Are bikinis always sinful?

[Sr_Sally]

**Bikinis are a bra and knicker set for the beach. **Yes, they are fashion however lacking in a certain modesty. Me and my mum wouldn’t wear a bikini but my gran would and my mum was ashamed. I’ve already written this on another link.

Tankinis are more modest or shorts, sarong and a top.

Absolutely agree. You’ll notice that serious swimmers always wear one-pieces, so the arguement about bikinis being easier to move in is rot. Especially at the beach and in the waves, it is more comfortable to be covered up more so you don’t always have to be worried about accidentally showing something you shouldn’t in a “wardrobe malfunction”.

I believe that bikinis are impractical, uncomfortable, and unhygenic. It’s more stupid fashion convincing woman that they have to wear uncomfortable clothes to be “pretty”. However, there isn’t really anything truly pretty about running around in your underwear. And to answer the OP, since it is almost always a near occasion of sin for the boys/men around, I do believe it is sinful for girls/women to wear them.

 

[jjb5985]

And that right there is how current culture and society is ruining people. Desensitization. If you’re exposed to enough graphic sexual content, enough breasts, or whatever that is exciting or shocking (this goes into violence as well), then it becomes more common and thus becomes “normal” in earthly standards.

What is “normal” should never be judged by what society dictates as the norm, but rather what human dignity requires, what is morally correct, and what is thus coherent with God’s Word and His Church.

All of this coming from a 21 year old guy.

True, but like someone else mentioned in this thread, in some cultures women are covered from head to toe, and in other cultures women’s breasts are fully exposed as the norm. The standards of modesty would be radically different depending on where we are.

So I’m not saying we shouldn’t have standards and nor do I believe we should we let standards continue to degrade over time until anything goes. But it’s more a matter of realizing that modesty will always be a little subjective and things like always sinful rouse up issues with my past scrupulosity.

 

[j2c99]

Counter question- Is it a sin to drive a nice car if you think it will make some of the people who see it jealous, even if that is not your intention?

I see what point you’re trying to make, but I don’t think your question will fly here.

A person’s body is much more in control as far as what is revealed and not revealed, than a person’s choice in car or accessory item in their possession. Sure, a hot sports car in the certain mindset of trying to tick people off could be of sinful nature… but wear a thong/bikini/‘tight bathing suit that reveals features that shouldn’t be shown unless in the bedroom’ is a direct control of that individual and their body. Was the smaller bathing suit worn because that person didn’t have enough money for one with more fabric and covering? No.

How people can allow culture to dictate what is morally acceptable, is beyond me… that’s like saying… Hey Satan! You want to be in at our next Council to review our moral laws? Culture never mixes with God and Truth, sadly in this day in age.

 

[Lost_Wanderer]

And that right there is how current culture and society is ruining people. Desensitization. If you’re exposed to enough graphic sexual content, enough breasts, or whatever that is exciting or shocking (this goes into violence as well), then it becomes more common and thus becomes “normal” in earthly standards.

Wait, wait, lemme get this straight. You’re saying because somebody isn’t turned on by a girl in a bikini (like, say, me for instance) and isn’t having lustful thoughts it is desensitization?

Then… wouldn’t that make it a good thing? :ehh:

And by the way, a swimsuit doesn’t have to be a bikini to turn people on. Ever heard of the word “mizugi”?

 

[RachelKH]

People get desensitized to violence by seeing or experiencing it often so that the senses get dulled and you are no longer shocked or outraged or troubled by it. You no longer feel the need to step in or do something to comfort those being violated. Seeing people all the time in revealing clothing or bikinis keeps a person in a kind of stage of heightened sexual awareness and clouds their thinking, making it harder to think of others as real people rather than bodies to use or enjoy w/o thought as to who the person actually is. The high might not be as high, but it still is a kind of buzz, and you don’t think any longer about how the body belongs to someone’s sister, daughter, wife, or mother. You just look and take and keep going.

 

[envchemist]

For the Catholic community, this is not an individual issue. It concerns the reaction of a man, any man, to a woman exposing 90% of her body in public. Her intentions matter as well.

