Mini Bikinis

Mini bikinis give you maximum exposure.

Less is more.

Ever since the bikini was introduced, it just seems to keep getting smaller. Scoop bottoms were reduced to thongs, and thongs shrank down to micros. You have to wonder, what could possibly be next?

While we haven't yet seen the next phase of these daring swimsuits, there's no doubt that mini bikinis are here to stay. The real question is, who wears these ultra tiny swimsuits?

In North America, the typical mini bikini wearer is usually someone in fairly good physical shape, aged late teens to late twenties, but take a trip down to South America and you'll find a much different picture.

In Brazil, the heart of mini bikini country, these suits are worn by virtually everyone, regardless of age, sex or shape. You're likely to find sun goddesses in Brazilians relaxing on the sand next to grandmothers in Tangas who are spending a day at the beach with their grandchildren. There's no shortage of men in thongs either.

Why such a difference from one continent to the next? It's all about perception. While physical beauty is appreciated the world over, North Americans generally tend to be more self-conscious, or perhaps more conservative about their bodies, and mini bikinis reveal a lot more figure than some people are confident showing, regardless of the shape they are in.

On the other hand, South Americans tend to be far more relaxed, and seem to really enjoy the freedom that less fabric provides, so shape isn't necessarily a prime consideration. It's more about comfort, less about looks, and when everyone is wearing a thong, there's not as much of an issue.

So, think you'd feel comfortable in a mini? If you do, the trick is finding one with the proper fit. Yes, mini bikinis don't give you much to work with, but a snug fit is essential for holding them in place.

Minis rely heavily on spandex to hug the body, but some designs employ string ties instead of elastic straps to hold everything together. Ties allow for some play in the fit, and you can tighten or loosen them as needed.

Elastic straps, while still providing a certain amount of give, really need to be sized to fit your figure. If the straps are too short you'll wind up with unsightly marks across your hips, and if they are a bit too long you could wind up losing your bottoms altogether. It's a delicate balance, and well worth trying on a few different sizes until you find one you're most comfortable with.

When you commit to wearing mini bikinis you also commit to something else- a full body wax. Body hair and tiny swimsuits just don't go together.

The good news is that a body wax lasts weeks longer than a close shave and there's no stubble to deal with. Every inch of your bikini line will be left as smooth as a baby's bottom.

Mini bikinis aren't for the faint of heart, regardless of your hemisphere of residence! The key to wearing one is to be comfortable in your own skin. If you have that, the rest is a walk on the beach.

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