Display MoreThey aren't rare, not as much as I experienced in Korea, especially on the beaches (local swimming pools were different).
But like I said, it is a thing though that almost depends on the type of crowd. The more conservative majority find the more western style bikinis that Shanon beach girls where a bit more shocking.
As a total aside, and kind of funny, until the more thong style bikinis became fashionable in the last few years, AUSTRALIAN beaches were somewhat more "conservative" with swimwear than what Europeans and Americans expected (as in fairly standard bikinis with full coverage at back were the standard), and they would complain and express shock online that they would be told to cover up by lifeguards if they had too much showing. Even now, Aussies debate online if thong style bikinis are appropriate at the beach...
Yeah, we would assume Australians would be less conservative. That being said in the US it depends on where you are, it is fine in most places but once you get to places like Mississippi, South Carolina def check the local laws etc.
If you are somewhere like Miami beach, LA, or most of Hawaii it's very normal/common.