History of the Thong Bikini

Learn everything there is to know about the thong bikini

Definition of the Thong Bikini

A two-piece swimsuit that consists typically of a triangular patch of fabric covering the female genitals with a narrow strip of fabric that travels between the legs and attaches at the back to a waistband or string. Its inherent design and purpose is to expose the female buttocks. Other names or styles of the thong bikini include the G-string, Tonga and Tanga.

History of the thong bikinis

The thong is said to originally have been a direct descendant of the loincloth or chamois which is likely one of the original forms of human clothing in warmer climates.

The first ever reference of the thong was in 1939 by the New York Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia who stated that nude dancers must wear appropriate dress and so the thong bikini bottom began its long journey of acceptance.

With this said, Rudi Gernreich was officially credited with designing and producing the first true beach thong swimsuit in 1974. Now again the history on  this enticing little swimsuit is vague to say the least, other historians  feel that the first thongs showed up on beaches in Brazil in 1977 with possibly two names, Tonga’s or Tanga’s, depending on who you talk to.

Attitudes towards the thong or G-string bikini were varied deepening on geographical locations and more importantly indifferent societies. 

In the late 70’s the thong bikini engaged in its long journey to acceptance on Brazilian beaches. It quickly gained acceptance. In North America however the thong had many hurdles to cross before it would be  widly accepted.

Many beaches throughout the US banned the thong until the start of the Millennium to the point that heft fines were issued.

Today the this rear exposing swimsuit is now widely accepted on all beaches throughout the US Canada and Mexico.

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