15 Sexy Marilyn Monroe Bikini Outfits | Your Sizzling Retro Swimwear Guide

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Marilyn Monroe bikini, Marilyn Monroe swimsuit, and Marilyn Monroe swimwear looks, so that you can dress like Marilyn Monroe à la Old Hollywood Glamour style!

marilyn monroe bikini
Marilyn Monroe, 1950 (left) and Marilyn Monroe, 1951 (right)

This article is all about Marilyn Monroe Bikini

Let’s talk bikini swimsuits and Old Hollywood Glamour!

Today’s ultimate summertime muse for knockout bikini glam is none other than the legendary fashion idol and American actress Marilyn Monroe.

Marilyn Monroe took the world by storm, quickly earning the revered “blonde bombshell” title in the 1950s and early 1960s, becoming one of the most popular sex symbols of all time.

Are you looking to go more classic vintage, retro whimsical or daring?

Marilyn Monroe has each of these looks channeled.

You’ll notice in her earlier years she wears more of the classic vintage looks with full coverage two pieces, whereas when she gets older, she goes more daring by 1950’s standards.

Other posts you might like:
20 Wildly Popular 1950s Pin up Models

What bikinis did Marilyn Monroe wear?

Marilyn Monroe loved wearing a variety of bikini swimsuit styles, from skirted two piece bikinis, to vintage bandeau bikinis, to 1950s string bikini styles. 

She also loved experimenting with different vintage fabric patterns and bikini details, from ruffled white polk dota looks, to vintage red and white candy can stripes, to bright retro shades, like red and blue-green to classic black. 

Her favorite accessories for the ultimate vintage summer style included chunky wedge sandals and bright colored high heeled summer sandals.

#1 Marilyn Monroe Bikini: Retro Polkadot & Ruffle Look

image of marilyn monroe in a swimsuit with text overlay "marilyn monroe bikini retro polkadot"
Marilyn Monroe wearing a retro polkadot bikini, 1951

Shop this Marilyn Monroe Bikini look: Sunglasses | Polka-dot skirt | Retro-style polkadot bikini

This sexy Marilyn Monroe bikini look simply oozes Old Hollywood Glamour!

Marilyn Monroe is wearing a two piece swimsuit in a white polk dot pattern, with charming ruffle details.

The itsy-bitsy string on her halter bikini top is offset with a full coverage bikini bottom with a ruffled swim skirt.

This Marilyn Monroe bikini outfit is one of her more classy 1950s styles.

Notice how it deftly covers her belly button, and shows less skin that some of the other bikinis she wears later.

We love the pairing of the white polkadots with the ruffles and string details!

This unique vintage pattern plays up Marilyn Monroe’s famous curves.

Need more stunning Marilyn Monroe style inspo?
Marilyn Monroe Gentlemen Prefer Blondes Outfits – All her Gorgeous Glam Dresses

#2: Marilyn Monroe Bikini: Ultimate Femme Fatale

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Marilyn Monroe wearing a white string bikini, 1951

Shop this Marilyn Monroe Bikini look: Sunglasses | White Retro Bikini Top | White Bikini Bottom | Classic trench coat | Ankle Wrap Espadrille Sandals

What makes this Marilyn Monroe bikini look unique?

Marilyn Monroe pairs a daring 1950s retro string bikini with a classic patterned trench coat.

The light summery fabric of her cheeky skin baring bikini is contrasted with her long formal trench coat.

These are then paired with feminine sky high retro summer heels.

Her outfit mixes the ying and the yang of 1950s fashion, as the ‘new’ style bikini is tastefully paired with an ‘old school’ classic wardrobe piece.

Also notice how the feminine tie and bow elements in her bikini and sandals contrasts with the masculine pattern and cut of her coat.

Other tips to channel this Marilyn Monroe bikini look?

Classic red lipstick and makeup, and of course your bouncy retro curls.

Need more glam Old Hollywood fashion inspiration?
Lessons in Glamour: The Elizabeth Taylor Style Guide

#3: Marilyn Monroe Bikini: The Vintage Bandeau

marilyn monroe swimsuit bikinis
Marilyn Monroe wearing a vintage bandeau bikini during the filming of Let’s Make Love, 1960

Shop this Marilyn Monroe Black Bikini look: Vintage Bandeau Bikini Top | High Waisted Bikini Bottom | Red Lipstick

Say…. “Cheese!”

Marilyn Monroe poses for her photographer hubby (Arthur Miller) in front of a dressing room at her film studio, after working on the movie Let’s Make Love.

She’s trying to decide if she should keep the new bikini outfit that she just bought.

