bikini

The bikini is a two-piece swimsuit for women that became popular after its introduction in Paris in 1946. The name "bikini" is derived from Bikini atoll in the Marshall Islands, where atomic bomb tests were conducted in the same year. This naming may have been inspired by the shocking effect of the revealing garment, akin to an atomic blast, or because it leaves the wearer nearly bare.123

Swimsuits have evolved significantly since the mid-19th century, when they concealed most of the body. By the early 20th century, styles became more streamlined, and by 1946, the abbreviated bikini emerged, eventually gaining widespread popularity. Modern swimsuits vary in style but are made from fabrics that perform well in water, with competitive swimming driving innovation.1