A Comprehensive Look Back At Our Favorite Swimsuits

L ove them or hate them , bathing suits are an essential part of our beach going experience. While there are some discrepancies as to just how long they've been around (two-pieces have been worn since as early as 1400 B.C. ) there is no denying their summer staple status.

It's not really surprising then, that multiple people have claimed the rights to inventing the bikini -- both fashion designer Jacques Heim and mechanical engineer Louis Reard say they're the first. They can, however, agree on at least one thing: its birthplace. Both cite the French Riviera as its original home in 1946.

Bathing suits have come a long way since ancient times. They have evolved through a slew of styles -- high waisted, one-piece, string and cut-out, to name a few -- and will bring in an estimated $17.6 billions in 2015 alone. They even have an entire magazine devoted to women wearing them. But when you take a look at some of the most iconic looks over the years, one thing is for sure: they have, and always will be, in style.

Of course, there have been some suits that have simply made a more lasting impression than others.

Behold, some of our favorite swimsuits from the last century and today.

1930sLeft: Swimsuit Model, Center:Three Army Girls, Right: Model wearing a Jantzen swimsuit

1940sLeft: Two models in Cole swimsuits, Center: Model, Right: Alma Thoms

1950sLeft: Esther Williams, Center: model Jackie, Right: Esther Williams

1960sLeft: Natalie Wood, Center: Audrey Hepburn, Right: Raquel Welch

1970sLeft: Jill St. John, Center: model, Right: Ann-Margret

1980sLeft: Nicolette Sheridan, Center: Florence Griffith Joyner, Right: A model wears St. Raphael

1990sLeft: The ladies of "Saved By The Bell," Center: Pamela Anderson, Right: Tyra Banks

2000sLeft: Halle Berry, Center: Kim Kardashian, Right: Annie Martin & Bridget Hall

2010sLeft: A model poses at Miami Swim Week, Center: Kate Upton, Right: Maria Menounous