The bikini was first invented in France in 1946, but then it took the world of beach fashion by storm after it started appearing in the US from 1949 and becoming the outfit of choice for Hollywood starlets and actresses.

But despite its popularity, it is the one piece of clothing guaranteed to make women self conscious about their own body image. The poll show that 97 per cent of women dread the thought of revealing themselves in a bikini with 27 per cent citing cellulite as the reason and 22 per cent simply not being toned.

If you are going on holiday, especcially to the beach, bikini can be your choice for a swimwear. Bikini is also easy to bring and use, and that is why mostly women bring it and wear them around the beach or pool. But there is one thing you should keep in mind, only use bikini if you feel that you are comfortable with it. Using something that you do not especcially like will only burden you, and even it could worsen your holiday. And for the kids, bikinis are not suggested. Some parents dress their kids in bikini, but if they do not like it, please wear a conventional swimwear.