The concept of fashion has shaken the foundations of society since humans began wearing clothes. Today's generation laughs at the style that came before them, and the previous generation is appalled by today's clothing. With every new fashion cycle and every new show, there is always an item that manages to stir up controversy; the bathing suit. The swimsuit has undergone some drastic changes over the years and has evolved from a simple cover-up to an intense fashion statement when going to the beach. To study the history of this garment we must go far back in time, into the past of our ancient ancestors. The first appearance of the swimsuit dates back to around 350 BC in ancient Greece. The Greeks are known for their long togas, which were often worn when swimming and bathing. It became very popular (“History of Women's Swimsuits,” n.d.). that the long draped robes were not ideal for swimming. One particular piece of art emerged depicting Greek women in scantily clad bathing suits. This painting known as Lord of Pompeii shows Greek women running in what appear to be modern bandeau tops and bikini bottoms (Examiner, 2012). This bathing suit was worn by most women, but it was not uncommon for women to bathe or swim naked. Contrary to popular belief, the practice of recreational swimming was quite popular especially among young women being high level athletes, although there is not much evidence, it is assumed that they may have practiced some water sports. The swimming continued for a long time. During the Roman Empire the municipal bathing establishment was a place of business and socialization. After the drop of that…half of the card…like a tank top on top, with a middle section connected to shorts on the bottom. (“121 Professional Vintage Sports Photos Taken Before 1925 ~ Crack Two,” n.d.) Not much changed in the style of swimsuits in the decades that followed, however the materials began to change. A silk swimsuit was introduced in the 1930s ("Not So Fun in the Sun: A History of Women's Swimsuits | Jennifer McQuiston | Historical Romance Author," n.d.). In 1946, fashion designer Louis Reard decided to hire Micheline Bernardini to model his latest creation – the “Bikini” – because his regular models refused to wear it. This piece revolutionized the swimwear industry. Today it is a well-known piece because it has two separate pieces that expose the midsection. It is believed that due to the war, to save money, the government decided to reduce the production of fabrics, thus the bikini was born.