Cut Out Bathing Suit Monokini

Re-Introducing the Cut Out Bathing Suit Monokini

Older swimsuit aficionados may remember Rudi Gernreich's original monokini swimsuit. This barely-there garment consisted of the tiniest bikini bottom and a set of shoulder straps. The suit was part of a line Gernreich conceived as unisex clothing, and it caused its own version of shock and awe in the 1960's. Although the original monokini never quite caught on, it has gone through a fashion metamorphosis. The result: the cut out bathing suit monokini.

Cut outs first became noticeably available in the late 1970's and early 80's. They did enjoy a measure of popularity, but somehow they never managed to carve out much of a niche in the swimwear world. Perhaps the public just wasn't ready for them, still being entranced by the bikini.

Today, cut out monokinis are back with a vengeance, and although they seem to be selling out like hot cakes, it remains to be seen whether they become a staple of the industry or are once again relegated to fad swimwear.

Today's Cut Out Monokini

The cut out monokinis you'll find today are more conservative than Gernreich's original design, yet they are sexy enough to make the average bikini seem blasé.

The typical modern monokini is derived from a one piece swimsuit rather than a bikini. The suit may feature large cut out sections on the sides and back, or it may feature connecting straps and/or hardware to anchor top and bottom together. The more creative the designer, the more imaginative the monokini.

Advantages of the Cut Out Over the Two Piece

If you're actually planning to swim, then the modern monokini does offer a slight advantage over the bikini. First, it stays on. The typical bikini top has a tendency to slip or become untied, while more than one bikini bottom has been lost while diving or body surfing. Since the top and bottom of the cut out are connected, however loosely, the suit has more staying power.

The cut out also offers a bit more control and camouflage than a bikini does for a less-than-perfect figure. Designs with substantial connections across the middle of the torso provide more tummy support. All in all, you appear sexier by leaving more to the imagination. It's the rare case where more is less.

Tanning in Cut Out Bathing Suits

Before we give you the mistaken notion that it's all sunshine and roses with a cut out bathing suit, it's time to talk about the design's major drawback: the suit is not ideal for sunbathing.

Since cut out monokinis depend on exotic design as the main attraction, these suits can leave you with some very interesting strap lines that won't necessarily be compatible with the rest of your summer wardrobe. For this reason, it may be better to reserve your cut out strictly for swimming and showcasing, and apply a generous layer of sun block to your body before putting the suit on. You can spend your tanning time in a traditional bikini or a tan-through swimsuit.

Where to Shop

Major designers featuring cut out monokinis in their swimwear lines this season include:

• Rosa Cha
• Victoria's Secret
• Billabong
• Norma Kamali
• Vix
• Michael Kors
• Betsey Johnson
• Salinas
• Shay Todd

Short Cut

If you don't have time to spend perusing designer sites, you'll find Amazon.com is your short cut to cut out swimwear.

• Skinny Dip offers a sexy, halter-neck one piece cut out swimsuit that will surely net you some attention on the beach. Compared to a cost of $100.00+ for a designer label, this suit is even more attractive at a sale price of $25.99
• The Deep V One Piece, also from Skinny Dip is more reminiscent of the original monokini, albeit in a more conservative design. Chest straps rise from a center mount on the bottom to precariously cover the breasts. This is one suit you won't want to risk wearing to a beach dance. A mid-season price cut makes this cut out available for only $26.99.
• American Apparel offers a sexy, bandeau-top cut out one piece in sky blue or hot pink. You can own this suit for less than $30.00

Conclusion

We've only scratched the surface of cut out bathing suits offered, but further searching on your part will reveal many more choices. If you're already tired of your ho-hum swimwear, get reinvigorated with a cut out monokini swimsuit.