Let’s take a look back at some of the most iconic swimsuits (both one- and two-piece) in film and television, from the 1930s to the present.
1930s: Jean Harlow
In the 1930s, before her death at age 26, film actress Jean Harlow was a Hollywood sex symbol. According to Redbook, she was also one of the earliest stars to be photographed in a swimsuit.
1940s: Betty Grable
Betty Grable was celebrated in the 1930s and ’40s for her “million dollar legs.” Though this yellow bikini is not as famous as Grable’s famous one-piece and high heels attire, it’s iconic in its own right.
1950s: Esther Williams
Esther Williams’ prowess as an actress and a competitive swimmer launched her to fame in the 1950s. She posed for many bathing suit-clad photos over the years, including this one from 1950.
1960s: Ursula Andress
This Swiss actress catapulted to fame as the first Bond girl in the 1962 film, “Dr. No.” The scene where Andress rises out of the ocean in this white two-piece is considered one of the most iconic in film history.
1970s: Pam Grier
In addition to starring in “The L Word,” Pam Grier was also an iconic figure in the 1970s. She starred in “blacksploitation” films, like “Foxy Brown” and “Sheba Baby.” In this photo from 1975, Grier lounges by the pool in what InStyle describes as a “super-’70s macramé triangle top.”
1980s: Phoebe Cates
Phoebe Cates sported this red bikini in her role as Linda Barrett in “Fast Times at Ridgemont High.” The famous pool scene later inspired the music video for the song, “Stacy’s Mom,” by Fountains of Wayne.
1990s: Pamela Anderson
Pamela Anderson, who played lifeguard C.J. Parker on “Baywatch,” helped re-popularize one-piece swimsuits in the 1990s. Variations of this red suit are still sold by retailers, such as Forever 21 and Zara.
2000s: Halle Berry
Another Bond girl with an iconic swimsuit, Halle Berry sported this orange bikini and belt/knife holder combo in 2002’s “Die Another Day.”
2000s: Sacha Baron Cohen
The actor Sacha Baron-Cohen made a memorable splash in the 2006 comedy “Borat” with his fluorescent-green mankini.
