Who Invented the Bikini? The History and Evolution of Swimwear
ยท 4 min read
The bikini is a piece of swimwear every woman wears to the beach or the pool, but have you ever wondered how bikinis started or who invented them? In today's post we bring you a short summary of the history and evolution of the bikini and the swimsuit.
THE HISTORY AND EVOLUTION OF THE BIKINI
It was in the early 1800s that people began going to the beach and enjoying the sea, thanks to the invention of the railway. For the first time there was a need for an elegant garment for bathing in the sea, one that covered enough to keep the skin pale (a symbol of nobility).
At first, women wore dresses with stones sewn into the hem to stop the fabric floating up and revealing their legs. Years later came the long bloomers designed by Amelia Bloomer for women's bathing wear, along with โTurkishโ trousers and โpaletotโ dresses made from very heavy flannel so they wouldn't float in the sea.
In 1890, women usually wore long-sleeved black wool dresses that reached the knee, with a sailor collar and bloomers underneath. It was usual to wear black stockings, special lace-up bathing shoes and fancy caps.
By the end of the 19th century, people gathered on beaches to do sports such as surfing or swimming, and a new idea of the bathing costume was needed. By 1910, swimsuits no longer covered women's bodies as much as before and showed more of the female figure. Women began swimming just like men, and they needed a garment that wasn't so heavy.
In the 1920s, men were already going bare-chested and women's swimwear was now a single piece showing more and more skin (similar to a ballet leotard).
The bikini, an atom bomb
The bikini had to wait until 1946, when Louis Rรฉard, a French engineer, completely changed the idea of swimwear and made history. But why is it called a bikini? Rรฉard decided to make a swimsuit made of two pieces, which he named the bikini after the Pacific atoll called Bikini (where nuclear tests were carried out), and he came up with the slogan โThe bikini, an atom bombโ.
In the 1950s and 60s, the bikini was worn by many public figures (although some still refused to wear it). It was Ursula Andress, one of the โBond girlsโ, who gave it a boost and made it far more popular among the women of the time. In Spain, the bikini was banned until the late 1960s, and it was thanks to the Swedish girls who came on holiday that it started to be accepted.
In 1974, bikini companies tried to solve one of their main problems: saving fabric. It was Carlos Ficcardi who improvised and finally gave the bikini bottom a twist, turning it into a thong. Years later the trikini was born (a bikini joined into one piece), and in the 1980s Jane Fonda went one step further, giving bikinis a sporty feel and changing the bottom so it came up to the belly button (high-waisted).
The bikini started to lose popularity in the 1990s because of the series Baywatch. Every girl at the time wanted the iconic red swimsuit from the show, which we can still see today. Then, in the 2000s, the burkini appeared in Australia (a swimsuit that covers the whole body, worn especially by Muslim women).
In 2010, bikinis adapted to new trends and started to take on a sportier look. Neoprene came into use and most designs started featuring neon colours. Women also began wanting a bottom halfway between a classic one and a thong, and the โcheekyโ was born.
QUELTON IS SHAKING UP BIKINI HISTORY
There are lots of bikini brands, but so often we go to the beach or the pool and end up wearing the same one as the girl next to us. Have you ever imagined designing your own bikini? Quelton solves that by making bikinis completely by hand.
"WE MAKE PERSONALITIES, NOT BIKINIS" QUELTON
We have a great team behind us who find the best suppliers, and a workshop for the finest making and product quality. What's more, we personally advise you and help you choose the colours and shapes that suit you best. Fancy designing your own bikini? Don't hesitate to get in touch!
Thank you so much for reading! See you in the next one.
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Size references
MarรญaXSSuj. 65/70 ยท Vaq. 32/34
JimenaSSuj. 85/90 ยท Vaq. 36
CarlotaMSuj. 90/95 ยท Vaq. 38
BlancaLSuj. 95/100 ยท Vaq. 40
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Key rules
Your bust sets the top size ยท your hips set the bottom size
Between two sizes, always go for the larger one
Top and bottom can be ordered in different sizes
Metallic fabrics have less stretch: if in doubt, size up
Reyes ยท QueltonInstant answers
Shall we play? ๐ Take my **quick test** and I'll tell you **your perfect bikini**: the one that best suits your skin, hair, figure and style.
I get it, choosing a size online is a bit scary! ๐ But it's easy: you pick the **top and bottom separately**, from XS to L. If you're between two, **go for the bigger one**. To get it right, take the **ยซWhat's my size?ยป** test: under a minute and **no measuring**.
