The Ruffle Bikini Of 2009
An examination of the ruffle bikini, sometimes called the ruffled bikini, and how celebrities have helped this Brazilian Bikini become a hit with women of all ages.
For many designer swimsuit companies, there is now a panic. A new style of bikini has come from seemingly nowhere to cause a fashion stir if not an all out fashion craze. It started with a few scantily clad celebrities, such as when Kirsten Dunst, Jessica Alba and even Lindsay Lohan wore the ruffle bikini and it kept growing organically from there. But, perhaps the biggest star to bring it to the forefront is Jennifer Aniston.
No matter whom you credit with starting this new trend, the ruffle bikini, sometimes referred to in the past tense, or ruffled bikini, has created quite the stir on this season’s designer swimwear. And swimsuits from Brazil are no exception.
Besides celebrities, who wears this suit? Well, that depends on who you ask. I have seen women of all ages don the ruffle bikini in Las Vegas, where fashion by the pool is taken very seriously. But, it does not stop there. You can also find it on the beaches of Southern California and South Florida. A rock solid body may be preferred, but it is not essential.
Why the panic? Because not all swimsuit companies are created equal. That’s the most simple answer. Perhaps a better answer, some have deeper pockets and better machinery than others. Still, it’s just a swimsuit, right? It is very light, such as any other bikini. It includes a simple single liner, not uncommon to most bikinis out there. Also, the fabric is not made of some new or special material. It’s simple Italian Lycra or Spandex. So, what makes this suit so difficult for manufacturers to produce?
Well, this particular bikini has a laser finish and most small companies overseas cannot produce this new style. As with anything there is supply and demand, so those who can produce a ruffle bikini often have to outsource this technology. Anytime a suit has to leave one factory and enter another before you see it causes the suit to become more expensive from a wholesale perspective