, so

Certain eating habits could give you that bloated feeling such as:

Drinking too much alcohol
Eating too much salt, or processed foods in your diet - even a small amount of excess sodium causes bloating
Eating a lot of fatty food
Not drinking enough water
Not eating enough fiber

So you may want to start with your eating habits, for immediate but not unhealthy results. Most importantly, have fun! You're going to Hawaii with the man you love and his family. Looking back, you'll really regret it if you spend the whole time worrying about how you look in a bikini. So my advice is do what you can do until you get there and once you get there, realize you've done your best and be proud!

Aloha!

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