Since the modern bikini first made a splash in 1946, it has been turning heads on the beach. Its inventor, French engineer Louis Reard named it after a nuclear weapon testing site, Bikini Atoll. He reasoned that the stir his invention would create would be akin to a nuclear blast.

Fast Forward to Swimwear Fashion 2009--

Cut-away Monokinis--

This season's daring bathing suits are 2009's extreme cutout, knock-their socks off swimwear. For a bikini a little less risqu? that a sexy Grandma could pull off are cut-aways from black halter-neck monokinis with sophisticated gold piping. Do not let their good looks fool you, these bathing suits provide excellent support where you need it.

The modern monokini is designed as a cutout one-piece swimsuit. Designers use breathable fabrics, mesh, chain, and other functional materials to link together top to bottom and create a uniquely eye-catching style.

One-shoulder Swimsuits--

One of the must have bathing suits this year is a subtlety provocative single-shoulder swimsuit. This chic look is following the fashion footsteps of the popular asymmetrical lines and one-shoulder dresses.

Two Looks for the Price of one--

The word mono actually means one so why not purchase two great looks in one bathing suit. One-shouldered monokinis have both one-shoulder fashion and cool cutouts.

You can find an array of floral patterned swimwear, which never go out of style in the spring/summer 2009 collection of single-shouldered swimsuits and bikinis. There are plenty in every size and color to give you and your entourage stunning designs that are sure to be noticed.

Look for hottest styles in swimwear to suit your body shape--

Some monokinis look fantastic on a curvy figure. Cut-away bikini's and monokinis flatter petite women with a small breast size.

If a new style does not perfectly fit your curves, do not give up! With all the cute varieties available, there will be swimwear suited just for you. When trying on bathing suits, taking a deep breath pays off. (I think I can'I know I can fit into this bikini.)

There is absolutely no reason not to rock the latest trends this year. If you are a big-busted woman or want to disguise your tummy, there are monokini styles fashioned with a larger centerpiece cut for the perfect cover up.

The bikini is by far voted the most popular bathing suit by all the male fans around the world. Although, a man may have invented it, free spirited females everywhere enjoy the freedom of wearing these tiniest of fashion statements.

Itsy bitsy teenie weenie yellow polka dot bikinis have become big business in the US to the tune of an $811 million dollar annual industry by the mid 2000s. Look for valuable coupons to save a fortune on the hottest trends in 2009. See you at the beach!