More than minimalist: a look at micro bikinis

We often see them strutting on the beach for hot bodies, or very spunky bodies. Basic micro bikinis for the beach are the epitome of how far two-piece swimsuits can go. Micro bikinis, also called microkinis, are extremely small two-piece swimsuits. They were cut to cover only a very small part of the wearer’s body and have styles for both men and women. Micro bikini designs for men look like skimpier versions of the thong or G-string underwear; while women’s can have many styles, ranging from the thong to the super micro mini.

The bikinis were designed after the traditional garments worn by the indigenous peoples of the tropical regions of the world. They use the least amount of fabric possible, hence the term micro. In 1995, an online community for micro bikini aficionados coined the term microkini, and it has been around ever since.

The most commonly used micro bikinis are the skinny panty thong type and the thong bottom type. Both types use narrow strips of swimsuit material to cover very little of the genital area. Most micro bikini designs are very minimalist, making traditional thong swimsuits seem conservative by comparison.

Micro bikinis have their modern roots in the 1970s, at Venice Beach in California, just after a law was passed banning nudity. Since skinny dipping was prohibited by law, beach bums began designing and giving away skimpy swimsuits that reveal as much as possible but still comply with the new law. Not long after, the trend was embraced by non-Venice Beach regulars and became a staple of the bikini scene to this day.

Micro bikinis find their place between nudity and conservative swimsuits. Although they use very little fabric, they are within the legal limits of decency in many countries, making them a mainstay in the swimwear industry. At this time, micro bikinis even have a provocative and sensual image, which is why they are mainly used for adult and sexy photography.