The modern bikini was invented by French engineer Louis Réard and fashion designer Jacques Heim in Paris in 1946 and introduced on July 5 at a national fashion show in Paris.  It was named after Bikini Atoll, the site of nuclear weapon tests a few days earlier in the Marshall Islands, on the reasoning that the burst of excitement it would cause would be like the nuclear device.

In 1951 bikinis were banned from the Miss World Contest following the crowning of Miss Sweden in a bikini and subsequent protests with a number of countries threatening to withdraw. In 1957, however, Brigitte Bardot's bikini in And God Created Woman created a market for the swimwear.  In 1962, an icon was born as Bond Girl Ursula Andress emerged from the sea wearing a white bikini in Dr. No. Finally the bikini caught on...

Bikinis come in various different styles.  The string bikini style looks best on women with small busts or boyish shapes, because women with small breasts do not need a large amount of bra-style support, a traditional triangle bikini can serve to add more shape and curve to the breasts.  Also look for detailing such as buckles to enhance cleavage.  Underwired bikinis and padded bikinis work similarly to a push-up bra to maximize the breasts.  For an even more cleavage enhancing look why not try a gel bikini .  For larger breasts a halterneck bikini is preferable as it provides more support and a more flattering and classy look.

Bikinis either come as bikini sets or as separate bikini tops and bikini briefs.  Separates are fexible and allow for either a mix 'n' match style or to have different sizes for the bikini and the brief to suit your body style.

Hipster shorts are a definite no if you are short or curvy but they look great on tall women with slim legs. High cut leg briefs work best on smaller bottoms but if you have a larger bottom then don't be tempted to buy a larger size as they can end up looking saggy - the last thing you want.

If you have an hourglass figure then try a tie bikini and matching tie brief as they allow you to adjust the size to give a perfect fit across boobs and hips.

Similar to a bikini and worn with a matching (or contrasting) bikini brief is a tankini.  The tankini is distinguished from the classic bikini by the difference in tops, the top of the tankini essentially being a tank top.  The tankini top extends downward to somewhere between just above the navel and the top of the hips.

The word is a combination of tank (as in tank top) and the end of the word bikini.  This type of swimwear is considered by some to provide modesty closer to a one piece suit with the convenience of a two piece suit, e.g. the entire suit need not be removed in order to use the restroom.  The tankini works best for slim women with long bodies, as the tankini top creates the appearance of a shorter body.  The tankini can also be flattering on women with fuller figures. 

Like bikinis, tankinis also come in different styles.  There are Halterneck tankinis and underwired tankinis and padded tankinis, some with removable inserts.  To find an attractive tankini fit that will flatter your body, try pairing a light-colored, ruched tankini top with darker bikini bottoms.

In the 18th century women wore bathing gowns in the water; these were long Dresses of fabrics that would not become transparent when wet, with weights sewed into the hems so that they would not rise up in the water.  In the Victorian era, popular beach resorts were commonly equipped with bathing machines designed to avoid the exposure of people in swimsuits, especially to people of the opposite sex.

In 1907 the swimmer Annette Kellerman from Australia visited the United States as an underwater ballerina, a version of synchronized swimming involving diving into glass tanks.  She was arrested for indecent exposure because her swimsuit showed arms, legs and the neck!  She later starred in several movies, including one about her life and swimsuits started to shrink.  Thankfully we have come a long way since those days and one piece swimwear can be both sexy and glamorous. 

Choose from a wide variety of styles and colours or opt for something more uplifting with an underwired swimsuit  Feeling adventurous? The try an asymmetric one strap item or if your very daring how about an ultra-modern cut away or cut out design.  If you need a little help then a control one piece with integrated tummy control is perfect for achieving the right look on the beach or in the pool.

Swimming is a great way to stay fit and healthy during pregnancy, so it's definitely worth taking the plunge.  Very few ordinary swimsuits are stretchy enough to see you much past your first trimester, so investing in a maternity swimsuit fairly early on is a good idea.

If you are off on holiday and are feeling adventurous, a bikini or tankini lets you tan your bump in style. The one-piece is almost always the easiest to find. It's made of a material that stretches as your bump grows, so it can last you your whole pregnancy.

If the one piece seems too conservative for you, then why not try a maternity bikini? It allows you to reveal and draw attention to your new cleavage with a supportive, built in shelf bra, while showing off your bump and legs to boot.  The tankini is for those who don't like one piece swimsuits, but feel reluctant to reveal themselves in a bikini.  Instead of a bikini bra, the tankini comes with a stretchy vest-style top, which will cover most of your bump.

A sarong, pareo, beach skirt or beach dress is essential for every woman who feels self-conscious about her bottom or thighs.  They come in loads of different colours and fabrics and can be wrapped around you at the beach or whilst lazing by the pool.