Can you spot the price tag still on it?

For this sexy Marilyn Monroe bikini swimsuit look, she pairs a black vintage bandeau bikini top with a matching full coverage bikini bottom.

Notice the crisscross top of her bandeau top and the sexy string details on the both swimsuit pieces.

These are nice additional feminine details.

We never did find out if she decided to keep this daring bikini!

Love 1960s swimwear and string bikinis? You might like:
Sexy 1960s Swimsuits for Women | Your Retro Swimwear Inspo

#4: Marilyn Monroe Bikini: The Sea Siren

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Marilyn Monroe wearing a vintage pink bikini, 1946

Shop this Marilyn Monroe Bikini look: Vintage style bikini

Marilyn Monroe pairs a bright bikini top with a full coverage bikini bottom.

The vivid burgundy color is echoed in both pieces, with one a block print in the deep hue and the other a delicate feminine pattern.

Secrets for this effortless Old Hollywood Glamour look?

Select a figure flattering bikini cut with vibrant ladylike colors.

Make sure to set your pin curls the night before for the perfect wave, that will just start to gracefully unravel once you hit the water.

Apply a touch of eye makeup. And give those lips a pinch of dark pink lipstick.

Need more chic and sophisticated Marilyn Monroe style inspiration?
Marilyn Monroe How to Marry a Millionaire – Your Guide to 1950s Glam

#5: Marilyn Monroe Bikini: The Sizzling Sexpot

old hollywood glamour photo of marilyn monroe in a bikini
Marilyn Monroe wearing a checkered two-piece bikini, c. 1960s

Shop this Marilyn Monroe Bikini look: Checkered Bikini | Sunglasses | Striped Espadrille Sandals

For this swimsuit look, the Blonde Bombshell Marilyn Monroe wears a vivid black and white checkered bikini.

We love the pattern and string details in the bikini.

And how she matches the black and white color palette with her flats!

#6. Marilyn Monroe Bikini: Retro Candy Cane Bandeau

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Marilyn Monroe wearing a striped bikini swimsuit, c. 1940s

Shop this Marilyn Monroe Bikini look: Red Vintage Style Bikini

This is closest to “The Girl Next Door” Old Hollywood Glam style shot of Marilyn Monroe.

Marilyn Monroe blends a daring candy cane striped bandeau bikini top with a matching bottom.

The result? A delicious summer treat!

We love the whimsical retro red and white stripe pattern, and simplistic cut of this beachy look.

This is the perfect summer swimwear when you’re looking for an easy understated vintage bikini look.

Dying to own glossy printout of this pic for inspiration? Check out Getty Images.

#7. Marilyn Monroe Bikini: Vintage Striped Two Piece

marilyn monroe bikini style
Marilyn Monroe wearing a vintage striped two piece swimsuit, 1946

Shop this Marilyn Monroe Bikini look: Striped Bikini | Striped Espadrilles Sandals

“We are all of us stars, and we deserve to twinkle.” – Marilyn Monroe

Marilyn Monroe definitely sparkles in this adorable shot taken on the beach, when she was very young.

Her hair is a warm strawberry blonde vs the white bombshell blonde color that she embraced later.

For this classic retro 1950s look, Marilyn Monroe selects a well crafted two-piece bikini in a colorful vintage pattern.

We love the feminine tie details echoed in her bikini top and bottom pieces.

You’ll notice that most of Marilyn Monroe’s younger bikini outfits were more true to the 1950s fashion guidelines (even though bikinis were still a bit scandalous for women outside of Hollywood!).

Did someone say it’s beach time in Los Angeles, or we call dibs on the French Riviera?

#8. Marilyn Monroe Bikini: Blue-Green Belle

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Marilyn Monroe wearing a halter-top style bikini, c. 1947

Shop this Marilyn Monroe Bikini look: Green Retro Style Bikini | Green Striped Umbrella

If your eyes are green with envy…. keep reading…. so you can make this charming Marilyn Monroe swimsuit look yours!

Marilyn Monroe wows in this delightful vintage bikini, that shouts classy and feminine.

For this classic retro 1950s look, Marilyn Monroe pairs a beautifully cut two piece bikini in matching shades of blue green.

The skimpier halter style bikini top is offset with a full coverage bikini bottom.

The result?

You show just the right amount of skin to channel the subtle Old Hollywood glamour sex appeal.

