Model Lynn Jones shows off a bikini underwater in 1955.
Anniversary of the bikini —
Model Lynn Jones shows off a bikini underwater in 1955.
Peter Stackpole—Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images
Although two-piece swimsuits -- like this one worn by a sunbather in France in 1945 -- had already been around for decades, a Frenchman named Louis Reard officially introduced the bikini on July 5, 1946. His idea was to fashion a garment, using as little fabric as possible, that could still be legally worn in public.
Anniversary of the bikini —
Although two-piece swimsuits -- like this one worn by a sunbather in France in 1945 -- had already been around for decades, a Frenchman named Louis Reard officially introduced the bikini on July 5, 1946. His idea was to fashion a garment, using as little fabric as possible, that could still be legally worn in public.
Ralph Morse—Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images
Jayne Mansfield poses with hot-water bottle likenesses floating around her in 1957.
Anniversary of the bikini —
Jayne Mansfield poses with hot-water bottle likenesses floating around her in 1957.
Allan Grant—Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images
Model June Pickney sports a bikini in 1960.
Anniversary of the bikini —
Model June Pickney sports a bikini in 1960.
Stan Wayman—Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images
Beach-goers wear bikinis near Malibu, California, in 1970. See more bikinis over the years at <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Flife.time.com%2Fculture%2Fthe-bikini-photos-of-a-summer-fashion-staple" target="_blank" target="_blank">LIFE.com</a>.
Anniversary of the bikini —
Beach-goers wear bikinis near Malibu, California, in 1970. See more bikinis over the years at LIFE.com.
Co Rentmeester—Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images