Peace,
Ed

That was my point Ed. We are responsible BUT, you guys have so much more freedom in what you wear than we women do. You can imagine that if we went out topless we’d get arrested. A guy might be banned from a resturant, but that’s all. I won’t wear even a 2 piece. Right now I’m overweight and won’t get into a 1 piece—it’s shorts this summer. But it is just hard for me to understand how the sin is always just the woman’s if she is just trying to be comfortable, cool and get a tan. Just to go back to college when I did go out and sunbathe—again in a 1 piece—I got so aggravated by the guys hanging out at a building that overlooked my dorm that I quit. I got tired of the noise and the cat calls etc. I wasn’t inciting to lust, I was just trying to read a book and get a tan. But their behavior made that impossible. I took the extreme look at the Muslim behavior and the burkha to show what I mean by freedom. I just think there’s people out there that will always be exhibitionist and there’s the sin, but you guys have the freedom to look away. You are stronger than you think!

Renepape, I think your heart is in the right place. To get past scrupulousity is tough. I recommend “My Jesus, I trust in you.” He’ll tell you what to do.

Nydia

 

[RachelKH]

Men have more freedom because we are not as prone to lusting at men’s bodies as men are at the sight of women’s bodies.
I’m so tired of men being so weak that instead of looking away, trying to not look, thinking of women as more than bodies, they look first at the breasts and bottoms before they even notice there is a face with a brain behind it.

 

[Lost_Wanderer]

Seeing people all the time in revealing clothing or bikinis keeps a person in a kind of stage of heightened sexual awareness and clouds their thinking, making it harder to think of others as real people rather than bodies to use or enjoy w/o thought as to who the person actually is. The high might not be as high, but it still is a kind of buzz, and you don’t think any longer about how the body belongs to someone’s sister, daughter, wife, or mother. You just look and take and keep going.

Being in a state of heightened sexual awareness isn’t the same as not getting aroused.

P.S.

Almost forgot to mention.

People get desensitized to violence by seeing or experiencing it often so that the senses get dulled and you are no longer shocked or outraged or troubled by it. You no longer feel the need to step in or do something to comfort those being violated.

Violence isn’t always something where someone is violated but that’s another thread.

 

[SparkleFly]

I think that bikinis aren’t always sinful.

All the junk foods on the market can turn us to act in sinful ways to our body. Ex: the little kid buying the colorful cereal box just because it looks nice, but that cereal is loaded with empty calories, preservatives, etc. I personally believe, not taking care of your body (getting obese, depriving yourself of nutrients, smoking, etc.) is a worse sin than wearing a bikini (or swim trunks for the guys.) Just like we must learn that junk food isn’t good for our bodies and we must refrain from (or at least consume in moderation) the enticing colorful artificial dyes, packaging empty carb munchies, etc. if we want to keep healthy and take care of our bodies in which we call temples of God. The stores don’t need to go covering up boxes and removing the colorful icing from cupcakes, celebrities from cereal boxes, etc. we need to learn to make the right choice. Guys can control their lust and learn to see a person for whom she is, not a sex object. Think of all the beautiful women that are fully clothed–they could theoretically cause lustful thinking. That doesn’t mean we all walk around under blankets–men just need to be in control of their thoughts. I don’t believe there is anything wrong with saying someone looks nice in their outfit, but it’s when they envision nasty things about the person that it’s lustful (at least in my opinion.)

I say if she is wearing one to purposely seduce guys and use her body as a sex object, then that is wrong since she is much more than a sex object and God doesn’t want her to get used by some “playa”. God is a loving God and doesn’t want to see her allowing herself to “flesh with” some shallow guy that doesn’t truly love her.

Other than that, as long as it covers her, I see no problem with bikinis.

Men’s voice pitch can be seductive to women–so can eyes and facial symmetry. These things have been linked to reflect our health (having a more symmetrical face is indicative of a stronger immune system, women with a waist-hip-ratio of .7 (or close to it) are more fertile. This is actually used in fertility clinics to measure her chances of conception. This doesn’t mean that a more pear shaped woman or a guy with a high-pitched voice are less. We must look at people on the inside as well, I believe this rule is God enforcing that for our own benefit, NOT to name every clothing that doesn’t cover us completely, sinful, rather the attitudes we have towards it and not letting it lead us astray from his plan.

 

[epan]

Ok, first of all I want to let everyone know: I’m a guy. But when I go to the beach, I always guard against lusting after women, because it can be so easy. So do you think that when women wear bikinis it is always sinful? I mean if they’re not wearing them to incite lust in men, but just to get a tan or go for a swim, then do you think it is still sinful? Obviously modesty in dress depends on the culture, place, etc., so when we go to the beach we are expecting men and women to be showing more skin than at the local grocery store, let’s say. Also, some bikinis that are too revealing are I think sinful notwithstanding intent. But some are not as revealing as others. I know there are differing opinions about this, but I was wondering what others thought. Thanks for your (name removed by moderator)ut all!

