Scroll on and press play on specially curated playlists by Team Knix for every level of movement! 💪

For walking, stretching, warming up, two-stepping:

For weight training, squatting, jogging, cycling, shimmying: 

For jump roping, running, stair climbing and sweaty dance partying: 

What are you listening to that gets you moving and grooving? Let us know @knix, and check out our new Knix Active Collection here. 

Isn’t it nice after a long day outside to plop on the couch in air conditioning and turn on a show to binge? What about when you need to nurse that sunburn after a beach trip? Or when you just want to watch something on your screen other than your co-workers’ faces in Zoom meetings? No matter the reason, you should feel no shame in wanting to sit indoors in gorgeous weather (I definitely don’t!). Here are 5 shows to dive into this summer.

The White Lotus

What is it: A dark comedy following the lives of different resort guests over the course of a week. 

Who's in it: Connie Britton, Sydney Sweeney, Jennifer Coolidge, and Jake Lacy

Why you should watch: There is something off about The White Lotus, and I can’t seem to put my finger on it or look away. I just keep waiting for something to go really, really, really wrong. Though the insane musical score doesn’t help how tense I feel while watching it, there really isn’t a minute that goes by without a laugh. The show is for anyone who enjoys people watching, and for those who know that it’s impossible to judge a book by its cover. 

High Fidelity 

What is it: Based on the 2000 movie of the same name, this remake follows Rob on her quest to find out why her past relationships haven’t worked out... by confronting every one of her exes.  

Who's in it: Zoë Kravitz, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, David H. Holmes

Why you should watch: A one season wonder, this show is perfect for the TV watcher with commitment issues. It’s also great for any music nerds with a passion for graphic t-shirts and vintage clothes. If none of the above interests you, please listen to the show’s soundtrack and then circle back to me! Zoë’s character is imperfect most of the time, which actually makes High Fidelity a pleasure to watch. We learn from her mistakes, and it's honestly quite fun to watch her embarrass herself over and over again. 

Ziwe

What is it: A talk show/sketch comedy hybrid about pop culture, social justice, politics, inequality— a true mirror to the world as it is today.

Who's in it: Comedian Ziwe Fumudoh hosts, with guest stars you may know like Fran Leibowitz, Gloria Steinem, Phoebe Bridgers and Stacy Abrams.

Why you should watch: Ziwe’s point of view on modern issues is refreshing, uncomfortable and hilarious. This show is perfect for someone who doesn’t want to admit their attention span has been chopped from TikTok—  by combining interviews, musical numbers and animated sketches all into 25 minute episodes. Ziwe has no shame in calling out her guests to expose our modern way of thinking, and I’m here for it. 

Pose 

What is it: A colorful Ryan Murphy drama about New York City’s ballroom culture in the 1980’s and 1990’s. 

Who's in it: Billy Porter, Indya Moore, Mj Rodriguez and more make up this perfectly cast ensemble of mostly LGBTQ and BIPOC actors. 

Why you should watch: Though Pose is about such a specific moment, it stands the test of time as we watch the characters struggle and evolve through it. Like he’s done in all of his work, Murphy is a master of contrasting the darkness with the light, sadness with happiness. It gives the audience a better understanding of queer ballroom culture by way of intricate characters, making the show an important tribute to the people who lived it. The cast is made up of mostly LGBTQ and BIPOC talent, which is a necessity (yet sometimes still a rarity) in TV.

Too Hot To Handle Season 2 

What is it: A reality show about a group of singles who have to keep their hands off each other to win a grand prize of $100K. Spicy!

Who's in it: 5 men and 5 women who did not sign up for this. 

Why you should watch: One of my favourite reasons to watch TV, I watch THTH so I don’t have to think deeply. Instead, I get to sit back and watch these people live their own personal hells by abstaining from getting freaky. Most of the participants couldn’t care less about the money, which gives the show a level of sincerity. Maybe it’s their good looks, or how ridiculous it is that this challenge is so difficult for these people, but the show is addictive!

What are you watching this summer? Let us know on @knix, or give me recommendations over on @h_wiseman! 

Cover photo 📸: HBO

As we roll into June and Pride Month I wanted to share seven books I’ve read recently that I’ve loved. All these books have some form of queer rep on the page and may potentially also be written by queer folx, but out of respect I’ve chosen not to note that here. Readers can check out the respective authors’ social media pages to see if they have chosen to discuss it there! 

Trans Like Me by CN Lester

This compelling non-fiction work by musician, author, and activist CN Lester is a deep dive into both their personal history and the many discussions that are currently swirling around about trans people and what it’s like for us to live in this world. It was at times a difficult and painful read, but the undercurrent of Lester’s determination to help make this world a better place is undeniable. It's the kind of hope I know I have sorely needed after the last few years. 

Unconquerable Sun by Kate Elliott 

When I first heard the pitch “queer, genderbent Alexander the Great in space” I slammed my wallet on the table. That excitement hasn’t waned now that I’ve actually gotten to read Elliott’s amazing space opera. I always feel like I’m channeling Stefon from SNL— this book has everything: political intrigue, sexual and gender equity, assassinations, space battles, and echoes of Greek history. It is everything I wanted in a book this year.

Fireheart Tiger by Aliette de Bodard 

Speaking of everything I wanted, de Bodard’s beautiful novella is both seductive and dangerous as the fire for which it is named. It's a gorgeous story of an empress’s daughter trying to find her feet, even as she struggles with the trauma of a deadly fire in her past and an abusive relationship with a princess on the other side of the negotiation table. It is, in the end, a story about love and how sometimes we have to walk through the fire to get what we truly want.

