Why are Bikinis so Expensive?

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Photo Illustration: Marcella Orlandini

Some interesting bikini styles can spice up any summer wardrobe.

Marcella Orlandini, Writer
May 11, 2023

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Going over 50 is a stretch, which is why I tend to buy my bikinis at a thrifting store.

— Chloe Rusieco

SUMMER TIME

With summer around the corner, thankfully, it is no surprise how some might have already started going on little shopping spree to find those two or three bikini sets which look absolutely perfect while stranded on the beaches of your summer vacation spot.

But why is it that the price for a single bikini top or bottom has been absurdly high? Some might even state how ridiculous the prices are given that there are numerous options.

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Teenage girls tend to wear bikinis more frequently than elderly women, and us teens typically rely on our allowances and spending either all of it or most of it on bikinis seems too irrational.

— Sunshine Garcia

BIKINI COSTS RISE

The cost of bikinis can vary depending on a number of things. Here are some explanations as to why bikinis may be pricey:

  1. Material quality: Premium fabrics that are long-lasting, incredibly elastic, and offer a pleasant fit are frequently used in high-quality bikinis. The cost of these fabrics may be higher than that of inferior materials, raising the bikini’s overall price.
  2. Design and craftsmanship: Exquisite designs, distinctive patterns, or decorations are frequently used in designer bikinis or those produced by luxury firms. Such bikinis require excellent craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail during the design and creation processes, which might increase the cost.
  3. Brand reputation: Established and well-known brands tend to have higher price points due to their reputation and brand value. Customers are frequently prepared to pay more for the perceived distinction and quality attached to particular brands.
  4. Limited editions or exclusivity: Due to their rarity, limited edition or exclusive bikini collections frequently have higher prices. Due to its exclusivity, a bikini that is created in small quantities or is exclusively accessible through specific channels may attract a premium price.
  5. Costs of manufacturing and labor: The price of making bikinis can differ depending on where it was made and how much labor was required. The production costs may be reflected towards the final price, if the bikinis are created in nations with greater labor costs or with respect for fair labor practices.
  6. Bikinis’ overall price may be impacted by the expense of marketing and distributing them. Companies spend money promoting, branding, and advertising their goods, and they charge customers for these services.
  7. Tariffs and taxes on import and export may apply to bikinis that are made in one nation and sold in another, which will raise the retail cost of those items.

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/14/style/bathing-suits-construction-price.html