How Was the Bikini Created? Its Origins and the 2023 Swimwear Trends
ยท 3 min read
Bikinis have become hugely popular swimwear in recent years, but how was the bikini created? Its history is fascinating and full of changes and twists.
Where do bikinis come from?
The bikini has its roots in ancient Greece and Rome, where women wore minimal bathing garments made of a small piece of fabric that covered only the front of their bodies. However, from the Middle Ages until the 19th century, swimwear was quite bulky and covered most of the body.
It was in the 20th century that French designer Louis Rรฉard created the first modern bikini, in 1946. The original bikini was a top and a bottom that covered only what was necessary. Rรฉard named his creation "bikini" after an island in the Pacific where the United States was carrying out nuclear tests at the time. The idea behind the name was that the bikini was as small and explosive as an atom bomb.
The original bikini was met with scandal and controversy, as it was considered too revealing and not meant to be seen in public. Even so, it soon became a popular fashion among young women and turned into a symbol of female liberation and independence.
As the bikini became more popular, different styles and designs started to appear. Bikinis became more fitted, and new prints and colours were introduced. Bikinis also started appearing in beauty pageants and in film and television.
Today, bikinis are an essential piece of swimwear for many women and an important part of fashion. There's a huge range of styles and designs, from classic bikinis to bold prints and innovative designs.
Which bikinis will we be wearing in 2023?
Swimwear fashion is always evolving and new trends emerge every season. For 2023, these are expected to be the most popular trends:
Animal prints: Animal prints such as leopard, zebra and snake are expected to be one of the biggest trends of 2023. They add a fun, daring touch to bikinis and swimsuits.
Off-the-shoulder swimsuits: Off-the-shoulder styles, such as monokinis and V-neck swimsuits, are expected to be popular next year. They're a way to show a little skin and add a sensual touch to your beach look.
Ruffled swimsuits: Swimsuits with ruffles and embellishments are a popular trend for 2023. They add elegance and sophistication to your beach look.
Clean-cut swimsuits: Swimsuits with straight cuts and simple lines are expected to be a popular trend for 2023. They're an elegant, simple choice for anyone after a more minimalist style.
Swimsuits with gold details: Swimsuits with gold details, such as studs and pearls, are expected to be popular in 2023. These details add a touch of luxury and glamour to your beach look.
Ethnic-print swimsuits: Ethnic prints, such as African and tribal prints, are expected to be a popular trend for 2023. They add an exotic, unique touch to your beach look.
Floral swimsuits: Florals are a recurring trend, but they're expected to be especially popular in 2023. They're a way to add colour and freshness to your beach look.
Overall, the 2023 swimwear trends are expected to include animal prints, off-the-shoulder swimsuits, ruffles, clean cuts, gold details, ethnic prints and florals.
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Same bikini, four bodies: who do you look most like?
Bust
70 cm115 cm
Waist
55 cm100 cm
Hips
80 cm120 cm
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
Topโ
Bottomโ
Size guide (cm)
Size
Bust
Waist
Hips
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.