The Space Between Worlds by Micaiah Johnson

You know when you have to put a book down because you just can’t take the suspense? That happened to me so often reading Johnson’s amazing speculative fiction about multiverses and a woman who can travel between worlds because her other selves have a talent for dying. I was hooked from the first page by this utterly complex, at times heartbreaking (you try seeing the person you love look right through you as if you’re a stranger and see if it doesn’t break your heart) story about relationships and revolution, revenge and salvation, and how to walk between worlds— both the ones out there and the class divisions we create right here at home. It was a triumphant book that kept me guessing right until the end, which is very hard to do. 

American Hippo by Sarah Gailey

If you love hippos and are fascinated by alternate history, you want to check out this compendium of Gailey’s novellas following the adventures of a group of cons and outlaws as they run a job that gets them into some dangerous waters— and as you know any water with hippos in it pretty much qualifies! I love all of their writing, but this collection I think is one of their best. 

Syncopation by Anna Zabo

I love all the stories about the rock band Twisted Wishes, but hold a special place in my heart for the first book as it was my entry into the world. I am a sucker for the past history trope of old crushes reappearing and the exchanges between Ray the lead singer and Zavier, their new drummer, simply hits that spot. It’s a love story with an aromantic which I really appreciated and felt was handled so beautifully in the text itself. Zabo writes both hot love scenes and more tender emotional moments with equal deftness, and I truly love their other stories set in this world. 

On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong

I have only just started reading this but even just a few chapters in I knew I wanted to include Vuong's work here because the prose is so stunning even as the story being told is devastating. It is a story about the enduring trauma of war, the pain of America’s razor sharp boundaries to the immigrants who shape her, and above all the beauty of living on this Earth through it all. 

You can also check out my upcoming military science fiction adventure HOLD FAST THROUGH THE FIRE about an Interceptor crew of the NeoG (think Space Coast Guard) learning about trust, betrayal, and what truly makes a family stick together. This book is a companion novel to A PALE LIGHT IN THE BLACK and drops on July 27th. 

K.B. Wagers is the author of the Indranan and Farian War trilogies from Orbit Books and the NeoG Adventures from Harper Voyager. They are a fan of whiskey and cats, Jupiter Ascending and the Muppets. You can find them on Twitter @kbwagers and Instagram @midwaybrawler for political commentary, plant photos, and video game play-throughs. 

One of the ways we experience togetherness is through music. We asked Team Knix for their go-to Pride anthems and favorite songs by queer artists. Hit play below to get the Pride party started! 

Becca lounging in Knix's Ruffle One-Piece 

What’s the best travel adventure you’ve ever been on?

I am so fortunate to have so many. I went to Japan in 2019 and it was one of the most amazing trips of my life. The people, the culture, the food— everything was amazing! I was able to see so much in a short amount of time and I can't wait to go back and see more! I always tell people they have to go to Japan!

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A post shared by Becca Tilley (@beccatilley)

Describe your dream vacation. What’s on your destination to-do list? 

My dream vacation is somewhere tropical with see-through blue water. I love warm water with a drink in my hand and white sand! I don’t mind adventures when I am on vacation. I like to explore and I LOVE being on a boat. It's also very important to have room service and good food. At the end of the day, I just love traveling and seeing the world with people I love!  

A suit for everyone, check out the entire Swim 2021 Collection here

Tell us about your podcast Scrubbing In! 

My podcast Scrubbing In is basically just me and my best friend Tanya having girl chats. We could not be more opposite in almost everything which makes for so many funny conversations. The name came from my love for Grey's Anatomy! I have been a loyal viewer forever and wanted my podcast name to be a fun play off of my obsession with Grey's! 

What are 5 of your fav "Must-Watch" shows of all time? 

FRIENDS (I can't wait for the reunion special), Grey’s Anatomy, Dawson's Creek, and the limited series Little Fires Everywhere. To be honest I can't even think of a fifth one because usually I just start a series, watch a few seasons and then I will just stop out of nowhere— so I never know what happens. So I'll say Bachelor in Paradise, ha! 

If you could pick any fictional TV character to be the Bachelorette, who would it be? 

Rachel Green, hands down! Or Meredith Grey, because *spoiler alert* — they killed McDreamy. She would be fun to watch because she wouldn't put up with any of the antics! 

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A post shared by Becca Tilley (@beccatilley)

What’s something you’re proudest of accomplishing in the last year? 

I just bought a house! It was a goal I set and I feel so proud that I was able to accomplish it. I feel very adult!! 

Knix's 2021 Swim Collection is front-crawling faster than we expected— flutter kick here to snag a suit! 

With spring being sprung, it's the perfect time to clean, DIY, organize, and re-energize. And we want to help you! Click play on Knix's Spring Cleaning Playlist, and you'll be dancing and dusting in no time. 

Need help getting started? Check out the articles below for some inspo! 

