In the run up to the hottest weekend of the year (so far) HuffPost UK Lifestyle are delighted to wish the bikini a very happy birthday.
First created in 1946 by French auto-engineer Louis Reard, the bikini has grown in popularity over the years and is now a holiday staple.
While the bikini is sometimes controversial -- *nods head to the obsession over getting the ultimate 'bikini body'* -- it is ultimately extremely practical -- I mean, who doesn't want to tan their tummy?
We celebrate the two-piece's 67th birthday by envying admiring our favourite bikini icons.
From bond girls Halle Berry and Ursula Andress to the muscular Serena Williams and long-limbed Myleene Klass, here are the women of whom Monsieur Reard would be proud.
Bikini Anniversary
Marilyn Monroe(01 of11)
Open Image ModalBridgitte Bardot(02 of11)
Open Image ModalRita Hayworth(03 of11)
Open Image ModalElizabeth Taylor(04 of11)
Open Image ModalMyleene Klass(05 of11)
Open Image ModalSerena Williams(06 of11)
Open Image ModalUrsula Andress(07 of11)
Open Image ModalRaquel Welch(08 of11)
Open Image ModalHalle Berry(09 of11)
Open Image ModalHelen Mirren(10 of11)
Open Image Modal (credit:PA)
Demi Moore(11 of11)
Open Image ModalWho is your ultimate bikini icon? Let us know in the comments below.
But bikinis aren't all about celebs. Here are some more beach bodies from HuffPost readers :-)
This Is What "Beach Bodies" Look Like
(01 of19)
Open Image ModalMy bikini bod at 31 weeks pregnant! (credit:Jacqueline H)
(02 of19)
Open Image ModalWith my fiance in La Jolla. (credit:Kelly Baumann)
(03 of19)
Open Image ModalI am 50, have not put on a bikini for 30 years, thought I didn't have a bikini body!Last week on vacation I forgot my one piece! A back up had to be purchased, my wonderful husband told me, "you are beautiful, wear a bikini" I did and it felt wonderful! Stretch marks and all!!!I took a "selfie" and sent it to my husband! (credit:Stephanie Rippe)
(04 of19)
Open Image Modal (credit:Mia Steffen)
(05 of19)
Open Image ModalHi, my name is Corin and this is my bikini body. I recently completed the P90X3 Lean Schedule and am very proud of my results. Eating well and exercising 30 minutes each day for 90 days goes a long way! (credit:Corin Laflamme)
(06 of19)
Open Image Modal (credit:Molly Lower)
(07 of19)
Open Image ModalThis was in Bocas del Torro, Panama. My boyfriend took it so I could boldly say eff off to the eating disorder that kept me out of a bikini for the last 15 years. Thanks for reminding women they are beautiful, always!! (credit:Lindsey Cantelme)
(08 of19)
Open Image ModalMy 27 week pregnant bikini body!
(09 of19)
Open Image Modal (credit:Nessa Shull)
(10 of19)
Open Image ModalHi my name is Melanie...I'm a mom of 2 and last year was my first time going to the beach post my last daughter in a bikini. I kind of thought that I would get looks or be really uncomfortable, and I was at first, but I got over it and enjoyed playing with my kids in the caves and ocean. I figured that the comfort starts with me...this is my boody, its the only one I have and I'm going to love it! (credit:Melanie Davis)
(11 of19)
Open Image ModalI took this to submit to my favorite curve blog (which I recommend!) curveappeal. I'm 23, form the suburbs of Chicago (credit:Colie Lumbreras)
(12 of19)
Open Image Modal (credit:Laura Garratt)
(13 of19)
Open Image ModalMe on vacation this year in Mazatlan (credit:Amber)
(14 of19)
Open Image Modal (credit:Jimmie Luthuli)
(15 of19)
Open Image Modal (credit:Denise LaDoux)
(16 of19)
Open Image Modal (credit:Claire Baker)
(17 of19)
Open Image Modal (credit:Casey)
(18 of19)
Open Image ModalHere I am - exactly 4 months post-partum! (credit:Lisa Penzone)
(19 of19)
Open Image Modal (credit:Kaitlin Boyle)