Good question! We try to keep our sizes **like the big fashion brands**, so you'll usually wear **your usual size**. If you're between two, **go for the bigger one**.
Oh, I'm so sorry! ๐ For now our sizes go **from XS to L**: we don't have XXS or XL. If you're unsure of yours, take the test and I'll tell you **which fits you best**.
Let me tell you! Almost all our tops tie **at the neck and at the back**, so you adjust them to your body. Right now, the ones with **ties to adjust** are the **Revolve, Sheriff, Howdy and Wild West**; in other designs the bottom has an **adjuster** for a perfect fit. And all tops come with **cups (not padded)**, with an opening to remove them or add padding.
I totally get it, finding a bikini with good support is a real challenge! I'd go for the **sporty** or **triangle** tops, which **give great support**, and since almost all of them tie at the neck and back, you can make them **fit you perfectly**.
Don't worry! The **thong bottom isn't tiny**. And the **basic one is Brazilian style**: slightly cheeky but not too much, **just enough to flatter** ๐ If it's a tie-side, you can also adjust it at the sides.
I love that you asked! ๐ All our bikinis are **handmade**, most of them **in Portugal**. We source **the best fabrics in Europe**, mostly with **recycled fibres**, and every year we review our patterns **millimetre by millimetre**.
Not at all! ๐ **None of our bikinis are see-through**: they're all **lined** and come with **cups**, so nothing shows, not even wet or in light colours. If you don't like the cups you can remove them, and there's a pocket for padding.
Good question! It depends a lot on **how you care for it**. We use **the best fabrics in Europe** and test them for months, but it's normal for the metallic finish to lose some shine over the summers. To make it last: **hand wash it** (never in the machine), **don't dry it in the sun** or the dryer, and in winter store it **completely dry in its fabric bag**.
I love that you want to look after it! ๐ This way it'll last **many summers**:
๐ซงAlways hand wash it inside out, in cold water with a little soap only on stained areas. Never in the washing machine.
๐ซNo bleach, fabric softener or stain removers, and never in the dryer.
๐ค๏ธDry it inside out, in the shade and without pegs, with the elastics relaxed so they don't stretch.
๐In winter, store it completely dry in its fabric bag (included with every order).
Not at all! **They don't stretch out** ๐ Just dry them **without pegs** and with the elastics relaxed, and they'll last you **many summers**.
Yes! **All our bikinis are lined** ๐ค
**Free shipping** to mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands with MRW ๐ Order **before 2 pm** (MonโFri) and it ships **the same day**. **Mainland**: **24โ48 working hours**; **Balearic Islands**: **3โ5 working days**. We email you the **tracking number**.
Heads up: **we don't deliver at weekends**. If you need it on a Saturday or Sunday, email us **before ordering** at pedidos@queltonshop.com and we'll tell you the extra cost (in that case shipping isn't free).
**We ship worldwide** ๐, although outside mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands shipping isn't always free. The **Canary Islands, Ceuta, Melilla and Andorra** have an **extra cost** because of customs. If you're there and can't place your order, email us at pedidos@queltonshop.com and **we'll help you** ๐
Of course! At checkout you can choose to **collect it at a pickup point** ๐ฆ
Don't worry, it happens to all of us! ๐ We'd rather you didn't, but if you need to **change the address or cancel**, email us **asap** at pedidos@queltonshop.com with your **order number, name and new address**. We'll reply as fast as we can with the options available.
Oh, I'm so sorry! ๐ Don't worry, **we'll sort it out**. Email us at pedidos@queltonshop.com with your **order number**, your **address** and a **photo** of the faulty bikini (or of the one you received, if it's not what you ordered).
Of course you can't wait! ๐ When your order ships we email you the **MRW tracking number**. To see where it is, go to the MRW website and enter it in the **ยซNo abonadosยป** box. If you have an account, you'll also see it under **your orders**.
Of course! You have **14 calendar days** to let us know at pedidos@queltonshop.com and send the parcel to our warehouse. Return shipping **is on you**: we recommend **tracked registered post** (or any carrier you like, but **with tracking**, as we can't take responsibility if it gets lost). The bikini must arrive **in perfect condition**, with its **hygiene stickers** and in its **original packaging** (or a similar one). Rather we collect it? We'll send a courier and **deduct the pickup from your refund**.
Super easy! Your **first exchange is free**, whether **size** or **style** ๐ Email us at pedidos@queltonshop.com with your **order number** and what you'd like instead, and **we'll send a courier to your home** to collect it. Just have it ready: the bikini **in its wrapping, with its hygiene stickers** and in the **bag it came in** (or a similar one).