For decluttering: How to Organize Your Underwear Drawer

For breathing new life: The Spring Houseplant Guide 

For clearing your energy: 6 Tips for Meditating Outside 

For putting your best face forward: Transitioning Your Skincare for the Summer

Last night’s 63rd Grammy Awards was a celebration of the music that touched our lives and saved our souls these past few months. And between the Harry Styles boa moment that will forever be implanted in my brain to Cardi B’s giant silk bed, there was definitely a lot to celebrate—  especially when it came to the women whose music we streamed for hours on end this year. If you performed Doja Cat’s Say So in the mirror or turned weepy every time Phoebe Bridgers came on shuffle on a rainy car ride (just me?), you know that it was oftentimes girl power that really helped you through. 

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It was a big night for our favs here at Knix HQ, starting with a win that happened even before the 836 hour long televised award show had begun: Blue Ivy Carter swooping in with her first (and certainly not her last) Grammy win at the wise, old age of 9. Her award for Best Music Video set the stage for an even bigger win from her lesser known mother— Beyoncé.

Sneaking in mid-way to casually say hi to Megan Thee Stallion, Beyoncé snagged wins for Best R&B Performance and Best Rap Performance, making her the most awarded Grammy singer of all time. With a total of 28 wins, Bey told everyone watching:

As an artist, I believe it’s my job and all of our jobs to reflect the times and it’s been such a difficult time. So I wanted to uplift, encourage and celebrate all the beautiful Black kings and queens that continue to inspire me and inspire the whole world. 

*Cue our standing ovation*. She is an icon, she is a legend, and she will always be the moment. Seeing Beyoncé celebrate her career-long triumphs alongside Meg was definitely the spark we all needed. 

Knowles-Carter dynasty not included, I have some very strong opinions on who should have won some of the other categories (I only really listen to Lady Gaga, so you can probably figure it out). And while I may have a few controversial Folklore thoughts here and there, ultimately the Knix HQ group chat agreed on one thing— the girls of the Grammys really deserved everything and more. 

H.E.R. won Song of the Year for I Can’t Breathe, an emotional piece of music inspired by George Floyd’s death. Mickey Guyton was the first Black woman to be nominated for a Country Solo award and Cardi B gave us a performance that none of us blinked through. Taylor Swift’s Best Album win showed Scooter Braun that she can’t be messed with. The Haim sisters shredded, while Fiona Apple politely declined attending out of protest. And Dua Lipa gave us a full pop-star moment complete with outfit changes and choreo.

These women act as both a reflection of the past year— the hardships, the heartbreak, and the struggle, while also reminding us that what’s to come is hopeful. It’s joyous. It’s a song with a catchy chorus, sung screaming with friends. It’s bright strobe lights and loud bass and proclamations that you're unstoppable. It's community. 

No matter the genre, these artists are symbols of strength and perseverance. I’m so thankful they made music last year, and I'm equally grateful they make us feel hopeful, excited and ready for the future. If 2021 looks like Beyoncé and Megan sharing the stage, we just might be alright. 

Now I gotta go, I have an album to record. I need to catch up with Blue!

Click here to follow us on Twitter to see our fav Grammy fashion moments (and their matching Knix!)

So, on the doorstep of this bright new year, I made some reading resolutions and promises I plan to keep for myself, and I’m thrilled to be sharing some books to kick off 2021! From romantic comedies, to essay collections, there are a wide-range of entry points here, no matter your tastes. My main reading resolution of 2021 was to adventure into genres I wouldn’t normally try, and I invite you to let one of these selections surprise you. If you’re as devout a reader as I am (or not!), feel free to follow along with my reading journey on Instagram. I’ll be there (probably in my Knix Waffle Robe) chronicling the slog through my never ending TBR pile. 

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HOOD FEMINISM by Mikki Kendall

This brilliant and unflinching debut essay collection spotlights the shortcomings of the modern feminist movement and how white feminism’s blindness to other marginalized identities (such as race, class, physical ability, and queerness) continues the oppression of women. Along with her scorching, albeit fair, critique of an ever changing movement, Kendall also offers pathways forward for readers to practice a feminism that is inclusive of all. Hood Feminism is a must-read for everyone, but especially for white women who have co-opted the benefits of feminism for themselves. Don’t leave your anti-racist education in 2020.

SPOILER ALERT by Olivia Dade

Marcus Caster-Rupp, the hunky star of a successful fantasy television series takes hardcore fan, April Whittier, on a date after trolls flood the comments of her viral plus-size cosplay. Unbeknownst to April, they are both prolific fanfiction writers of the books the television show is based on—and they’ve known each other by their screen names for ages. Marcus can’t deny his quickly developing feelings for April, but he isn’t quite ready to risk his career to cop to this online persona. A fun, escapist celebration of plus-size bodies and dedicated fandoms everywhere, Spoiler Alert is a single-sitting read, regardless if you meant to or not!

THE COSMIC CALENDAR by Christopher Renstrom

Expert astrologer and horoscope writer Christopher Renstrom provides practical guidance for applying our personal astrology to real-life action and decision making. He encourages readers to think of their birth charts as individualized maps to lead them through the seasons of life, whether it be for personal development, romance, or their careers. For those who are using 2021 as a fresh start, Renstrom’s useful final chapter breaks down each planet and placement to help readers create an optimal plan for the year ahead. Here’s to finally being prepared for anything!

THE DIVINES by Ellie Eaton 

St. John the Divine, an elite all-girls boarding school in Britain, was forced to close in the 90s after a violent scandal. Josephine has not spoken to her classmates since the school’s dissolution, but a visit to the former grounds prompts ghostly, hazy memories of teenagerhood. Cruel, disloyal, and overtly sexual, the girls of Divine once thought themselves invincible, but Josephine now grapples with the history of her formative experiences and the consequences the Divine never faced for their most dire transgressions. Eaton’s coming-of-age debut is a provocative and spine-tingling portrait of class division and the high-school cool girl, and if you’re a die-hard fan of the dark academia trend you can’t miss this evocative entry.

