FROM the back, it
looks like a girl has thrown caution to
the wind. Turn around and it seems like a
strapless bra without any visible means of
support.
 But from a sunbather's point of view, this
tiny strip of material could be the answer
to a tanning dilemma.
The Demikini, as it is known, is a
backless bikini top that does away with
the need to readjust straps in pursuit of
the perfect line-free tan.
Thanks to a gel usually used in
surgery, it has amazing sticking power,
staying perfectly in place.
Former teacher Jill Silver, 46, came up
with the idea on holiday in Majorca,
Spain, five years ago.
"I sat up and had what I call a
'clutch-moment' - which is when you hold
your bikini to your chest to look modest,"
she said.
"I turned round to my husband and said
'I know what I really want . . . a
backless, strapless bikini top'. It was a
real lightbulb moment.
"I felt that sunbathing could be a real
chore and that I was always working hard
to eliminate the strap marks and lines
from the day before.
"I wanted an even tan, with no
fastening and unfastening, positioning and
re-positioning of ties and straps."
The gel, which holds the top in place
under the arms, is already on the fabric
and lasts for about 15 wears.
The first batch of Demikinis will come
with an extra supply of gel.
"The gel feels very comfortable and
cooling and lets the wearer jump and
bounce around as much as they want," Mrs
Silver said.
The mother of two, who lives near
Altrincham, Manchester, road-tested the
top on summer holiday.
"I saw a lot of slightly puzzled looks
that turned into stupefied gazes as I
passed by," she said.
The Demikini goes on sale in Britain
this week for around £26 ($65). Matching
briefs cost pound £10 ($25).
Because the gel loses its sticking
power in water, the top is for dry land.
Only those who really wouldn't mind
going topless should dare take a dip.
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