Bikinis first appeared in Roman art , depicted on women playing sports . The 19th - century equivalent of a bikini was made out of either heavy wool or cotton . Brian Hyland 's 1966 hit single was ode to ` ` Itsy Bitsy Teeny Little Yellow Polka Dot . ''
Bikinis first appeared in Roman mosaics , depicted on women playing sports . The 19th-century version of a bikini was made out of either heavy flannel or wool . Brian Hyland 's 1960 hit single was ode to `` Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Polka Dot Bikini ''