HONEY GIRL by Morgan Rogers

Grace Porter has a PhD in astronomy, celebrating her newly minted doctorate with an out-of-character girl’s trip to Vegas and a drunken marriage to a stranger. This staggering divergence from her usual behavior has Grace questioning her ex-military father’s best laid plans for her career, especially in a field dominated by white men. With the summer stretching ahead, Grace uproots her life in Portland to follow her new wife, radio storyteller Yuki Yamamoto, to New York. This delightful debut shines in its gauzy, lyrical prose, offering a safe place for readers to land in their first books of 2021.

 I hope 2021 brings you some new favorite reads. Happy New Year!

To celebrate our comfiest collection yet, we caught up with Team Knix to learn all about their favorite movies to cuddle up to. Grab some popcorn and pour yourself a steaming mug of hot chocolate— it’s time to hit play on Knix's feel good flicks, and meet our new loungewear collection.  

The Holiday

Andie: My fav cozy movie is The Holiday. When my life gets stressful, I envision ditching everything to move to a cottage in The Cotswolds. Jude Law is also there.

Elizabeth: The only cozy movie worth mentioning is The Holiday. First of all, both the writer and director are women and you can tell because the fantasy is that you can be snuggled up in a little English cottage and an emotionally available widower will open up to you. OR that you can be a shy country girl in a huge LA mansion and a funny, vibrant musician will realize that you'd treat him better than anyone else. Also it's Christmas.

How to Lounge: With a selection of our new lounge accessories, we’d recommend the Cozzzy Beanie Hat. A first for Knix, it’s the perfect hat for channeling Cameron Diaz at Rosehill Cottage. 

Bridget Jones’s Diary 

Neha: There’s just enough Christmas to make you happy, but so much English charm and two hunky men fighting over a woman who hasn’t got her shit together (read: a normal person). What’s not to love? It also has a highly sing-along-able soundtrack. 

How to Lounge: If there’s one thing Bridget Jones is into (besides Colin Firth), it’s a matching PJ set. Now with pants, Knix’s 2-Piece Modal Sleep Set is our pick for settling in with some Ben & Jerry’s on a Saturday night. 

My Best Friend’s Wedding 

Christina: Every year at Christmas I would visit my grandparents in New Brunswick. They had no cable and a very limited selection of VHS movies (remember those?) that they would use when they went on bus tours to Maine. One of those movies happened to be My Best Friend’s Wedding. It became a Christmas tradition to sucker my younger brother into watching it with me every year. I QUICKLY learned that the key to this movie (and getting the happy ending everyone wanted) is to stop it when Julia Roberts confesses her love to Dermont Mulroney and they kiss in the gazebo. I repeat, no other ending matters. To this day I still cozy up at Christmas to watch this classic, just instead of VHS it’s on Netflix and instead of hot chocolate, it’s with wine.

How to Lounge: While Queen Julia Roberts' face mask doesn’t go nearly as planned in this movie, we’d recommend doing your night-time skin care routine in the Sea Salt Waffle Robe. 

The Sex and the City Movie 

Suzanne: The fashion, the Mexico trip, Carrie's brown hair, the apartment makeover! Plus, the scene where Carrie calls Big when he doesn't show up always makes me cry. (BUT I don't think she should've forgiven him after all he put her through— just as a side note)

How to Lounge: No matter if you’re a Carrie, Miranda, Samantha or Charlotte, we just KNOW that all four would love the luxuriousness and coordination of our new Cozzzy Crew Top and matching Cozzzy Track Pants. We couldn’t help but wonder… could they be more comfortable?

The Sound of Music

Maxine: I love the music! It’s a movie I watched growing up and would always sing along to the soundtrack in the car. And Julie Andrews is a dream.

How to Lounge: How do you solve a problem like Maria? You wrap yourself in Knix’s new Cozzzy Blanket and twirl around in your living room. 

Harry Potter

Kailee: My COZZZY movie is any of the Harry Potters! I just love watching them on a relaxing day because I've seen them so many times and they’re just comforting, imaginative, easy and fun. I can't choose which is my favorite, I feel like it always fluctuates. The first one is especially cozy though.

How to Lounge: We’re not saying our Cozzzy Cardigan gives sexy Dumbledore vibes. But we’re not not saying that either. 

Frozen

Christina G: The best! Why? Because it’s not your typical “princess gets saved by a prince” movie. It’s about finding yourself, being true to who you are and the importance of love and family. Also, the music is the best!

How to Lounge: The perfect accessory for when you’re actually frozen, the limited edition Cozzzy Scarf will make you feel extra toasty. The cold will NEVER bother you anymore! 

Shop our entire Lounge Collection here, and make sure to DM us your cozy movie picks over on @knixwear! 

That's Megan reading in the middle of the Dead Sea! 

Summer may be coming to an end, but that doesn't mean it's too late to add a few titles to your summer reading list! Although many readers have turned to books for comfort and escape during this turbulent year, many others have found it difficult to focus on reading anything longer than a tweet. The publishing industry also faced major challenges this year; many publication dates have been pushed back by months (or even into next year!), and authors who did publish new books in the first half of this year were forced to cancel book tours and other marketing events, which means there are a lot of great new books that didn’t get the attention they deserved. So today, we bring you a list of excellent books released in 2020 that should not be overlooked. Enjoy!

