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history of flip flops

If you thought that the flip flop was a new, fandangled piece of fashion brilliance, think again. The flip flop has been around for a while; just not quite in the form of the gorgeous Ipanemas you’ve got the choice of today. We’ve summarised a little of where the madness behind the genius all began, to improve your all-important knowledge of flip flop history.
Flip flops were the footwear of choice for the Pharaohs of Ancient Egyptians who knew a thing or two about snappy dressing. Check out these solid gold numbers that belonged toTutankhamun and werefound in hissarcophagus to help him step smartly into the after life.They date right back to 1300 BC and are certainly the oldest and most expensive,if not the most comfortablepair, From there, flip flops were on the feet of every conquering civilisation, from the Chinese to the Greeks and Romans.
egyptian flip flop

It seemed that the flip flop really came into its own when Western Culture began to explode and spread across the world, becoming particularly noticeable on the feet of folk in hotter countries. Since then, the flip flop has grown and grown in popularity and is now the essential footwear for when the weather is hot (and even when it’s not in the case of some brave souls!)

history of havaianas flip flop
Havaianas, the Brazilian flip flop brand popular worldwide, has an interesting history, so let’s take a look.
In 1962, the São Paulo Alpargatas company began to produce a sandal based on the design of the Japanese flip flop, called the zori. However, instead of using straw to make them, they used rubber, which made a very comfortable and durable sandal. In the 1960s, Havaianas were sold at small, neighborhood stores for a low price, and were purchased exclusively by the lower classes. For this reason, Havaianas were known as “chinelos de pobre” (poor man’s flip flops) during this period.
Nevertheless, Havaianas were very successful at the time, selling a thousand pairs a day. Due to their popularity, many imitator brands arose, and in 1970 Havaianas came out with a new campaign called “Havaianas: As Legítimas” (Havaianas: the Legitimate Ones) to try to beat the competition.

It wasn’t until 1994 that Havaianas became a success with the middle and upper classes in Brazil. Some Brazilians say it is because foreign tourists began buying the brand, but it was also because of a change in design. In this year, the company released a new line of monochromatic sandals andby 1996,Havaianas had truly become a national brand, reaching new consumers all over the country. Two years later, the brand released a special edition flip flop, Havaianas Brazil, in honor of the World Cup. The small Brazilian flag logo would be Havaianas’new trademark.

By 2000, the brand became a hit with celebrities and models, and the following year Havaianas began exporting their flip flops. Now wildly popular from the US to Australia, Havaianas have been featured in important retail stores, high end fashion shows, and even the Oscars. There are now nearly twenty different lines of Havaianas for men, women, children and babies, and an estimated 160 million flip flops are sold every year.
history of ipanema flip flop
Ipanema is an endless white strip of sand in south Rio.
Home to the world's most beautiful people, it is the place to be seen in Brazil’s steaming mix of cool bars, hot clubs and bare beach culture. Latin rhythms and chilled bossa nova grooves are the soundtrack to the tropical days and the long hot nights.
This is the inspiration for Ipanema - Brazil’s favourite flip flops.
Ipanema is the choice of Brazilian goddess, supermodel and beach babe, Gisele Bundchen. She slips into her own range of beautiful Ipanemas to take her from beach to bar.

Only Ipanema flip flops are made from a unique buttersoft PVC suitable for vegetarians. Specialised moulding creates a sole that’s sublimely soft and guarantees you a perfectly padded underfoot. Industrial residues, painting residues, surplus PVC and the water used in production are 99% recycled. Whether you choose to stroll about all day, or only walk as far as the ice cream stall, you can be sure your feet will be in first-class comfort.