French engineer Louis Réard invented the bikini and named it after Bikini Atoll, a Pacific Ocean site for nuclear weapon tests in July 1946. The explosive bikini origins are nothing compared to the popularity of the beachwear.
As bikinis become smaller and smaller, the explosive bikini business has become bigger and bigger. Bikinis are a billion-a-year business and have bolstered spin-off industries like bikini waxing and sun tanning booths.
Implications - Products featuring an element of sex appeal are attractive to those who want to better their appearance. Consumers are looking for items that will make them appear more seductive. In order to achieve this, companies could focus on this element of sexuality.
100 Explosive Bikini Designs
93
Tennis Players as Bikini Models
Tennis Beauties in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue 2009
92
World Map Body Paint Bikinis
Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue 2009 Shows Worldly Brooklyn Decker
91
Liquid Bikinis
The Ashley Greene Body Paint Photoshoot for Sobe is Tantilizing
90
6'8" Bikini Models
'Amazon Eve' Poses for Zoo Weekly Magazine
89
$30 Million Bikini
Molly Sims Models Luxury Swimwear
88
Unconventional Swimwear Shoots
The AnOther Magazine 'Making Waves' Editorial
87
Supermodels Gaining Weight
Will Karolina Kurkova's Controversy Spur Acceptance?
86
Race Car Drivers as Bikini Models
Danica Patrick Poses For Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue
85
Frilly Bikini Bottoms
The Kim Wormgoor 'Kymare' Swimwear Line is Casually Beautiful
84
Barely-There Bikinis
Scandalous Swimsuits to Flaunt Nearly Everything You've Got
83
Bikini Camo
ScarArt Tattoos Help Beach Body Blues for Women With Scars
82
Flirty Poolside Fashion
Candice Swanepoel for Zeki Triko Shows Off Summer's Hottest Styles
81
Bikini Baristas
Cafe Di Vang 2 in Vietnam Serves Coffee With a Side of Skin
80
iPod Bikini
Did Apple Buy Product Placement in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue?
79
The Bubble Wrap Bikini
Two Fun Pastimes in One
78
Humanimal Bikini Photography
Nick Rudnicki Shows Us the Sexy Side of Inter-Species Offspring
77
The Cult of Leia's Metal Bikini
76
Post-Pregnancy Bikini Shoots
Gisele Bundchen Gets Back to Work for Calzedonia Summer 2010 Ads
75
LED Bikinis
Sexy or Wierdest LED Design Ever?
74
Sexy Mobile Phone Ads
LG Bikini Campaign
73
Print Your Own Bikini
Digitally Printed Ready-to-Wear Apparel
72
NBA Dancers as Bikini Models
Pom Poms in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue 2009
71
Bikini-Clad Baristas
Java Girls Blends Hooters and Starbucks
70
Poolside Pooch Fashion
Paris Hilton Guess 2009 Spring/Summer Ad Includes Her Chihuahua
69
Bikini Vegemite Wrestling
Australians Celebrate with No Holds Barred
68
Sultry Water Goddesses
Kim Kardashian Floats as an FHM South Africa Featured Girl
67
Sexy Celebrity Stomach Surveys
Senior Helen Mirren is #3
66
PETA's New Ad Campaign
Alicia Mayer in a Lettuce Bikini
65
The Evolution of the Bikini in Photos
From the 1950s to the Future
64
Beach Babe Paintings
Hilo Chen Depicts Photorealistic Bikini-Clad Women
63
Celebrity Swimwear Lines
Liz Hurley's Bikini Range for Mango
62
Bikini Pants
Jeans With Integrated Thongs
61
Bikini Model Statues
Blush: Stop Nudism
60
Soy Swimwear
Nikster's Eco Bikinis
59
Carved Vegetable Bikinis
The 'Big Is In' Campaign by Magimix
58
Water-Soluble Bikinis
Dissolving Bathing Suit is Perfect for Summertime Revenge
57
Bikini Tan Editorials
Catherine McNeil in the Vogue Paris June/July 2010 Issue
56
Bikini Thigh Highs
The Natasha Poly Shoot for Vogue Paris May 2010
55
Bikini Beach Burgers
Does Audrina Patridge for Carl's Jr. Make Junk Food Look Sexy?