So We Can Glow by Leesa Cross-Smith

When I have trouble focusing on reading (like in the midst of a pandemic), I reach for a short story collection. Written to be digested in small chunks, story collections are perfect for distracted readers as well as generally busy people. This collection contains more than 40 beautifully written stories (some of which are only one page long) about women and desire.

Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

The other type of book that can usually pull me out of a reading slump is a well-written mystery or thriller. Mexican Gothic has been high on my summer reading list, so maybe after sharing it with all of you I will finally read it myself! Described by multiple trusted reader friends as “spine-tingling” and “creepy,” this Gothic novel set in Mexico sounds like a delicious escapist read to round out the summer.

Lakewood by Megan Giddings

This book has been out since March and has less than 2,000 ratings on Goodreads so … more people need to read this book!! This debut novel featuring a young woman who signs up for a mysterious study to earn some much-needed income was horrifying and unputdownable. It has been appropriately recommended for fans of Get Out and The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks.

The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett

Fortunately for sophomore author Brit Bennett, this book did get a lot of attention this year, and every bit of it is well deserved! I loved Bennett’s debut, The Mothers, a few years ago, and I’m pleased to report she’s outdone herself with this historical novel featuring twin sisters from a small town in Louisiana populated almost entirely by light-skinned Black people.

The Voting Booth by Brandy Colbert

For a quick read that is heartwarming without shying away from important topics, this delightful young adult novel takes place all in one day: Election Day in the United States. Alternating between two perspectives, the novel tells the story of two teens who meet at a polling place and provides a refreshing portrait of civically engaged young people.

Love After Love by Ingrid Persaud

For fans of literary fiction, this debut novel by Trinidadian author Ingrid Persaud will transport you to the Caribbean for an emotional journey told by three characters: Betty, a young widow; Solo, her son; and Mr. Chetan, Betty’s coworker who moves in with the family. This book contains long-buried family secrets, passionate romance and lifelong friendship, and descriptions of delicious Caribbean dishes that will make your mouth water!

You Had Me at Hola by Alexis Daria

Looking for something steamy to heat up your summer? This romance features Jasmine, a Filipina and Puerto Rican actress who is on a mission to become the leading lady of her life, without any romantic distractions. In true romance novel fashion, a temptation immediately presents itself in the form of Ashton, who plays her love interest in a new telenovela. Scenes from the telenovela are interspersed throughout the novel, so you get two romances in one!

Sea Wife by Amity Gaige

This book features a couple with two young children who decide to leave their uninspiring life in the Connecticut suburbs to live on a sailboat in the Carribean. What could go wrong, right? The setting of this story definitely qualifies as an escapist read for those who are itching to travel after a summer stuck at home, but Sea Wife is also a smart and introspective novel about marriage and parenting, especially within the constraints of societal expectations.

Happy reading!

286-305 AD: For Goddesses and Warriors 

Bikinis are retro. It might be surprising, but female athletes are depicted on Greco-Roman urns and paintings wearing bikinis as early as 1400 BC. One of the most notable early artworks is the Coronation of the Winner mosaic found on the floor of a Roman villa in Sicily, that dates back to around 286-305 AD. Ten maidens dubbed the “Bikini Girls” by historians are shown weightlifting, discus throwing and running... all while donning the iconic two-piece. Talk about goddesses! 

Source: Coronation of the Winners, aka the Bikini girls mosaic

The 1910s: Covering up with decency laws

Western swimsuits in the 18th century were anything but bikinis. Made of thick wool or flannel, women often wore bathing gowns that were full-sleeve and ankle length— all in the name of modesty of course (we’re sweating just thinking about it). Women’s swimwear got a jolt in 1907 however, when badass Australian swimmer Annette Kellerman was arrested on a Boston beach for wearing a form fitting, sleeveless suit that she adopted from Europe. This started influencing women to start wearing things a little... lighter to swim. Team Annette!

Source: Annette Kellerman in her scandalous swimmer 

A few years later, inspired by the introduction of women competing in Olympic swimming, designer Carl Jantzen created the first functional two-piece swimsuit. It was a close-fitting costume (thanks Annette for the inspo!) except with shorts on the bottom and short sleeves on the top. Now we’re getting somewhere.

The 1930s: Time to tan 

Swimsuits began to reflect the trend of “tanning” at bathhouses, outdoor spas, and beaches. With the introduction of latex and nylon, gone were the days of heavy flannel in the water. Manufacturers started lowering necklines, sleeves and also began making straps thinner which allowed women to get their tan on. 

These suits also started becoming Hollywood approved, with actress Dolores del Rio sporting a two-piece swimsuit in the 1933 movie Flying Down to Rio. This wasn’t done without controversy however, and a year later the United States Motion Picture Production Code (also known as the Hays Code) prohibited the display of navels in Hollywood on the big screen. 

Source: Dolores Del Rio in her famous 2-piece swimsuit (not a belly button in sight!) 

The 1940s: Introducing the bikini 

The modern day bikini was born out of a very simple equation: French designers began designing fashions that reflected the care-free liberated mood after WWII ended, all while fabric remained in short supply.

