Its' been an iconic French symbol of anti-conservatism, feminism and pride since the '60s- women sunbathing half-naked on beaches across the country.
But a recent poll from Elle magazine indicates a shift in the French wind. More young women are opting to keep their bathing suit tops on and their breasts out of the sun. There are many reasons for the dying trend, from fashion to financial, all of which suggest a "Millennial Generation" return to modesty, according to the Associated Press.
"I've never done it," 22-year-old Sandra Riahi told the AP from a beach in Paris. "I'd be too embarrassed."
Only 2 percent of French woman age 35 and under are fine with ditching their bikini tops, according to Elle's summer poll.
Topless sunbathing took France by storm in the '60s, spearheaded by feminists who claimed men shouldn't be the only ones allowed to go topless. The French government complied, ignoring backlash from the Vatican and conservatives who were offended by the brazen nakedness, the AP reported.
But one expert noted that modern women may not value feminism as much as the aging sunbathers of Generation X did.
"French young women today are more conformist. They've already attained freedom...So they've gotten lazy and taken it for granted," Jean-Claude Kauffman, author of "Women's Bodies, Men's Gaze. Sociology of Naked Breasts," told the AP.
Another reason is attributed to a shift in the fashion world's focus to one-piece bathing suits. Others say the trend is a sign of increasing "austerity" in the face of Europe's financial crisis," Kauffman told the AP. Even local authorities have posted signs in sunbathing areas like Monceau Park in Paris to remind women to cover up.
"If breast-baring is a sign of risk and revolution, covering up is a sign of safety. In uncertain times, you always dress more conservatively."
Bottom line, millennials just don't see the avant-garde joy in public nudity.
As 60-year-old Muriel Trazie said, "It's seen as vulgar. People are more prudish these days."