54
Eco-Savvy Swimsuits
Sassy Sustainable Swimwear for the Environmental Fashionista
53
Blue Jean Swimwear
Micro Denim Bikinis and Briefs for Fashionable Bathing Beauties
52
Reality Mom Paparazzi
Kate Gosselin Gets Media Attention in Tiny Beach Bikini
51
Beaded Couture Swimwear
These Bikinis by Gisele Gomez of Bead-Mania Clothing Double as Lingerie
50
Voluminous Hair Shoots
The Izabel Goulart Pile Winter 2010 Shoot has a Sporty Feeling
49
Blossoming Bikinis and Contrast
Tibi and Smilovic at The Miami Mercedes Swimwear Show
48
Road Warrior Bikini Fashion
Wilfredo Alexander Channels Mad Max for His Wilhelmina FW 2010 Shoot
47
Aztec Bikinis
'Endless Summer' in Flare June 2010 Shows Vibrant Geometric Patterns
46
Vintage T-Shirt Swimwear
Vin-T Bikini Recycles Old Garbage into Something New
45
Fish Skin Bikinis
Angie & Penny Make Swimwear and Accessories from Tilapia Skin (UPDATE)
44
Inflatable Bikini
Actually Intended to be a Safety Flotation Device
43
Solar Powered Bikini
Don't Electrocute Yourself When You Swim
42
Malignant Mole Bikini
41
Beach Coat Flashers
Bikini Clad Girls Promote Queensland as Sun Destination
40
Bandeau Bikinis
The J.Crew Swimwear 2010 Collection is Sizzling Yet Simple
39
Classy Water Gets Trashy
Perrier Ads
38
3-D Bikinis
Isabeli Fontana Struts Her Stuff for Vogue Mexico April 2010
37
Post-Baby Bikini Shoots
Alessandra Ambrosio Sizzles for Victoria's Secret
36
Fake Metal Bikinis
'Organic Armor' Bustier Sets
35
UV Sensitive Beach Wear
34
Upside Down Bikinis
Aya Hirano's Fashion Blunder Boosts Career
33
Vegetable Bikinis
PETA's 'Lettuce Ladies' Promote Vegetarianism (UPDATE)
32
Webbed Bikini Celebtography
The Lindsay Lohan and Indrani Shoot Shows Potential Romance
31
Boudoir-Ready Bikinis
Ocean Drive July/August 2010 Issue Features Model Irina Sheik
30
Bikini Game Controllers
The Geekini
29
Bow Tie Bikinis
The Lorenzo Martone Swimwear Collection Brings NYC Attitude
28
Smart Bikini with Built in UV Meter
27
Psychedelic Palm Frond Bikinis
The H & M Swimwear 2010 Collection is Fantastically Tropical
26
Metal Bikini Details
Vitamin A Adds Hardware to New Swimwear Line
25
Whimsical Swimsuits
B. Swim Bikinis Evoke Fun for Summer 2009
24
Layered Swimsuits
Robert Ceranowicz's Elle Poland Editorial is Perfect for Indecisive Divas
23
Funky Hippie Lookbooks
Benetton Accessories Spring 2010 Features Model Gwen Lu
22
Smeared Bikini Portraits
Chloe Early Paints Idescribable Oil Paintings
21
Mermaid Bikinis
The Paris Hilton Swimwear and Lingerie Collection for Spring 2010
20
Live Shower Crooning
The Burger King Singing in the Shower Campaign
19
Bathing Suit Bowling
Esthe WAM Hair Remover Commercial Sends Girls Down the Lane
18
Temporary Bikini Ink
Completely Bare New York's Airbrushed Tattoos are Ultra Luxurious
17
Layered Swimwear
Cala Ossidiana's S/S '09 Collection Gets Creative With Bikinis
16
Activist Swimsuits
The Katharine Hamnett for Yooxygen 'Save the Sea' Beachwear
15
Corn Chip Fashion
Doritos Bikini Finalist for Best Use of Junk Food
14
UV Sensitive Bikinis
Beads Indicate Degree of Sun Exposure
13
Safari Swimsuits
Jessiann Gravel in Elle Canada June 2010 Delivers Wild Beach Style
12
$3,000 Bikinis
Pistol Panties ‘Anita' Bling-Kini is Covered in Swarovski Crystals
11
Tropical Two-Pieces
Diane Von Furstenberg Resort Wear 2010 is Colorful
10
Bikini Lawn Service
A New Way to Create Controversy
9
Chic Sustainable Swimwear
Deux FM's Mystique Bikini is Sweet & Eco-Savvy
