National Bikini Day

Learn more fun facts on the National Bikini Day Video Page.

Categories:: Arts & Entertainment
Tags:: Historical Summer
Where:: United States
Date change rule:: Every July 5
Holiday emoji:: 👙

National Bikini Day dives into summer fun every July 5. This day celebrates the revolutionary two-piece swimsuit, first introduced in 1946 and named after Bikini Atoll. Embrace the spirit of summer by hitting the beach, lounging poolside, or finding your perfect swimwear.

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Expected National Bikini Day Deals

While we wait for official 2027 promotions to drop, history shows that National Bikini Day often brings exciting deals from swimwear brands and retailers. Look for discounts from popular brands like Speedo, Roxy, Victoria’s Secret PINK, Target, Aerie, L*Space, and Frankies Bikinis on their latest collections. Expect online sales, in-store promotions, and special offers on beach accessories and resort wear. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as July 5 approaches.

Platform Guide for National Bikini Day

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalBikiniDay. Share your favorite swimwear styles or beach day photos.

TikTok

Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #NationalBikiniDay. Film a fun ‘get ready with me’ for the beach or a swimwear haul.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #NationalBikiniDay. Tweet about your favorite bikini trends or historical facts about the swimsuit.

National Bikini Day Hero

Louis Réard

Louis Réard was a French automotive engineer turned clothing designer who introduced the modern bikini to the world on July 5, 1946. He named his daring two-piece swimsuit after Bikini Atoll, where nuclear tests were being conducted, predicting its 'explosive' impact on fashion. His innovative design challenged societal norms and revolutionized beachwear, making him a pivotal figure in fashion history.

National Bikini Day timeline

1957

Brigitte Bardot Makes a Splash

At the Cannes Film Festival, Brigitte Bardot is photographed wearing a bikini on every beach in the south of France.

1960

Itsy Bitsy ....

According to one of the top Los Angeles PR Firms, Brian Hyland's song "Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini" inspires a bikini buying spree

1970s

Thong Song

The thong bikini first appears in Brazil

1993

Serve's Up

The Olympic Committee decrees the bikini the official uniform for women’s beach volleyball

How Businesses Can Celebrate National Bikini Day

Local businesses can embrace National Bikini Day by hosting themed events or promotions. Swimwear boutiques can offer discounts on new collections or host styling workshops. Beachfront restaurants and bars can feature special summer cocktails or offer discounts to customers wearing bikinis. Spas and beauty salons could run promotions on waxing, tanning, or other pre-beach treatments, encouraging customers to feel confident and ready for the water.

National Bikini Day FAQs

When is National Bikini Day?

National Bikini Day 2026 falls on Sunday, July 5, making it a perfect weekend opportunity to enjoy the sun and water. It’s a day to celebrate the iconic two-piece swimsuit.

Who invented the bikini?

The modern bikini was invented by French designer Louis Réard, who unveiled his groundbreaking two-piece swimsuit on July 5, 1946. He named it after Bikini Atoll, where atomic bomb tests were taking place, anticipating its ‘explosive’ impact.

How popular is the bikini today?

The bikini remains incredibly popular worldwide, with the global swimwear market valued at approximately $21.3 billion in 2025 and expected to grow. It is a dominant style in beachwear and a symbol of summer.

Why is it called a bikini?

The bikini was named by its inventor, Louis Réard, after Bikini Atoll in the Pacific Ocean. This was where the United States conducted nuclear weapons tests in July 1946, and Réard hoped his design would have a similar ‘explosive’ and groundbreaking impact on fashion.

National Bikini Day Activities

Buy a new bikini
Treat yourself—you can never have too many bikinis. But don’t just get the same old one: try a new pattern or color. Summer is just getting started, and so is your shopping spree.
Throw a bikini pool party
Themed parties are so much fun. Grab some bikini-themed decorations at your local party supply store and invite your friends over for some pool playtime. Don’t forget the sunscreen!
Put on your favorite one-piece
Bikinis are fun, but even we have to admit that they’re not for everyone. If the bikini isn’t your thing, that’s okay. You can still join the fun! Put on your favorite one-piece and join the pool party.

Why We Love National Bikini Day

You can show off your fashion sense
Fashion is a great way to express ourselves—the bikini is just another outlet. They come in all different colors, shades, and styles. You can go nineties with a halter bikini, rock a tankini, or even try on a skirtkini. You can mix and match bottoms and tops, stripes, and colors. So what’s your bikini style?
It gives you a reason to head to the beach
No one ever needs a reason to escape to the beach, but it’s always nice to have an excuse. If anyone asks you why you’re not at work, it’s because today is National Bikini Day!
They go with the coolest accessories
Accessories can make or break a look. With the right amount of bling, the perfect coverup, and some stylish shades, you can turn your bikini into a bona-fide summer look! Is that a celebrity, or is it just you rocking the beach?