How much do you know about the famous Brazilian bikini? Take a stroll on an area beach this summer and you may find yourself getting a crash course. Or, you can simply open any celebrity or fashion magazine and see what the hype is all about.
During the summer months these magazines are filled with page after page of well-tanned, well-toned actresses/singers/models from Desperate Housewives, Eva Longoria to hotel-heiress, Paris Hilton; frolicking with their beaus-of-the-week in what is being called the must-have item of the season. While wishful thinking beach gawkers might still associate the Brazilian bikini with a dental floss-size thong, today’s Brazilian briefs incorporate much more fabric, measuring a comparatively modest 4 inches across the rear. And for the beachgoer with an active lifestyle, there are also boy-cut briefs and halter tops that offer support (especially great for surfer girls and rigorous swimmers).
Further research on the Brazilian bikini dispels the myth that you have to have a great rear to look good in the famous two-piece swimsuit. But contrary to popular belief, fashion experts say the reason women who wear Brazilians bikinis appear to have flawless butts is because of the bathing suit’s cut. Unlike its American counterpart, the Brazilian bikini does not incorporate excess fabric that can sag or bunch up, rather its cut helps lift up a woman’s rear, much like a great pair of jeans.
Inspired to take to the beach or pool wearing your own version of the Brazilian wonder? Check out labels by Rosa Chá, a well-known designer whose products often grace the pages of fashion bibles like Vogue and Elle. Other top brands include Q Onda and Ki-Korpo. Ki-Korpo suits, priced between $68 and $120, often incorporate beads and embroidery over colorful images of birds and flowers. It sounds innocent, fresh and appealing, doesn’t it?
Why then is it so hard to de-bunk the myth that the Brazilian bikini is “inherently sleazy?” Many mothers say they wouldn’t dream of letting their daughters wear one, but then there are those who say that the suits are more sexy than sleazy. Try one on and judge for yourself.
Related Articles:
· Visiting Chicago’s “Concrete Beach”