8
Bikini Finance
Trident Pogo Stick Girls Are Selling Insurance
7
Bikini-Clad Airplanes
Sports Illustrated Sponsored Boeing Has Swimsuit Models On Planes
6
Made-to-Measure Swimsuits
Biondi Couture Bikinis
5
TV Star Bikini Shoots
Amber Lancaster Proves You Have to Be Beautiful to be on TV
4
Digital Calendar Girls To Go
Mobile Calendarettes
3
Bikini-Clad War Games
'Warriors of Elysia' Uses Women in Bikinis as Its Protagonists
2
Shamrock Bikinis
'999 Nudes' to Promote £9.99 Aer Lingus Fare for St Patrick's Day
1
Interactive Jacuzzi Girls
SecretSauce Lets You Choose Your Own Adventure In a Hot Tub
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Unconventional Swimwear Shoots
The AnOther Magazine 'Making Waves' Editorial
Full-Figured Fashion
Marie Claire France Curvy Issue Highlights Plus-Sized Pictorials
Webbed Beachwear
The MIKOH Swimwear Collection is Stylishly Practical
Curve-Loving Swimwear
The Andres Sarda Spring 2010 Swimwear Collection is Beach Chic
Lingerie Baseball Spreads
Model Jac in Interview Magazine Gets Athletic in Her Underwear
Fashionable Fanny Packs
Elle France March 2010 Shows Sexy Beach Accessories
42 Lindsay Lohan Features
From Hilarious Spoof to Celebrity Venting
Flirty Poolside Fashion
Candice Swanepoel for Zeki Triko Shows Off Summer's Hottest Styles
Behind-The-Scenes Beach Shots
Jessica Hart Posts Exclusive Photographs on Her Blog
Photorealistic Busts
Marc Sijan's Human Sculptures are Incredibly Lifelike
Peek-a-Boo Lookbooks
Karl Lagerfeld Eres Photoshoot is Pretty Inside and Out
Arab-American Pageant Queens
Multicultural Miss Michigan is Crowned 2010 Miss USA
Aggressive Anatomical Retouching
JWOWW Maxim Shoot Omits 'Jersey Shore' Jenni Farley's Navel
Tantalizing Lingerie Shoots
Sultry Supermodel Adriana Lima in Victoria's Secret Spread
No-Fuss Swimsuits
SHIMMI Swimwear Will Have You Shimmying to the Pool Party
Inappropriate Political Tees
The Paolo Ferranini Impure T-Shirts Offer Comedic Couture
74 Stunning Swimsuits
Summer Swimwear, from Corset Bathing Suits to Vegetable Bikinis
Sultry 90s Swimwear
Hot Throwback Bikinis on Doutzen Kroes in Vogue Russia June 2010
Corset Bathing Suits
Agent Provocateur Swimwear is Super Steamy
44 Stylish Swimsuits
From Metallic Monokinis to Elegant Poolside Attire
Streamlined Lingerie
'Double in Brass' by The Lake & Stars for Urban Outfitters is Sexy
Floral Eco-Fashion
The H & M Garden Collection Redeems Its Environmentally-Friendly Status
Bootylicious Swimwear Shoots
'Sailor Girl' by Jose Ferreira Challenges the Pin-Thin Model Paradigm
Zebra Print Swimwear
The Anja Rubik Quazi Shoot is a Walk On The Wild Side
Pop Art One-Pieces
We are Handsome's Line of One Pieces Win Swimwear Supremacy
Geeky Negligee Campaigns
Verde Veronica Lingerie Spring/Summer 2010 Collection is Fun and Nerdy
Sinister Bikini Boxing
The Edgy and Sporty Photography of Remi Rebillard
Swimsuit Line-Up Shoots
The Seafolly Summer 2010 Collection is Strut-Worthy
Rooftop Swimwear Spreads
The We Are Handsome S/S 2011 Lookbook is on Fire
Outrageously Wild Bras
The Victoria's Secret 'The Nakeds' Collection is Animalistic
Candy-Colored Summer Fashion
'Sweet Escapes' in Vogue India April 2010 is a Sun-Drenched Fantasy
Itsy Bitsy Bikini Photography
Candice Swanepoel Is On Fire In GQ Magazine
65 Steamy Swimwear Shoots
From Sultry 90s Swimwear to Cutout Monokinis
Mini Vacation Lookbooks
The Strong Boalt Mens Swimwear Line is Summer-Loving Fun