I grew up in Hawaii and was exposed to minimally clad people since I was a kid. It is just normal there. I would say that the answer to your question depends on situation.

 

[SparkleFly]

Oh, and in addition to my post above… Adam and Eve wore next to nothing. The yummy apple God told them not to eat is what drove them to sin. I find this interesting, as it goes hand in hand with the whole junk food advertising comparison I made.

 

[jmjconder]

**OK…I am on a limb. I say “yes” it is sinful.

What is the reason for wearing a bikini vs a modest one piece. Is the water any different when you wear a bikini or a one piece. Is the swim any better? Is the sand any smoother? Is the sun any brighter?

Honestly - what is a good reason for wearing a bikini vs a one piece…a GOOD reason.

Myself? Cannot think of one.**

 

[utah_rose]

I think the “excuse” would probably be a better tan, but no I don’t think they should be worn either, outside of your your own pool that is.

Men will always be tempted no matter what. These two gentlemen say they’re not but I bet there’s lots more that are.

I used to think it would be okay for a little toddler girl, but then think of all the perverts out there.

There are all kinds of cute 1 piece bathing suits and you don’t have to pay a fortune for them–I buy mine at Wal Mart so no excuse.

 

[Kathryn_Ann]

Ask the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Do we dress the same way that we pray? Is it pleasing to God? In one of the Marian Apparitions, Our Most pure Mother warned that “certain fashions were going to be introduced that would offend God very much…” It doesn’t matter that it is the "norm in our western culture or not. Our bodies are not to be** put on display** for anyone.
(Spouses can step back from the public eye with reverent love for each other.)

I agree. Our culture has become so de-sensitized as to what is modest and what is not. Keep those bikinis (and immodest two piece suits for that matter) on the store racks where they can do no harm.

 

[jmjconder]

I say if she is wearing one to purposely seduce guys and use her body as a sex object, then that is wrong since she is much more than a sex object and God doesn’t want her to get used by some “playa”. God is a loving God and doesn’t want to see her allowing herself to “flesh with” some shallow guy that doesn’t truly love her.

**How would you know HER intentions…your example is the near occasion of sin committed by HER for him.

Why would anyone even consider the possiblities of this?

Ladies - close your eyes…one-piece/bikini? If there is a difference - convince me.**

 

[Paddy1989]

I suppose you could put the question forward that if someone was visiting you in your home would you be comfortable merely wearing your underwear??

 

[PJM]

=SparkleFly;9350123]I think that bikinis aren’t always sinful.

All the junk foods on the market can turn us to act in sinful ways to our body. Ex: the little kid buying the colorful cereal box just because it looks nice, but that cereal is loaded with empty calories, preservatives, etc. I personally believe, not taking care of your body (getting obese, depriving yourself of nutrients, smoking, etc.) is a worse sin than wearing a bikini (or swim trunks for the guys.) Just like we must learn that junk food isn’t good for our bodies and we must refrain from (or at least consume in moderation) the enticing colorful artificial dyes, packaging empty carb munchies, etc. if we want to keep healthy and take care of our bodies in which we call temples of God. The stores don’t need to go covering up boxes and removing the colorful icing from cupcakes, celebrities from cereal boxes, etc. we need to learn to make the right choice. Guys can control their lust and learn to see a person for whom she is, not a sex object. Think of all the beautiful women that are fully clothed–they could theoretically cause lustful thinking. That doesn’t mean we all walk around under blankets–men just need to be in control of their thoughts. I don’t believe there is anything wrong with saying someone looks nice in their outfit, but it’s when they envision nasty things about the person that it’s lustful (at least in my opinion.)

I say if she is wearing one to purposely seduce guys and use her body as a sex object, then that is wrong since she is much more than a sex object and God doesn’t want her to get used by some “playa”. God is a loving God and doesn’t want to see her allowing herself to “flesh with” some shallow guy that doesn’t truly love her.

Other than that, as long as it covers her, I see no problem with bikinis.

