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National Bikini Day

Celebrate National Bikini Day in style - show off your favorite swimwear, enjoy the beach or pool, and take plenty of pictures to remember the day!

Sunday

July 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEJuly 5

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYStyle

SUBCATEGORYFashion

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Celebrate National Bikini Day on July 5 with a day of sun, sand, and swimming! This annual event was first established in the 1940s to commemorate the invention of the two-piece swimsuit by French engineer Louis Réard. It has since become an iconic symbol of summertime fun all around the world. So grab your favorite bikini and head outdoors to enjoy some fun in the sun!

TIMELINE

National Bikini Day Timeline

Bikini's Inception

French engineer Louis Réard invents and patents the bikini, a two-piece swimsuit.

Bikini in Beauty Pageants

The first Miss World pageant takes place, where bikinis were initially banned, reflecting societal reservations about the garment.

Bikini Acceptance Increases

The prominence of the bikini in popular culture grows due to its appearance in Hollywood films and music like Brian Hyland's hit song "Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka-Dot Bikini".

"Sports Illustrated" Bikini Feature

The first "Sports Illustrated: Swimsuit Issue" is published, prominently featuring models in bikinis, further popularizing the garment.

Bikini Evolves

The string bikini is introduced, pushing the envelope of bikini design and acceptance in society.

National Bikini Day Established

The specific holiday, National Bikini Day, is first officially recognized and celebrated in the United States.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Bikini Day

Go to the beach

Nothing says bikini day quite like a day at the beach. Pack your towel, sunscreen, and your favorite bikinis, and head out for a day of fun in the sun.

HAVE

Have a pool party

Gather up your friends, put on your favorite swimwear, and celebrate National Bikini Day in style with a pool party! Make sure to have some snacks, drinks, and lots of music.

TAKE

Take a trip to the spa

Treat yourself to an afternoon of pampering at the spa. Get a massage or facial, and take advantage of the sauna and steam room. Don't forget to bring along your bikini so you can soak in the hot tub.

ATTEND

Attend a bikini fashion show

Attend a local fashion show featuring bikinis from top designers. You'll get to see all the latest styles while celebrating National Bikini Day!

ORGANIZE

Organize a bikini photo shoot

Get together with your friends and organize a professional photo shoot with everyone wearing their favorite bikini looks. Make sure to pick out some fun props and poses for extra fun.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Bikini Day

It offers variety

The great thing about bikinis is that there is something for everyone. From high waisted bottoms to triangle tops, one pieces to cutouts - you're guaranteed to find the perfect bikini that will suit your individual style preferences!

It celebrates body positivity

National Bikini Day is about celebrating all body types and staying positive. It reminds us that it's okay to love ourselves regardless of how we look - because beauty comes in all shapes and sizes!

It encourages self-confidence

When you are happy with your own body, it can boost your self-confidence and make you more comfortable being in a swimsuit in public. National Bikini Day encourages people to accept and adore their bodies, regardless of the shape or size they come in.