Why Are Swimsuits So Small?

Why are swimsuits so small? From full body coverage to barely-there bikinis, few items of clothing have been as controversial as the bathing suit. If you’ve been swimsuit shopping of late, you may be wondering why swimsuits are so small. Although there’s a wide selection of swimsuits, in recent years, the trend has been towards them becoming increasingly skimpier. Today we’ll look at why swimsuits have shrunk to such an extent, and what that means for swimmers, their bodies and their sport.

Why are swimsuits so small these days?
How swimsuits developed
Why are bikini bottoms so small?
Are one-piece swimsuits shrinking too?
The smallest bikinis
Is my swimsuit too small?
Should I size my swimwear up or down?

Why Are Swimsuits Getting Smaller?

While what’s in fashion is constantly evolving, there seem to be two reasons swimsuits are getting smaller. First, the fashion industry is very competitive. Designers are always looking to create provocative styles that create a buzz and ultimately sell more products.

The other reason is that the culture has embraced body acceptance so that women of all shapes and sizes feel more comfortable showing off their bodies.

A Brief History of the Swimsuit

Looking back from the beginning, you can see that swimsuits getting smaller has been a natural evolution. The first swimsuits for women appeared in the 18th century, and until the early 1900s, these bathing costumes were essentially long wool dresses, usually with sleeves and sometimes worn with long socks.

Even men wore woollen, one-piece suits that covered their chests, which they were prohibited by law from showing in public. It wasn’t until the 1940s and 50s that women’s swimsuits started displaying their bodily curves. The introduction of stretchy nylon made bathing suits lighter, more form-fitting, and easier to dry.

In 1946, French designer Louis Réard unveiled a daring two-piece swimsuit named after the Bikini Atoll, and the beach was never the same. The 1960s ushered in a new era that emphasized youthful liberation. And nothing exemplified this newfound freedom for women better than the bikini.

Why Are Bikini Bottoms So Small?

There’s no doubt that bikini bottoms are getting smaller. Even a few years ago, you were more likely to see more modest, high-waisted bikini bottoms on the beach.

Today, bikini bottoms feature significantly less material with a more triangular shape that clearly emphasizes the butt. The trend is largely attributable to internet images of smooth, round, cellulite-free bottoms on constant display.

Some women love this look, while others feel it objectifies the female body and puts even more pressure on women to look a certain way. Like it or not, the butt has become the focus, and smaller bikini bottoms reflect this fascination with rotund rearends.

Are One-Piece Swimsuits Getting Smaller?

As swimsuits get smaller, even the modest one-piece is shrinking, often featuring cutouts and embellishments. The single-piece monokini takes its inspiration from the bikini. Skimpier than the traditional one-piece swimsuit, it has a V-cut bottom and little fabric covering the back and stomach, with only thin straps forming a connection between the top and bottom portion of the swimsuit.

What are the Smallest Bikinis?

The smallest bikinis are all about maximum exposure and minimum tan lines. Here are the most minimal barely-there bikinis you can wear if you dare.

String Bikini

The string bikini consists of a triangle-shaped top with strings that tie around the back and the neck for fastening. The bottom is a brief with strings on the hips that can be adjusted for fit. This popular style has been around for decades and is still one of the skimpiest.

Microkini

The microkini goes one step further, with just enough fabric to keep your privates covered, and that’s about it. This extremely minimalist bikini has straps to keep it attached to your body. To give you an idea of how revealing the microkini is some public beaches don’t allow you to wear them.

Brazilian Bikini

The Brazilian bikini bottom is often considered the sexiest. The back is cut out higher to show off your butt and make it look shapelier.

How Do I Know if My Swimsuit is Too Small?

No matter what type of swimsuit you choose, you want to feel comfortable wearing it. When you have on something that provides such minimal coverage, the proper fit is crucial.

Before you go bathing suit shopping, take your measurements, even if you think you know them. Choosing a swimsuit made with a high-quality material is also more likely to hold its shape and retain a proper fit compared to cheaper fabrics.

How Do I Know if My Bikini Top is Too Small?

When viewed from the side, the front and back of a bikini top should be even. The straps should be snug but not dig into your shoulders or leave red lines on your skin. A too-tight bikini top can make you bulge out in the wrong places or squash your boobs flat, which can be as painful as it sounds.

If the swimsuit has underwire, it should fit right under the breasts and allow you to move without anything falling out of place. If you feel like your bikini top is too small, go for a size up, or consider a different style.

How Do I Know if My Bikini Bottoms are Too Small?

If you’re not wearing a thong, your bikini bottoms should fit securely without riding up. Too tight bikini bottoms will not only feel uncomfortable when you have to pull on them to stay in place, they can also cause skin irritation.

On the other hand, Brazilian bikini bottoms should feel snug. Regardless of the style, choosing swimsuit bottoms with adjustable string ties on the side allows you to tighten or loosen the fit as needed.

Should I Size Up or Down for Swimsuits?

Swimsuit fabric tends to stretch when it’s wet. So, if you plan on spending a lot of time in the water, you may want to go down a size. However, if you’ll be dry most of the time, stretching won’t be a problem, and you may feel more comfortable in a larger size.