Body Paint Bikinis

dotted paint bikini

Although the idea of body paint bikinis may seem unusual, painting swimsuits has become a fascinating art form that has made some real waves in the magazine and art world in recent years. The bikini is one of the most popular forms of these unique works of art.

Celebrity Body Paint Bikinis

You know when something has truly caught on when celebrities decide to showcase the new trend of the moment. This is definitely the case with the paint-on swimwear phenomenon, which has graced magazine covers, pictorials, sandy beaches and the occasional red carpet or two. Check out some of the more notable celebrity body paint bikinis:

  • Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue - Over the last several years, the already massively popular annual issue included body paint versions of bikini styles to adorn the gorgeous bodies of the supermodels included. Popular female athletes have also been photographed in bikini paint. You can view a collection of past bikinis at the body painting page of the magazine's website.
  • Ashley Greene - In 2011 the actress was photographed twice in painted bikinis. Once in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue and again for a SoBe Lifewater campaign.
  • Jessica Szohr - Also for the SoBe campaign, the actress was photographed in a custom paint-on bikini that was designed to give her a reptilian look.
  • Playboy Magazine - Various models, actresses and entertainers have graced either the cover or inside this men's magazine wearing a paint-only bikini. The styles run the gamut from playful to downright titillating.

Painted Bikini Galleries

For more details on some of the most popular painted bikinis, see:

  • Huffington Post's Women in Body Paint Slideshow: Popular clebrities and models are shown here, including supermodel Kate Upton in a painted floral bikini and Irina Shayk in a pirate-themed boy short and bandeau style bikini.
  • Body Painting by Tioti: Key West-based professional body painter Tioti has several galleries of painted artistic bikinis to view. The images here showcase how different styles look on different body types and the wide range of colors, patterns, and unique designs possible.
  • Trendhunter: View images of the 2011 Sports Illustrated models in this bikini style. You can also view galleries of other painted body art.

Popular Styles

As with any swimsuit style, there are specific designs of the body paint bikini that you are likely to see more than others. One of the things to keep in mind is that in terms of style, body paint bikinis are no different from regular ones. If you are thinking about getting painted in a bikini, styles you may consider:

  • Bandeau Bikini - Just like the real version, a bandeau body paint bikini is best for those that have a small bust. This is especially important with a body paint style because your breast can not be larger than a handful or the entire bandeau top won't look like a real life replica.
  • Halter Bikini - This type of body paint bikini is much more forgiving for women of various breast sizes because the illusion is that it goes around the neck, offering a perceived form of support.
  • Triangle Bikini - Somewhere between a bandeau top and a halter in terms of what bust size benefits, a triangle top is probably best for those that have small to medium-sized breasts. This is because the cups on a triangle style are generally designed to show a lot of side breast cleavage.
  • Boy Short Bikini - One of the most popular traditional swimsuit styles also has a body paint version that is pretty believable. The best thing about a boy short design is that you can have them painted to cover as much or as little of your thighs as you like.
  • Thong/G-string Bikini - For all of the exhibitionists at heart and those with a daring spirit, a thong or G-string body paint bikini can look so real you may have trouble detecting the actual paint. The only difference is that the revealing rear area wouldn't actually contain paint inside of your rear, but merely an illusion at the top of your buttocks.
  • Low-Rise Bikini - Designed to show off those killer abs that you worked so hard for all winter, the low-rise style rides really low on this hips. The benefit of a body paint version is that you don't have to worry about these bottoms riding up.

Considering a Painted Bikini

Although it is frequently celebrities or models seen wearing bikinis made of paint, any woman can try this out for fun or for a unique photo shoot. There are many professional body paint artists that can do this, or there are paint swimsuit products avalable for amateurs to try as well. Keep in mind that you can't get painted swimwear wet.

Also keep in mind that with a traditional bikini you are more exposed than other styles, but you can minimize that with certain cuts or silhouettes. However, with a body paint style you have to have a certain body type for the painted style to appear as real as possible.

The brave decision to wear this unique type of bikini should be a fun and liberating experience that showcases unbelievable art work and skill. Don't be afraid to try out a myriad of styles, designs and colors to get the full advantage of this revolutionary entry into the swimsuit realm.