Imagine the days when women wore these types of garments to the beach. Nothing says "increased friction" like ruffles. Luckily a Frenchman (figures) named Louis Réard took what we'd all been thinking and created the "first" bikini in 1946. From then on, we could go to the beach and, essentially, look at women in their underwear while not feeling like complete perverts. In honor of the rapidly approaching "bathing suit season," I've collected some of the best bikini links on the web. Enjoy.

• Esquire Magazine's History of the Bikini - It turns out Venus liked wearing thongs.
• Ursula Andress - And with Dr. No, the legend was born.
• Bikini Atoll - The Bikini's namesake, and not a place you'd want to be in 1946.
• Princess Lea in Return of the Jedi - Because her bikini was made out of metal, it's obvious Jabba the Hutt wasn't much of a swimmer.
• Victoria's Secret Swim Catalog - Uh, it's the Victoria's Secret Swim Catalog
• 8 Top Baywatch Babes - Sure they may not have actually worn bikinis but will that stop you from looking?
• Bikini Kill - Aside from their name, I know nothing about this band.
• Bikini Posters - Perfect for prepubescent boys and old creepy dudes.
• Vera de Milo - Sadly, Jim Carrey filled his suit out better than my high-school girlfriend.
• Tankini - Here's an idea, let's take something perfect and ruin it.
• Burqini - Here's an idea, let's take something perfect and make it socially acceptable to wear in a deeply religious society.
• 69 Celebrities in Bikinis - 69 ... get it?
• Celebrity Bikini Gossip - Aside from the celebrities and the bikinis, there isn't a lot of gossip.
• Best Bikini Scenes in Movies - Ms. Larter, I'm not sure whipped cream really constitutes a bikini. But we'll let it slide this time.
• Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition - The only issue I buy all year.