Designer Facial Branding
Ryan McSorley's 'Skin by Chanel' Imprints Chanel Logo On Your Forehead
47 Warrior Fashion Finds
From Gawky Warrior Editorials to Studded Warrior Dresses
Tribal-Inspired Swimwear
The Kooey Swimwear Summer 2010 Collection is Australian Sexy
Bikini Thigh Highs
The Natasha Poly Shoot for Vogue Paris May 2010
Tropical Tinikinis
Bar Refaeli Rocks Barely-There Bikinis For Rampage 2010
Getaway Coupletography
Raquel Zimmermann & Matthew Morrison for 'Two if by Sea' in Vogue June 2010
Eco-Savvy Swimsuits
Sassy Sustainable Swimwear for the Environmental Fashionista
Beaded Couture Swimwear
These Bikinis by Gisele Gomez of Bead-Mania Clothing Double as Lingerie
Rainbow-Streaked Hair
The June 2010 Flare Alana Zimmer 'Hang Ten' Editorial
Straw Hats & Diaphanous Dresses
H & M Magazine Spring 2010 Shows Casual Outdoor Fashions
Romantic Floral Fashion
The H & M Garden Collection Spring 2010 is Flirty & Feminine
Ornate Jeweled Accessories
The ‘Princesse Natalia' Vogue Paris April 2010 Spread
Vintage T-Shirt Swimwear
Vin-T Bikini Recycles Old Garbage into Something New
Hipster Surfwear
The Warriors of Radness 2010 Summer Collection is Ready to Hit the Waves
Infantile Water Ads
'We're All Babies Inside,' Evian Advertising Campaign Proclaims
Hazy Swimsuit Lookbooks
The Insight Swimwear Spring 2010 Collection is Mysterious
Bandeau Bikinis
The J.Crew Swimwear 2010 Collection is Sizzling Yet Simple
Boyfriend Jean Shorts
Erin Wasson Looks Casual Cool For H & M Magazine Spring 2010
Surreal Swimtography
Tim Tadder's TYR Swimwear Shoot Would Make Michael Phelps Proud
3-D Bikinis
Isabeli Fontana Struts Her Stuff for Vogue Mexico April 2010
Sensuous Photorealistic Paintings
Emily Burns Creates Incredibly Realistic Works of Art
Photorealist Pencil Sketches
Paul Lung Could Replace Your Camera
Samurai Star Wars Art
Steve Bialik Brings Two Different Genres Together
Gun-Slinging Celebtography
The Tyler Shields Lindsay Lohan Photoshoot Strikes Up Controversy
Webbed Bikini Celebtography
The Lindsay Lohan and Indrani Shoot Shows Potential Romance
3D Wall Paintings
David Jon Kassan Paints Unbelievably Realistic People
Bow Tie Bikinis
The Lorenzo Martone Swimwear Collection Brings NYC Attitude
Twisted 3D-Tography
Jacques Dequeker Shoots ‘Angels' for KRTL Collective
Multi-Hued Hairitorials
Model Natasha Poly Gets 'Glam and Sporty' in Vogue Italia
36 Odd Humanimal Examples
Human & Animal Interactions, From Tattooing Pets to Furries as Lovers
19 Bodacious Burning Innovations
From Burnt Ceiling Murals to Burning Cities
Glamorous Beach Fashion
The Sun-Kissed Marie Claire Spain June 2010 Spread
Smeared Bikini Portraits
Chloe Early Paints Idescribable Oil Paintings
Models as Zoo Animals
Momchil Hristov Locks Up Beautiful Women in ‘Beauty is the Beast’
Anti-War Clothing Lines
Carrot Clothing Hip Apparel is Activist Garb for Street Culture
Effortless Beach Ads
The Seafolly Summer 2010 Campaign is Refreshingly Breathtaking
Bright Saharan Fashion
Natasha Poly Sizzles in Vibrant Prints for Vogue Paris April 2010
Water-Flinging Gymnastics
The Nick Rudnicki 'Heroes' Series is Dramatically Set
Strapless Floral Minis
The Blanco Summer 2010 Collection is About Summer Beauty
Mirror Mirror Fashiontography
The ‘Baronne Anja' Vogue Paris April 2010 Spread is Sedu
Lifelike Cinematic Paintings
Paul Roberts' Nostalgic Creations Hark Back to the 1950s
Spiked Beachwear