Men’s voice pitch can be seductive to women–so can eyes and facial symmetry. These things have been linked to reflect our health (having a more symmetrical face is indicative of a stronger immune system, women with a waist-hip-ratio of .7 (or close to it) are more fertile. This is actually used in fertility clinics to measure her chances of conception. This doesn’t mean that a more pear shaped woman or a guy with a high-pitched voice are less. We must look at people on the inside as well, I believe this rule is God enforcing that for our own benefit, NOT to name every clothing that doesn’t cover us completely, sinful, rather the attitudes we have towards it and not letting it lead us astray from his plan.

I DISAGREE,

Why?

The purpose of wearing one is to get PHYSICALLY [sexually] noticed. That is always a sinful act; perhaps NOT greviously [mortally]; but nevertheless a sinful act.

God Bless,
pat /PJM

 

[Paddy1989]

Men have more freedom because we are not as prone to lusting at men’s bodies as men are at the sight of women’s bodies.
I’m so tired of men being so weak that instead of looking away, trying to not look, thinking of women as more than bodies, they look first at the breasts and bottoms before they even notice there is a face with a brain behind it.

Not that this has much to do with this topic, i just thought i needed to defend the lad’s here . The problem with this is you must understand men do not have a button in their brain that they can switch on or off when being attracted to a woman and her figure, if we did we would rarely switch it on at all to save the hassle . Also you must understand that alot of these fashion’s were designed BY men FOR men many year’s ago, just because they have become the norm does not change the effect they were designed to create. A good strong man wouldn’t want to feel that he should have to look away from anyone, why should he? However if there are certain part’s at least partially exposed by the fashion one may wear his eyes will be automatically drawn to it, even if it’s just a glimpse he did not intend. Why? Because their wearing fashion’s that is designed to exaggerate certain part’s of the body to become the area that recieve’s most attention from anyone who look’s, male or female

The men you are talking about objectifying are more secular minded i would imagine who embrace such a mentality as normal, many secular women have no problem with it unfortunately

 

[SparkleFly]

Well, one purpose would be that they are a style that some people like. I’ve worn bikinis when I was a little kid, and still do. Now I make sure it covers me and isn’t like a string bikini (they aren’t all skimpy). While one piece swimsuits are nice, there’s nothing wrong with a well fitted bikini just like there’s nothing wrong with a guy wearing swim trunks with no shirt or one of those competitive swim suits that are basically like a bikini bottom. Another side point, it’s interesting that there is little debate over whether these are okay for guys. Sure I think guys with ripped abs and toned arms are good looking. Sure I think guys with a nice smile, deep voice, dark hair, etc. are good looking, but that doesn’t mean I go and act out in sinful ways (ex: like with the whole casual sex thing that’s going on with teens.) We naturally recognize these things, but it’s how we deal with recognizing it that matters.

I believe guys can help themselves. Like I said before, guys with deeper voices, attractive faces, of tall stature, etc. are seen as attractive due to the fact that people with these traits are more fertile and have better genetic quality. We also are attracted to people based on the pheromones they secrete. How can you hide someone’s height, make them stop talking, make them smell proof, etc. just because one may be attracted to it? We need to learn to face our temptations and find ways to deal with them, not run from them. I least I think so. If there was difficulty with persistent lust lurking in one’s mind, I believe it may be the result of suppressing it. People think anything to do with these thoughts are dirty, when really they are normal, occur in BOTH MEN AND WOMEN, even children as they develop (shown in Freud’s model of psychosexual development). When we suppress them and never talk about it in an appropriate context, all those built up suppressed thoughts eventually hit a breaking limit. Like what happened in the Catholic church with the child abuse scandals. I think it’s better to deal with it in a healthy way than cover it up. Take for example the interest in the science of sexuality during the Victorian era, through taking a scientific approach to understanding sexuality, they dealt in a healthy way.

 

[SparkleFly]

Another thing I just thought of in the argument against the idea that men can’t get over processing their lustful thoughts or thinking lustfully.

I took anatomy and physiology classes–we had to watch and perform dissections, 1/3 of the textbook had completely naked people. Our instructor knew that we are adults and able to handle it in a mature and respectful manner. We did.

Also, I had a chest reduction (partially so I could pull off everyday clothes in a more modest way–some bikini wearers do make an attempt to hide what should be hidden.) Like many of the other patients, I wasn’t allowed to wear clothes in the OR (it’s an infection hazard since they aren’t sterile). I was laying there naked for 5 hours, and prior to the surgery my doctor had to take and send photos to insurance, I had to go for exams, scans, etc. None of these health professionals got all weird about it–they have the mentality of professionals and can treat patients without thinking about lustful things. Think of all the male OB/GYNs out there.