The two-piece bathing suit known as the bikini was announced to the world on July 5, 1946.

Designed by French fashion designer Louis Réard, the bikini was developed in response to sunbathers who wanted a better tan with as few tan lines as possible. Réard’s design was introduced at a press conference in Paris at a swimming pool where model Micheline Bernardini donned the new bathing suit. The press conference took place two days after the United States conducted an atomic test in the Bikini Atoll in the South Pacific, the location from which the garment gets its name.

Let’s celebrate the invention of this swimwear fashion the best way we know how: with music. For today’s 9:30 Coffee Break, what songs do you want to hear that mention bikinis, swimwear, beach attire or beach activities?

Respond with your song ideas in the comments below.

Have an idea for a Coffee Break topic? Submit your idea for a future theme and browse past Coffee Breaks in our archive.

Songs Played
Brian Hyland - Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polkadot Bikini
Caroline Smith and the Good Night Sleeps - Tank Top
Animal Collective - Summertime Clothes
The Beach Boys - California Girls
Caroline Rose - Bikini
Ramones - Rockaway Beach
Lizzo - Good As Hell
Chris Isaak - Wicked Game
Wavves - King of the Beach (bonus)