On this day in 1946, the bikini was invented by Parisian fashion designer Louis Réard — and needless to say, the world has never been the same. The two-piece wonder is responsible for a lot of memorable moments in fashion and pop culture, from the teen stars gone bad in Spring Breakers to Phoebe Cates's red bikini scene in Fast Times at Ridgemont High to, well, many, many a Maxim cover.
The thing about this suit is that there's a variation for everyone, no matter your shape or style. Many of us can probably remember our very first bikini — and reminisce on all the bikinis that have come and gone from our swim drawers over the years (no matter how embarrassing some of them may be). One thing's for sure: This classic style's popularity shows no signs of waning, despite all the loud one-pieces and new takes on the tankini that threaten to take its place. To celebrate National Bikini Day, click on for 15 fresh suits to refresh your go-to two-piece.
An artful print makes for a double-tap-worthy vacation Instagram.
COS Printed Bikini Top, $35, available at COS; COS Printed Bikini Bottoms, $25, available at COS.
A two-tone colorway adds some interest to this classic bandeau two-piece.
Onia Allegra Bandeau Top, $85 $43, available at Onia; Onia Ashley Bottom, $80 $56, available at Onia.
No weird tan lines in sight with this barely-there bikini.
Mikoh Paia Top, $112, available at Mikoh; Mikoh Lahaina Bottom, $90, available at Mikoh.
Switch up your usual silhouette with an unexpected one-shoulder.
Rye Pop Bikini Crop Top, $90, available at Rye. Rye Pop Bikini Bottom, $90, available at Rye.
Modernize your classic two-piece with a high-waisted silhouette, supportive triangle top, and sophisticated fabric with a bit of a sheen.
Fifth Position Nina Bikini Top, $280, available at Fifth Position; Fifth Position High Waisted Bikini Bottom, $160, available at Fifth Position.
Take the beach wherever you go in this ocean-scene halter set.
Popoyo Reversible Bungee High Neck Bikini Top, $118 $88.50, available at Basta; Popoyo Reversible Bungee Retro Bikini Bottom, $114 $85.50, available at Basta.
If you won't be trying out bathing-suit layering on your own this year, this illusion swimsuit should do the trick.
Forever 21 Plus Size Layered Bikini Top, $19.90, available at Forever 21; Forever 21 Plus Size Bikini Bottoms, $17.90, available at Forever 21.
Contrast seams plus removable straps make this sleek bandeau bikini a win-win situation.
Ward Whillas Osprey Top, $195, available at Ward Whillas; Ward Whillas Faye Bottom, $185, available at Ward Whillas.
The marble-print trend is still alive and well with this high-waisted variation.
Kore Swim Aurora Top In Gray Marble, $108 $75.60, available at Kore Swim; Kore Swim Aurora Bottom In Gray Marble, $121 $84.70, available at Kore Swim.
Ditch the rhinestones for some badass grommets.
Topshop Eyelet One Shoulder Bikini Top and Bottoms, $64, available at Topshop.
See? Cutouts don't have to be tacky.
Citrine Tilloo Top, $88, available at Citrine; Citrine Flores Bottom, $86, available at Citrine.
An unexpected color combo is all you need to make waves poolside.
Amuse Society Elissa Colorblock Bralette, $52, available at Amuse Society. Amuse Society Colorblock Skimpy Bottom, $45, available at Amuse Society.
That '70s Show swimsuit.
H&M Bandeau Bikini Top, $12.99, available at H&M; H&M Bikini Bottoms, $9.99, available at H&M.
This is how you do florals the non-cheesy way.
& Other Stories Floral Triangle Bra Top, $45, available at & Other Stories; & Other Stories Bikini Hotpants, $29, available at & Other Stories.
Clothes are optional with a suit that's just meant to be shown off.
Free People Grus Bikini Top, $99, available at Free People; Free People Crux Bikini Bottom, available at Free People.
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