In 1946, designer Jacques Helm launched a two-piece bather he called the atome, after the smallest particle of matter. To compete with Helm, engineer Louis Réard designed a more revealing version and debuted it a few days after the first test of an American nuclear weapon at the Bikini Atoll. The word bikini was already a word on everyone’s lips, so Réard jumped at the buzzy name. “Like the [atom] bomb, the bikini is small and devastating”, Réard announced. 

Réard hired model and dancer Micheline Bernardini to model the bikini, and it immediately caught waves. And while she received 50,000 fan letters (many from men), the bikini became more than just a revealing, controversial piece of clothing. French newspaper Le Figaro said it best, “For women, wearing a bikini signalled a kind of second liberation. There was really nothing sexual about this. It was instead a celebration of freedom and a return to the joys in life”. 

Source: Micheline Bernardini posing in the first ever bikini. The box she's holding? The bikini could fit in it. 

The 1950s: Glamour Shots

During the 1950s, Hollywood stars ushered in the bikini’s popularity. Icon like Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, Esther Williams, Ava Gardner and Rita Hayworth all posed in bikinis for glamour shots, which helped catapult this bathing suit into the mainstream. Pin-up modelling was also super popular, making these pics widely circulated on both sides of the Atlantic. They hit Brazil too, with Elvira Pagã walking the 1950 Rio Carnival in a golden bikini— starting the bikini tradition of the carnival. 

Source: Elvira Pagã the first Rio Carnival Queen 

But debates also heavily swirled when it came to bikinis. Some women regarded them as being freeing and empowering, while others thought the exposure was degrading and unnecessary. Regardless, it was clear bikinis were here to stay. 

The 1960 and 1970s: Body Ideals

With the song Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini ushering in the 1960s, one thing was certain: the bikini was officially part of pop culture.  Playboy featured a bikini on the cover shortly after, and the debut of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue followed. The naval-prohibiting Hays Code of the 1930s also dissolved, making way for more silver-screen depictions as well. One of the most notable was Raquel Welch’s fur bikini in the 1966 movie One Million Years B.C, which was later defined as the “definite look of the 1960s” (although we think fur might be just as uncomfortable as the wool and flannel from the 1910s)!

Source: We might stay away from the deer skin bikini on our next beach trip...

And while the bikini was catapulted into mainstream culture, so was the idea of what an “acceptable” bikini body was. In 1961 The New York Times reported that the bikini was only permissible for people “not too fat or too thin”, and famous etiquette writer Emily Post echoed that by writing that a bikini “is for the perfect figure only, and for the very young”. The concept of the “supermodel” also broke out shortly after this time, with models like Twiggy and Cheryl Tiegs showcasing in the mass media what the “ideal” female figure looked like. 

The 1980s: Sweatin’ to the Oldies 

Now the most popular swimsuit style on the market, the bikini continued to gain momentum with the rise of the 80’s fitness boom (Jane Fonda’s workout anyone?). With workouts that aimed to get rid of “bikini belly”, bikinis, body image and fitness became more and more intertwined with one another. 

Source: Jane Fonda kicking higher than we ever could 

The 1990s: A return to the Olympics 

Just like the maidens in the 1st century mosaic, women returned to wearing bikinis to play competitive sports in the 1990s. In 1994, the bikini became the required uniform for women’s Olympic volleyball. The bikini uniform made it’s debut at the 2000’s Olympics and drew huge crowds, largely in part to the sex appeal of the players.

While some professional volleyball players like Kerry Walsh have said she loves the uniforms, others like Gabrielle Reece have described them as uncomfortable, with lots of “yanking and fiddling”. Australian competitor Nicole Sanderson also said she found that regulating the bikini was “kind of disrespectful to the female players”. Ultimately, there was little choice for these professional volleyballers, which took away their agency and distracted from their incredible talent. 

Source: Game, set and match. Wait, is that tennis?

The 2000s: Wax on

Other things associated with bikini culture started having major booms too. Brazilian bikini waxes reached their peak influence when Carrie got her first wax in LA on Sex and the City. And not only did Carrie get her first wax, but lots of people who watched the episode did too. “I am totally bald”, Carrie told her friends, “And might I add… freezing”. 

Source: A chilly Carrie Bradshaw 

Today

The past one hundred years (and beyond) has seen women’s swimwear go through so many transformations. From wool dresses to garments the size of an “atom”, worn by ancient athletes to silver screen bombshells alike, one thing is true for bikinis in 2020: they are for everyone. 

It might take a bit of time to unlearn some of the body ideals that have saturated our lives for years, but brands like Knix are designing bikinis that are cute, practical and made for everyone.  The concept of one specific “bikini body” is becoming a thing of the past. No matter your size, shape or body hair, bikinis are for everybody.

Source: The Eleuthera Peakaboo Bikini is a stunner!

Chasing the kids around? At the beach with friends? Taking pics to remind yourself how hot you are? There’s a Knix swimwear for you. And your BFF. And your sister. And your mom. And heck, the neighbour too. 

When it comes to bikini culture in 2020, Knix Ambassador Kaylynn Marisol Campbell said it best: When you wear your swimsuit, it is a radical act of self-love and liberation for you, by you. Every time I choose to wear the swimsuit, I feel a little less afraid”. 

Shop the entire Knix Swim 2020 Collection here! 

ARIES: March 21 - April 19

Aries you are FIERCE. Which comes as no surprise as you’re the first fire sign of the entire zodiac. You also have enough energy to fuel the entire sky, so you need swim gear that can keep up with you. Our pick? The South Beach Scoop Top and Bondi High Rise Bottoms in Black. Not only is it 🔥, but it’s also functional enough to keep up with your every lap. 

