White Bikinis
There is something endlessly appealing about white bikinis. White is a youthful, innocent color, long associated in the west with summer, and can add a sweetness to a sexy bikini. It's the color of seashells and even some sand, and so long as it's fully lined, it suits the beach perfectly.
Legendary White Bikinis
While they were certainly popular long before, pin-ups in the 1940s often wore white, usually with red high heels and bright lipstick and there is a famous white bikini that is referenced to this day. It is, of course, the bikini worn by Ursula Andress when she rises from the sea as Honey Ryder in the first James Bond film, Dr. No.
The scene is a timelessly sexy one, made all the more classic by Andress's fairly simple ensemble. In fact, the bottoms are quite plain. The top features full coverage like a bikini top from the 1940s should. It is shirred and ties in the front with a sexy bow. Andress was considered the pinnacle of female beauty at the time and it's worth noting that by modern standards, she might be considered overweight, or at least out of shape.
The obsession with white bikinis was by no means over in 1964, when the first Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition was published. Model Babette March is wearing a white bikini. While it would be considered a modest swimsuit by modern standards, it was widely credited at the time with legitimizing the bikini and making it acceptable, even though the aforementioned style had been around since 1946.
Problems With White Swimwear
Nautical though the swimsuits are, they are not without their problems. It's well known that white, when wet, can be transparent. While swimsuit designers know that women love a good white suit, it's also understood that the fabric and lining are all-important. Unless you are only planning to lounge, you want a suit that won't render you illegal just because you take a dip.
Linings have improved considerably, and the best way to be sure your suit will continue to look as you wish is to buy one from a respected designer. Some shops will even wet a suit for you to show how well it holds up.
A white suit can also get dirty fast. More than any other suit, if you sit down when it's damp, everyone will know it when you stand up again. Also, if you're swimming in a pool, a white suit can quickly turn yellow, thanks to the chlorine. It's best to keep your white bikini to beach wear, and remember to use a sarong or other cover up until you're sure the suit is dry.
Cleaning Your White Suit
Whatever you do, you don't want to use bleach. It weakens fabric, which is especially bad for a bikini, as it will quickly lose its stretch. Instead, go for natural whiteners like lemon juice, vinegar and baking soda. If you soak your suit in ice-cold water with a half cup of baking soda for an hour, gently rinse without squeezing, and then lie the suit flat to dry, you will keep it looking beautiful for a long time. Even when it isn't stained, you should soak it in plain white vinegar after every wearing to help maintain its freshness.
Dressing Up a White Swimsuit
You probably shouldn't add a knife belt, but a white bikini just about screams for some accessories (so long as you're not doing a hard swim!). A belly chain, beaded necklace or skimpy sarong keeps you looking resort-perfect while giving that deceptively plain swimsuit a bit more in the way of sharp style. It may require more care, but the look is worth it.
Related Topics