As soon as the bikini reaches our warehouse, we check it (**perfect condition**, **hygiene stickers** and packaging) and issue **your refund**, which usually takes **1โ2 working days** ๐ธ Any questions, email us at pedidos@queltonshop.com.
Of course! Just like any other bikini: you have **14 calendar days** to exchange or return it, in its original packaging with the hygiene sticker intact. The only exception is if its product page **expressly says no returns**.
Of course! You can pay in **3 interest-free instalments with Klarna** ๐ณ You can also pay with **Bizum**, but for the **full amount**: instalments are only with Klarna. And of course by card, Apple Pay or PayPal.
Here's a secret! ๐คซ We give you a **discount on your first order**: just join our **newsletter**, from the welcome pop-up or at the bottom of the site ๐ And for **promotions** like Black Friday, Christmas or sales, follow us on **Instagram and TikTok**: we announce everything there first ๐
Yes! ๐ With the **Quelton gift card** you choose the amount and she chooses **the bikini of her dreams**. Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, Secret Santa or a just-because gift.
Love that you're keeping an eye out! ๐ We usually launch **one collection in March and another in April** ๐ธ To be **the first to know**, follow us on **Instagram and TikTok** or join the **newsletter**: we always announce new collections there.
Oh, what a shame! ๐ We usually **don't restock**: when a bikini sells out, **it's gone**. That's how we keep things **exclusive** and you **unique**. What I do recommend is joining the **waiting list**: if we ever restock, **you'll be the first** to know.
Right now **we don't make made-to-measure** or personalised bikinis. But since you **choose the top and bottom separately** and almost all **tie to adjust**, it'll fit **almost made-to-measure**! ๐
Can't wait for you to see them in person! ๐ We don't have our own shop, but you can find us at **several stockists** ๐๏ธ Which **city** would you like to see them in? Type it and I'll tell you the nearest ones.
Love that you want to be featured! ๐ธ To appear in **#IconicQueltons** or on our website, **tag us** in your photos, posts or stories: **every Friday** we share the photos of those who tag us on Instagram.
How exciting that you'd like to stock our brand! ๐ We carefully select **the very best stockists**. If you're a **multi-brand store**, our dedicated page has more information and you can **request a quote and purchase terms**.
I love that you asked! ๐ **Quelton** comes from our surname: we tried a thousand combinations until we found it, and the moment we read it, **we fell in love**.
We started in **2020** as a hobby, and in **2025** we left everything to follow our dream: making bikinis that fit well ๐ **Thanks to you** we're here today.
We call it **iconic**! ๐ It's the pattern we started with, which is why it's so special. We bring it back **every year** with new metallics, lurex and **prints we design ourselves from scratch**. Want to see all our iconic bikinis?
The **Bronze**! ๐ซ It's a chocolate shade that **goes with everything** and **never goes out of style**: a staple you should have in your wardrobe. Just know **it always sells out**โฆ
Yes! ๐คฉ Over the years we've worked with **Carlota Maraรฑรณn, Lola Lolita, Aitana Soriano and Elena Gortari**, and even the stylist of **Aitana, the singer**, got in touch to style our bikinis for her music videos and trips! It's all on our **Wall of Fame**, along with the press we've been featured in.
We make **around 100 units of each design**, and almost all **sell out at launch** ๐ฅ So if you fall for one, **don't leave it for tomorrow**.
With your order we give you a **premium fabric bag** ๐ to keep your bikinis in a drawer over winterโฆ or to carry your spare bikini or anything else to the beach.
Yes! **It dries super fast** โ๏ธ So you go from the water to your towel, and from your towel to the beach bar, without staying wet for hours.
It depends what you're after! ๐ If your **legs are on the shorter side** and you want them to **look longer**, go for the **thong bottom**: it really lengthens the leg. If you prefer a bit more coverage, the **basic** is **Brazilian style**: slightly cheeky, **just enough to flatter**.
Great idea, the tan matters too! โ๏ธ I'd go for a **triangle top** with a **thong bottom**: it leaves the **fewest tan lines** and a **gorgeous tan**.
Love that you're so active! ๐ For **padel, surfing or beach volleyball** I'd go for the **sporty**, for the **support of the top**. Any **iconic triangle** with its **tie-free** bottom also works great, it doesn't move at all.
Don't worry! **They all stay in place** ๐ You can dive in and jump the waves **without a care**.
