Journal On! July Prompt Board
July 5th is Bikini Day. Reflecting on my younger years, I remember my favorite bikini bathing suits from the summers of my youth. As I’ve moved beyond the days of wearing a bikini, I can’t help but acknowledge the evolution in both fashion and function.
The Shrinking Bikinis
Sally Fields as “Gidget”
The first modern bikini showed up in 1945 with the post war mandate of using 10% less fabric for women’s bathing suits. Despite the controversy and admonishment from Pope Pious XII, bikinis became the mainstream summer fashion statement and beach attire by the late fifties and 60s. I remember watching Sally Field’s Gidget surf and dance on the beach in tiny bikinis. Confidence and fun oozed from these beach scenes and not one wardrobe malfunction.
Back in the day when my body was lean and strong, I wore a bikini on most summer days. I preferred hip hugging bottoms and halter or spaghetti strap tops in bright colors and patterns. The styles covered what needed to be covered, as per my mother’s demands, who held the purse to purchase the scant garments that barely took a yard of material. My criterion was that it needed to stay in place when I lay in the sun among a gaggle of boy and girl pals or joined a beach volleyball game.
My bikini also had to cover what needed to be covered when I body surfed in the ocean and water skied with friends. The ocean off the Fire Island shore typically rolled large rolling waves that crashed to the beach. The waves broke and tumbled anyone in its path—perfect conditions for the young pushing their body surfing superpowers and putting their bathing suits to the test.
The tops and bottoms also needed to remain secure as a motorboat pulled me out of the water and whipped me around a calm cove, wearing mis-matched water skis. I skipped on the surface, jumped the boat wake and showed off by putting the rope handle between my knees, skiing with no hands. My bikini had to stay in place—no wardrobe malfunction.
Now that I am at that grandmother-y age, I marvel at today’s bikinis that must take less than a quarter of a yard of material to cover what needs to be covered. The confident youths swim in the ocean and play beach spikeball just shy of nude criterion. They easily walk the beach and lay on blankets with friends with barely anything on. I envy that confidence.
I don’t mean to be a prude or judge anyone’s sense of style, but it is humorous to imagine that these same young people would shriek with embarrassment if they were spotted in their underwear.
Do you have a bikini or bathing suit story? When was the last time you wore a bikini? Where?
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Stories Served Served Around The Table 
Hi, Antoinette – I enjoyed your bikini story. I’ve always been a one-piece bathing suit kinda gal. Nothing to do with modesty — just comfort! ❤
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ha! These days i wear skorts and sleeved top, but will wqlk the beach and tackle those waves almost full dressed. Thanks for reading.
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When I had the body, I lacked the confidence. Now I have the confidence and lack the body🤪
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😁
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Nice walk down memory lane. I never had a bikini. Just too shy.
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I get that!
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Hi Antoinette,
This was a fun read. I recall when a high school teacher of mine was rewarding the class for accomplishing something I’ve long since forgotten, but his reward was to rent the movie Gidgit as our reward. All of us guys immediately fell in lust with Sally. . .
But you asked if any of us had bikini stories. I do.
This story was inspired by something that actually happened to me and I think I have that written up somewhere but can’t find it
Anyway – this story came out good enough to share so here you go. Enjoy.
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Bathing suits have been my nemesis since I was old enough to wear one. I never had a bikini body. That joy was offered up to my two older sisters who were petite and better porportioned. It was not until I was in my late thirties and we went to Maui that I bought a tankini. I felt beautiful in it. Thanks for reminding me that you just have to keep looking until you find a style that works for you.
Cheers
Michelle
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