Fun and fresh bikini styles emerge in the 1960s. Courtesy of Slate.

Slate’s A brief history of the bikini is a terrific synopsis of the evolution of the bikini. Who knew the two-piece swimsuit had its origins in fourth century Rome? Slide 8 is my favorite; I love the fresh style of these bikinis especially the one second to last on the right, as the tops are cut in a flattering way and appear to be supportive. My inner history buff found the belly button taboo in the 1940s to be is particularly interesting. It happened to be the same decade  the bikini made its first appearance on the cover of a magazine – which happened to be Life Magazine – and paved the way for Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit edition.