Monokini Swimwear: From Shocking To Alluringly Fashionable

In 1964, the original monokini swimwear made its debut to a shocked public both in the US and Europe. Its designer was an Austrian American named Rudy Gehnreich who also invented the word monokini to describe his shocking creation. The swimsuit seemed modest enough on the bottom going up to the waist of the wearer but it seemed Mr. Gehnreich failed to designed the top, which happened to be two thin string like straps. The authorities were enraged and the monokini became an overnight sensation. The American public snapped up all 3,000 of his monokinis.

Part of the reason for the sudden success of the swimsuit was that it debuted at a time where old mores were being challenged by all levels of society. The nudist movement continued to win victory after legal victory in court against lawsuits trying to stop the sale of nudist publications and the establishment of nudist colonies. The nude human body was no longer seen as a thing associated with great shame. However, the monokini never really caught on with the American public since the police would arrest anyone wearing the swimsuit in public.

Today, it is a less offensive garment with a full top and bottom. People compared it to a one piece swimsuit from the front and say it looks like a bikini from behind. The cutouts in the front distinguish a monokini from a one piece.

The cut of the bottom can differing greatly. Some resemble a G string while others completely cover up the rear end.

Creativity of swimsuit designers comes into play when they use a multitude of fabrics in every conceivable print and color, mesh and even chains. Monokini swimwear come in a broad range of styles from the bandeau, a type of wrap around scarf, the halter top, the triangle and even the jewelry inspired ring top.

Not every woman can wear the swim suit. It has a tendency of emphasizing the unflattering parts of the body. If you are very thin, the swimsuit will hang on you. If your hips are larger than your top, the monokini will not fit properly since it only comes in one size. However, fashionistas agree when more is covered, more is left to the imagination, making the monokini more alluring than the bikini.