Rio Jade Maddison Creates Powder Puff Fierceness
Cutout Monokinis
Flare June 2010 Shows Sexy Swimsuits & Chic Coverups
Space Invader Fashion
Louise Goldin Fall 2010 Collection Shows 3-Dimensional Perfection
Posh Belted Minis
The Lauren Conrad Lookbook for Kohls is Super Chic
Grecian Goddess Gowns
Natasha Poly Exudes Sexiness in Numero Tokyo April 2010
Leather Surf Wear
The Blake Lively Vogue June Spread is Living 'The Swell Life'
Beach-Loving Lookbooks
The Flying Coffin Summer 2010 Collection Screams Summer Cool
Hippie Swimwear
The 2010 Maaji Swimsuit Collection is Anything But Coventional
Technicolor Pigtails
‘Glam & Sporty' in Vogue Italia March 2010 is Ultra-Chic
Waning Woodland Photography
The Stas M '9' Portfolio Features Beautifully Muted Nature Shots
Sultry Masquerade Shoots
V.S. Model Candice Swanepoel in GQ South Africa May 2010
Coconut Flip-Flops
Po-ZU Natural Footwear Uses Springy Coconut Fiber for Eco-Comfort
3-D Fashion Films
Nada Shepherd "Future Fashion/Fashion Future" Replaces Her Runway Show
Temporary Boomer Ink
These Tattoos for the Elderly are Edgy
Charitable Organ Attire
The 'Recycle Me' Collection Has a Lot of Heart
Gawky Warrior Editorials
'Modern Gladiator' in Razor Red Magazine Shows the New Face of a Fighter
Interracial Timepiece Editorials
April 2010 Vogue Paris Steams Up Watches with Naked Bodies
Summertime Turbans
The Eccentric L'Officiel China July 2010 Spread
TV Tribute Tees
BBlessing 'Lost' T-Shirts Are for Die-Hard Fans
Breezy Beachwear Photography
The Spencer Peterson Line A Journal Editorial is Summer at its Finest
Military Bridal Frocks
‘Stars of the Southern Sky' for Marie Claire South Africa May 2
Electric Blue Bodysuits
Please Fashion Paper March 2010 Shows Incredible Vibrant Hues
Ninja-Inspired Beachwear
The Factotum Summer 2010 Collection Makes a Splash
80s iPhone Games
'Prince of Persia Retro' Battles With Another Decade
Neon Eyeshadow
The Zaiba Jabbar Fashion156 Magazine Video is All About Summer
Black-Inked Beachwear
Marlena Szoka Gets Bold in the Marie Claire Italia June 2010
Kiddie Reality Show Spoofs
The Toddlers Remake of ‘The Hills'
Ruffled Shoulder Swimwear
The Walerio Araujo Spring/Summer 2010 Collection Makes a Splash
Outdoorsy Baby Rooms
Maya Gohill Designs a Nature-Inspired Newborn Haven
Risque Cowboy Chaps
The Aline Weber Hercules Magazine Editorial is Sultry
Grappling in Gowns
Bolivian Female Wrestling May Be the Next Big Thing
Humanimal Cartoon Hybrids
Antoine Helbert's Beautiful Mutants are Unique Hybrids
Humanimal Sidekicks
Gregor Makris Shoot for Quality Magazine Features a Beary Furry Friend
Rockin' Relic Tees
The Ivory Skies 'Purple Haze' Collection was Inspired by Jimi Hendrix
Video Game Short Films
John Hillcoat Directs the Red Dead Redemption Movie
Metallic Leather Vests
The New and Expanded 6126 Fall Winter 2010 Collection
Starlet Style Campaigns
The 6126 by Lindsay Lohan Line Brings More than Leggings
Psychedelic Beachwear
Make the Beach a Trip with the Urban Outfitters GONZ Collection
One-Shouldered Swimsuits
Sirene Swimwear Gives Tradition the Cold Shoulder
Aurora Beachwear
The Vans and No Pattern Board Shorts Are Out of This World
Road Warrior Vests
Jeremy Scott & Schott Leather Vest is Perfect for Village People Impersonators
Pre-Consumer Waste Apparel
Looptworks Sustainable Clothing Line is Ecotastic
Pop Icon Prayer Sets
The Lady Gaga 'Alejandro' Digital Bundle Lets You Truly Worship Her