TAURUS: April 20 - May 20

No one loves planet Earth more than you Taurus! You feel most at home surrounded by lots of plants and some grass underneath your toes. Why not have a swimsuit that celebrates all the good greenery you love? This summer, hit the outdoors with the Tamarindo One-Piece in Tropical! 

GEMINI: May 21 - June 20 

Gemini, you are ALWAYS looking to have fun! And while you might not be able to have the pool party of your dreams this summer, we can count on you to make your own fun—even if it’s just in your backyard. Get some help with the dual colored Eleuthera Peekaboo Top and Tulum Bottoms in Metallic Rib!

CANCER: June 21 - July 22

With the biggest hearts in the entire universe, you deserve a swimsuit that radiates just as much love and positive energy as your aura gives off! And we just know you’re going to love the Clearwater Peekaboo One-Piece in Watermelon. It’s a bright pink dream, just like you! 

LEO: July 23 - August 22

This summer, the spotlight is yours. You love when all eyes are on you, so get ready to absolutely SHINE in the South Beach Top and Bondi High Rise in Tropical. It’ll have the whole neighbourhood saying, “Who is that girl?” and “She looks familiar, was she on TV?”— which is music to your ears. 

VIRGO: August 23 - September 22

Virgo, there’s no time like the present to break out of your comfort zone! With the world turned upside down, there’s not much you can do except for doing your part by staying home. So #StayHome in swimwear that’s a bit different for you! The Clearwater One-Piece in Metallic Rib should do the trick.

LIBRA: September 23 - October 22

Represented by the scales, no one is as balanced as you are Libra! Which is why the Clearwater Peekaboo One-Piece in Black should be *click* added to cart! A perfect balance between sexy and comfortable, it’s the perfect bathing suit for you.

SCORPIO: October 23 - November 21 

Oooo Scorpio-- the mysterious, most dangerous and hottest sign in the solar system. Just because you thrive in the chilly fall, doesn’t mean you can’t work it in the summer! For you, the stars recommend the Eleuthera Peekaboo Top and Ipanema Cheeky Bottoms in Black! 

SAGITTARIUS: November 22 - December 21

The adventurers of the zodiac, you might be feeling a bit itchy without the prospect of travelling this year. Let the adventure come to you with the Clearwater One-Piece in the beautiful blue Santorini color. Just because you’re #StayingHome, doesn’t mean you can’t pretend you’re in Greece! 

CAPRICORN: December 22 - January 19

You’re always prepared to take on a challenge, and the Laguna Tankini will be right there with you through it all! Pair with a strong glass of lemonade, the biggest floppiest hat you can find, and sunglasses that make you feel like a boss, and you’ll be ready to tackle anything this summer. 

AQUARIUS: January 20 - February 18

A trend-setter in all seasons, you’re looking for swimwear that only you can pull off (but others will undoubtedly try to replicate in years to come). Keep them guessing this summer by mixing and matching the South Beach Scoop Top in Santorini and the Bondi High Rise Bottoms in Watermelon! 

PISCES: February 19 - March 20

The fish of the zodiac, you’re in your element (literally) when you’re swimming! Have your swimwear match your happy place (the deepest bluest ocean), with the Tamarindo One-Piece in Santorini. 

Agree with the stars? Or did you go for something completely different? Either way, we just know you're going to look like a swimsuit model. Let us know @Knixwear! 

Read on to find out your Halloween costume theme, your badass babe inspo, and how Knix can help you get ready. 

COSTUME: Tennis Player

INSPO: Serena Williams

KNIX TREAT: The Catalyst. You may not be playing for Wimbledon, but any good Halloween dance party may have your boobs *swinging*. Lock em’ down, monster mash the night away, and take the Catalyst with you on your next tennis lesson. Game, set, and match. 

COSTUME: Activist

INSPO: Gloria Steinem, Angela Davis, Greta Thunberg

KNIX TRICK: The Leakproof Bikini. While Leakproof undies are perfect for accidentally peeing your pants after a haunted house spook, they’re also a sustainable period product. Each wear holds up to two tampons (3 tsps of liquid), and can be worn and washed over and over again. Do it for Greta!

COSTUME: Scientist

INSPO: Marie Curie

KNIX TREAT: The V-Neck Evolution Bra. Not only is it a name that Darwin would approve of, but you’ll find you have perfect chemistry with it as well. A wireless bra that’s just as supportive as a bra with wires? Removable cups for versatility? Sounds like the perfect formula for the perfect bra.

COSTUME: Baby

INSPO: North West

KNIX TRICK: CoreLove High Rise. Forget diapers! North would never wear something so unglamorous. And neither should you, even if you’re playing a toddler for the night. These leakproof, high-rise compression undies are the perfect alternative. They’re in our postpartum collection, but anyone can wear them. Even if that someone is you, dressed as a baby on October 31st. 

COSTUME: Pop star

INSPO: Beyonce

KNIX TRICK: The Every Bodysuit. If the Knix Bodysuit existed in 2008, Beyonce would have insisted she wore it for the Single Ladies music video. We just know it. Comfy, versatile, and super easy to take off, it’ll make you the star of your Halloween party. You’ll be headlining Coachella in no time, I’ll bet my Grammy on it.

