In 1946, French designer Louis Reard unveiled the daring two-piece ‘Bikini’ at a popular swimming pool in Paris. It was nothing sexual, but bold young women causing sensation everywhere.
But in some countries, they have implemented bans on swimwear on the streets. They have their own culture and they want the tourist to dress modestly on their streets. Mostly in countries like Portugal, Spain and Italy bikinis are banned
Hvar, Croatia
1. Who Invented the Bikini?
- A. Louis Reard
- B. Micheline Bernardini
- C. Jacques Heim
- D. None of the above
Hvar, Croatia has banned boozing in public areas and they are also not allowed to roam the streets wearing two-piece clothing or shirtless. Tourists may get fined up to 600 euro, which is also shown in the warning signs as “Save your money and enjoy Hvar ”.
Maldives
Surprisingly, there are many public beaches where bikinis are not allowed or other revealing attire. Tourists are allowed to wear swimwear on the islands but local islands ban bikini being an Islamic country.
United Arab Emirates
Muslim countries are not fond of bikinis and it is not surprising. Authorities in Ras al-Khaimah have posted signs on public beaches warning fines for wearing revealing two-pieces like bikinis for women and brief trunks for men.
The offenders will be given a warning for the first time and after a second warning, they could face an unspecified fine.
Barcelona and Mallorca, Spain
In the year 2011, the capital and the Island banned wearing bikinis on the streets. Barcelona and Mallorca are very famous and are sun-soaked places but bikinis are not welcomed there. Bikinis can be worn on the beaches but if you are seen on the streets wearing just a bikini- you will be fined.
Lipari, Italy
Several islands in Italy are banning tourists from wearing bikinis and other revealing attire. This is to restore a sense of dignity and modesty to town centers. Mainly in the Island Lipari has issued an ordinance saying that tourists wearing bikinis and other swimming costumes in Lipari risk being fined.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fine for wearing a bikini on the street in Hvar, Croatia?
Tourists in Hvar can be fined up to 600 euro for walking around in town while wearing a two-piece or being shirtless, as indicated by the warning signs.
Where in Spain are bikinis banned, and why?
Barcelona and Mallorca banned wearing bikinis on the streets and in the town center in 2011. The ban aims to keep street attire modest and is not applicable to the beach itself.
Are bikinis allowed on the beaches in the Maldives?
Yes, bikinis are generally allowed on designated tourist and resort islands. However, they are banned on public (local) islands and beaches due to the country’s Islamic culture and modesty laws.
What is the dress code for men at beaches with bikini bans?
In many locations, like the UAE, the ban often extends to men’s revealing swimwear. Authorities warn against brief trunks for men, encouraging a more modest cut.
Why did the Italian island of Lipari ban bikinis in town centers?
The ban in Lipari and other Italian islands was introduced to “restore a sense of dignity and modesty to town centers.” Tourists must wear appropriate cover-ups when away from the immediate beach area.