Fashion

Bikinis throughout history

While two-piece bathing suits may have existed since the Greco Romans, French car engineer Louis Réard created the modern bikini in May 1946. He named it after the Bikini Atoll nuclear tests, assuming people would be shocked by their revealing nature. Girls and women may flock to the beach in bikinis without much thought these days, but back then showing off your belly button was surprising and even scandalous. We all know how tricky it can be to find the perfect two-piece swimsuit (Bo Derek and Farrah Fawcett looked fab, but they rocked one-pieces!), so we’re paying tribute to the most iconic bikinis in history that got us bathing beauties where we are today. Happy 55th, birthday, bikini! May you retain your beauty and elasticity for many years to come.

May 24, 2011