Skimpy, skimpy, bikini string? You can forget about that this summer. Instead of wearing less and less fabric, you’re wearing more this season – because that Bikini bottoms, without which nothing works at the moment … is now a skirt. The so-called swim skirt is celebrating its comeback and adorns the hips of stars like Kylie Jenner, Zara Larsson and SZA.
Even in the world-famous sports magazine “Sports Illustrated” the skirt is considered one of the greatest Bikini trends of the year predicted. It is anything but reinvented: the swim skirt experienced its first golden era in the 1950s.
What do you think of the bikini skirt’s comeback?
The swim skirt has been around for a long time
The first swimsuits for women in the 19th century looked more like a dress than a bikini – with a skirt, leg coverings and as much fabric as possible. But during the Second World War there was a shortage of materials. In 1942, the US government ordered that around ten percent less fabric should be used for women’s swimwear in order to save materials such as nylon and cotton. As a result, swimsuits became scarcer and two-piece models with a free waist became popular for the first time.
The actual bikini was only created in France in 1946, when Louis Réard removed significantly more material and exposed the belly button for the first time.
A little later, skirt variants appeared: swimsuits or two-piece suits with attached miniskirts, as a more modest answer to the bikini, which was still scandalous at the time. In the 50s, when bikinis finally entered the mainstream thanks to film stars like Brigitte Bardot and the first special “Swimsuit Issue” of “Sports Illustrated”, the swim skirt also became more glamorous: less hiding, more retro femininity. It’s exactly this vibe that Kylie Jenner and Co. are now bringing back.
This is how you style the look
If you want to make it easy for yourself, just buy a set consisting of a top, bikini bottoms and skirt. Individual bikini skirts are also available in neutral colors or in a tone that matches your favorite bikini. The only thing you need to consider: Do you want a low-rise micro skirt reminiscent of the 2000s, when the skirt last made a comeback, or do you prefer the retro look with a high waist and a little more fabric?
How do you like to dress when you go to the pool or the beach?
Malin Mueller (mmu) has been working for 20 minutes since 2021. She is deputy director of lifestyle and beauty editor. Her focus: skin care, hairstyles and trend checks.
