The bikini has long been a lightning rod in the battle between modesty and freedom. Once considered scandalous, this tiny garment sparked arrests, bans, and global debates. Early 1900s swimsuits were bulky and conservative—any exposed skin could get you in trouble. That began to shift when swimmer Annette Kellerman wore a one-piece in 1907, sparking controversy and change.
By the 1920s, women pushed for more practical swimwear. But the real shock came in 1946 when French designer Louis Réard unveiled the bikini—named after Bikini Atoll. It exposed the navel and was banned in many places, denounced by religious leaders and governments alike.