COSTUME: Witch 

INSPO: Elphaba from Wicked

KNIX TRICK: The Thighsaver. It’s a common misconception that we created the Thighsaver to make wearing dresses more comfortable. But actually, the Thighsaver was invented to prevent broom chafe. Hermione sent us an owl, Sabrina astral projected into our office, and the Wicked Witch of the West left us a message in the sky-- all saying that they needed something to wear while they rode into the night sky. Test it out or we’ll hex you! 

COSTUME: Judge

INSPO: The Notorious Ruth Bader Ginsberg

KNIX TREAT: High Rise Essential Underwear.  All rise, all rise. Order in the court! RBG is holding STRONG on the Supreme court, and you need underwear that works just as hard as she does. They’re super comfy with lots of coverage, so you’ll be saying “Court ADJOURNED” to all the other undies in your drawer. 

COSTUME: Queen

INSPO:  Daenerys Targaryen

KNIX TREAT: The Leakproof Thong. Fire cannot kill a dragon, but you on your period could. That’s how fierce you are. Scorpios, you are the perfect song of Ice and Fire— a water sign often mistaken for a fire sign. Keep them guessing (and keep yourself protected) with the Leakproof Thong. But in this ending, you snatch the crown.

COSTUME: Explorer

INSPO: Amelia Earhart

KNIX TRICK: The Evolution Tank. You’ll be flying high this Halloween with the Tank. Why? It’s got a built in bra, it’s wirefree, it’s moisture-wicking aaaaand our shipment didn’t disappear when we flew it over the Bermuda Triangle. It’s an absolute treasure. 

COSTUME: Ghost

INSPO: The Twins from The Shining

KNIX TREAT: The Evolution Bra. There’s nothing spooky about this bra, but our office medium tells us the Evo will be scaring all your underwire bras away. Did we mention it’s fully reversible? So just like the Twins, you’ll be getting two for the price of one. Hey, would you look at that! Our Ouija Board just spelled out “Add to Cart”. Chills! 

COSTUME: Astronaut

INSPO: Dr. Mae Jemison

KNIX TREAT: The Dream Short.  As the first Black woman in space-- Dr. Jemison is nothing short of an absolute dream. So even though you might not be qualified to work for NASA, shoot for the stars with the Dream Short! It’s one small step for woman, one giant leap for womankind. 

COSTUME: Mermaid 

INSPO: Ariel 

KNIX TRICK: 

We want to see you in your Knix! Tag us in your summer Instagram pics!

“I realized that I had in women what I always thought I got from men:

strength and reliability.”

 

In Text Me When You Get Home, Kayleen Schaefer explores the evolution of female friendship and the rare way in which a woman’s best friends will have her back like no one else can. Schaefer digs into the history of friendships among women and explores her own history with her friends through high school, college, and into adulthood. And of course, she defines the meaning behind the six words every woman knows so well: Text me when you get home.

“It’s a way women are saying, through our care for each other, that our friendships are not what society says they are.

We’re reclaiming them.”

Schaefer necessarily examines the evolving portrayal of women on screen. For years, women have been known as being catty, callous, and downright mean to each other. Moving between pop culture references of female friendship and interviews with her own friends and family members, Schaefer questions if girls were ever really mean girls or if television and film just made us believe we were. She celebrates how media is finally beginning to show friendships on screen that are as powerful and important as the ones we share in real life (watch Broad City, Insecure, and Big Little Lies for evidence).

“If you dig a little deeper, the stereotypes fall apart:

Not all mean girls are popular, and not all popular girls are mean.”  

My favourite part? Schaefer contacts her old high school “frenemy”, Renée, and the two meet up for lunch (brave!). They talk about how silly and unnecessary their high school dramas were; they are both working on repairing any damage done in those years. Shortly after returning to her hotel, Schaefer receives a text from Renée: “‘It was great to see you! Made it back! Let me know that you did too!’ In other words, text me when you get home.”

The book is a powerful testament to the flexible nature of female friendships. Through every life stage: education, career, travel, marriage, pregnancy (or not), moving across the country and back again, it’s your friends who have your back. “They are our advocates, who no matter what, make us feel like we won’t fail. They are the people who will struggle with us and who will stay with us. They are who we text when we get home.”

“Our friends are not our second choices.”

Are you reading anything that reaffirms how important it is to have a good support system? Share your recos with us at stories@knixwear.com

📚

"I’m currently reading (aka rereading for the 5th time) Tina Fey's Bossy Pants. It’s a great reminder of my potential to be a total badass." - Julia, Customer Empowerment

"I love mystery novels in the summer, so I’m reading Kate Atkinson’s Jackson Brodie detective series. They’re super British and super twisty, and her language is utterly gorgeous." - Meghan, Content Writer

"I just finished Toni Morrison’s God Help The Child — in, like, a day and a half, because it's fantastic."- Hannah, Customer Empowerment

"The Red Rising Trilogy! Because: #1 it is AWESOME (think Hunger Games meets Game of Thrones) and #2, I am a super into sci-fi." - Joanna, Founder & CEO

"Soooo, it’s not highbrow literature, but it's a damn good summer read: Paula Hawkins’ Into the Water." - Victoria, Community Manager

"I love a good beach read, so I’m super into The Husband’s Secret. It’s the fifth novel by Liane Moriarty, who wrote Big Little Lies."  - Rim Tesfai, Customer Empowerment 

Photo by Rachel Lees on Unsplash