What a plan! ๐ฅ **Any of them works**: the best part is **each of you wearing your own**, with your own colour and styleโฆ and all of you looking **iconic**! ๐
Yes! ๐ And since almost all **tie to adjust** and you **choose the top and bottom separately**, you can adapt them to your body at every stage.
Of course! You can **mix them however you like** ๐ That said, right now we don't have the same colour across different designs for a perfect match, so I'd recommend **buying the full set**: it's designed so **everything matches**.
That's exactly why we do it this way! ๐ You can choose **one size for the top and another for the bottom**, so it fits **your body perfectly**. If you're unsure, take the **ยซWhat's my size?ยป** test and I'll tell you both.
We generally **don't do reservations or pre-orders**, unless we launch a **special offer**. To be the first to hear about launches, join the **newsletter** or follow us on **Instagram and TikTok** ๐
Of course! ๐ You can order **two sizes**, try them on at home and **return the one that doesn't fit** (within **14 calendar days**, with the hygiene sticker intact).
We **don't offer gift wrapping or notes** right now, but if you need it, email me at pedidos@queltonshop.com and we'll see how we can help ๐
**You don't need an account** to buy ๐ But if you create one, you **keep all your orders** and it's **much easier to exchange or return**.
We **don't run giveaways** right now ๐ But if you join our **newsletter**, you get a **discount on your first order** ๐
We **don't have an ambassador, points or refer-a-friend programme** right now ๐ But if you wear Quelton, **tag us**: you could appear in **#IconicQueltons**!
Haha ๐ The best way to make your ex **regret it**: a Quelton, a sunset and some beach stories. Nothing else needs to be said ๐ฅ
**Ibiza and Formentera** are our favourite places in the world! ๐ด For those coves I'd go for a **metallic**: it shines beautifully in that sun, and in photosโฆ I won't even tell you โจ
**Beach club** plans! ๐ฅ Stylist's trick: a **metallic or lurex** bikini with a **skirt or shorts** on topโฆ and from the towel to the party **without going home** ๐
I **totally** get it ๐ My sister and I felt exactly the same: we couldn't find a bikini that fitted us wellโฆ **that's why we created Quelton**. Patterns fine-tuned **millimetre by millimetre**, top and bottom **in your size** and fabrics that **flatter your figure**. You'll feel **confident and stunning**, I promise.
Hi gorgeous! ๐ How can I help? Type anything or pick below ๐
Thank you! ๐ Anything else, I'm right here. **No basic. Stay Iconic. Be Quelton** ๐
If the **second** bikini doesn't work for you either or you want to return it, that shipment **is on you**: send it to our warehouse yourself. We recommend **tracked registered post** (if the parcel gets lost, we can't take responsibility). Rather we collect it? Email us at pedidos@queltonshop.com with your **order number and address**: we'll arrange the pickup and **deduct that shipping from your refund**.
Not at all! ๐ Our **lurex doesn't itch**: it's made to feel **soft and pleasant** on your skin.
Sorry, we're **not doing any more collaborations** right now ๐ But if you wear Quelton, **tag us** in your photos or stories: **every Friday** we share our **#IconicQueltons** ๐
Need a tape measure? ๐ Here's a **PDF**: download it, **print it** on A4 at actual size and **join the strips** if you don't have one at home. Under the centimetres you'll see your size in colour! ๐
Not at all! ๐ **They don't fade or stain**. We visit **fabric fairs across Europe** to work with **the best suppliers**, and we **test them for months** so they keep their colour.
Your data is **safe** ๐ We only use it to **process your order** and, if you sign up, to send you the **newsletter**. It's all in our **privacy and cookie policy**.
Of course! At the bottom of **any of our emails** there's an **ยซUnsubscribeยป** link ๐ Or email us at pedidos@queltonshop.com and we'll do it for you.
Of course! It's **your right** ๐ Email us at pedidos@queltonshop.com and we'll **delete your data** or your account.
What you type here **isn't sent anywhere**, unless you fill in a form (your question, the waiting list or the newsletter) ๐ The only thing stored, **only in your browser**, is your size and the bikinis you've viewed.
We won't spam you! ๐ We write when there's **real news**: in peak summer season, about **2โ3 emails a week**, and **much less** the rest of the year. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Yes, and it's one of your favourite things! ๐ In full bikinis you pick **one size for the top and another for the bottom**, and we also sell **tops and bottoms separately**, so you can mix sizes or colours.
Write to me and I'll reply by email as soon as I can.
It's going to look amazing on you!Great choice. If you have any questions, just ask me.
