Bikini

**bikini**
	two-piece women's swimwear
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Pronunciation audio
Subclass of	two-piece swimsuit;
Named after	Bikini Atoll;
Discoverer or inventor	Louis Réard;
Different from	Bikini ;
Authority file
	Q14090; GND ID: 4195938-3; BabelNet ID: 16057216n
	Reasonator; Scholia; KML file; Search depicted;

English: A bikini is a type of women's two-piece swimsuit designed to provide minimal coverage of the body. One part of the attire covers the breasts and the other part covers the groin and part of or the entire buttocks, leaving an uncovered area between the two. The shapes of both parts of a bikini resemble women's underwear, and the lower part can range from revealing thong or g-string to briefs.

Bikini fashion: 2010 to present[edit]

Woman wearing a bandeau-top bikini and hat
American model Michele Merkin in side-tie string bikini bottoms
White string bikini with side-ties
Sunbathing at an outdoor swimming pool
Daniela on San Lorenzo Beach, near Manta Ecuador in South America
Triangle top and V-front bikini bottoms
This model wears a yellow string bikini
Woman wearing a bikini and flop-hat next to a pool
South African model Jade Fairbrother
Washing the car in a string bikini
Bikini with strapless top
Strapless top bikini girl in the water
The "cheekini" is a 2010s hybrid bottom design
Models in a bikini contest in 2012, captured from behind
Models in a bikini contest in 2012, captured from behind posing candidly
Bikini car wash at Spinners
red
green

Historical[edit]

Famous "bikini girls" mosaic, found by archaeological excavation of the ancient Roman villa near Piazza Armerina in Sicily, showing women exercising, running, or receiving the palm of victory and crown (for victory in an athletic competition).

"Bikini girls" mosaic at Villa del Casale in Piazza Armerina, Sicily
Detail of "Bikini girls" mosaic
Roman "bikini girls" (detail)
Receiving wreath and palm of victory (detail)
The nine "bikini girls"
Under the mosaic
Uncropped overview of complete mosaic

See Villa del Casale#Bikini women for more.

Bikini contest[edit]

A swimsuit competition is a beauty contest in which people compete against each other and are judged on their appearance while wearing swimsuits. Most showcase women dressed in bikinis—these two-piece swimsuits in a variety of cuts and styles, designed to provide minimal body coverage but with some modesty.

Bikini contestants pose off-stage
Bikini contests are often presented by an announcer, who interacts with both the audience and competitors
Contestant calls the attention of the judges to her derriere
Female bodybuilders also compete in bikinis
Spectators ogle a contestant
Contestants pose in a variety of bikinis, including cheeky, tanga, string and thong
Model steps off the stage after posing
Candid view of models in a 2010 bikini competition
Micro bikinis offer a competitive-advantage in some swimsuit competitions
Hooter's bikini contestants
Swimsuit competitions may be organized and sponsored by companies for marketing purposes, evidenced by this entrant's badge identifying her as a "NOPI CHIC"
Australian bikini contest in a wrestling ring
Models pose for a candid group photo
Organizers endeavour to provide security to safeguard contestants and the public
Judges evaluate a contestant's pose
Swimsuit competition judges
Model in bikini contest
Entrants in a Texas bikini contest
Bikini babes en route to parade
Twin Peaks 2012 competitors
Candid moment for those same ladies
Model in a bikini contest in 2012, poses on the bar
Winner!