Need more classy Old Hollywood swimsuit inspo?
How to Rock the Vintage Swimwear Aesthetic Like an Old Hollywood Glam Star

#9. Marilyn Monroe Bikini: Sizzling Pinup Girl

marilyn monroe vintage style bikini
Marilyn Monroe sizzling pin up girl bikini style

Shop this Marilyn Monroe Bikini look: Yellow Retro Style Bikini

Who doesn’t love the cheeky 1950s pinup girl calendars?

Add to your favorites this bikini shot of Marilyn Monroe.

Notice her name printed next to her pinup pic on the calendar. I wonder what month she was featured in?

Style secrets to recreate this sizzling Marilyn Monroe bikini look?

Opt for a halter style bikini top with a matching bikini swim skirt.

The color and style details are super important.

Also, red lipstick and retro waves are a must to channel this Marilyn Monroe pinup girl look!

#10. Marilyn Monroe Bikini: Red Enchantress

marilyn monroe retro style swimwear
Marilyn Monroe wearing a retro style bikini, 1950

Shop this Marilyn Monroe Bikini look: Red Vintage style Bikini | Red Ankle strap Espadrille Sandals

This is one of the shots that you have to do a double take on.

It delightfully combines both the LOL and WOW factors!

Did doggie go poo poo….? And oh my, where’s the doggie bag?

What lady doesn’t walk her chihuahua in a sizzling retro bikini with sky high sandals?

For this memorable bikini look, Marilyn Monroe pairs an adorable red vintage two-piece bikini with sky high strappy sandals.

Do any of you walk “Mr. Smith” dressed like this?

(He’s more of a “Mr. Smith” than a “Spot” in my opinion….)

#11. Marilyn Monroe Bikini: Bombshell Cover Girl

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Marilyn Monroe inspired bikini style

Shop this Marilyn Monroe Bikini look: Blue Checkered Bikini

In this saucy cover girl shot Marilyn Monroe definitely flashes her world famous curves.

For this daring retro look, Marilyn Monroe is wearing a revealing two-piece bikini in a vintage striped pattern.

The spicy cut of this bikini leaves little to the imagination.

It has a strapless style top, and its bikini bottom hints at being a skirt, but is low cut by 1950s standards.

They are really just a bikini bottom panty with seductive ruffle detailing!

Need more chic swimsuit style inspo from Old Hollywood?
7 Vintage Audrey Hepburn Swimsuit Looks to Inspire Your Next Vacation

#12: Marilyn Monroe Bikini: Peppermint Stick Dream Girl

marilyn monroe swimsuits
Marilyn Monroe wearing a striped halter top bikini, 1946

Shop this Marilyn Monroe Bikini look: Vintage Style Bikini | Red ruffled skirt

When Old Hollywood Glam meets 1950s casual, this is the result.

This Dream Girl bikini look has the idyllic good life of 1950s written all over it.

Marilyn Monroe looks like she just popped over to the ocean in the afternoon, while her little brother shot this pic on his old Polaroid.

The understated elegance is totally a Kodak moment.

Style secrets to make this Marilyn Monroe bikini look your own?

Choose a vintage fashioned two-piece bikini in a cheery red and white candy cane pattern.

Select a figure enhancing halter style bikini top and full coverage bikini bottom.

And keep a keen eye to the detail elements, like strings and ruffles.

P.S. Don’t forget to have a little brother in tow, to make sure he can memorialize your eye-turning vintage look!

#13. Marilyn Monroe Bikini: Bathing Beauty

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Marilyn Monroe wearing a color blocked swimsuit, 1946

Shop this Marilyn Monroe Bikini look: Striped Bikini | Striped Espadrilles Sandals

This sensational Marilyn Monroe bikini shot soooo embodies the iconic vintage 1950s style.

This young Marilyn Monroe is feminine, classy, and timeless!

Plus we love the fun elements!

Who doesn’t prop up their mirror by the ocean for a last minute make-up touchup?

For this timeless vintage 1950s bikini style, Marilyn Monroe chooses a halter style bikini top, which she offsets with a full coverage bikini bottom.

The vintage pattern of her bikini is so fun and cheery.

The bright color blocking is hints at happy golden days gone by… like visits to the Country Fair or the beach at Boardwalk.

This article was all about Marilyn Monroe Bikini

Which Marilyn Monroe bikini style is your favorite?

Do you prefer Marilyn Monroe’s skirted two piece bikinis, her vintage bandeau bikinis, or her daring 1950s string bikini styles?

What do you think about her swimsuit accessories, like her colorful summer sandals and sky high wedge shoes?

Which bikini outfit do you want to buy first?

Remember…. You can’t buy happiness, but you can buy a bikini, and that’s pretty close.

Inspired by this post? Save the pin below to your Marilyn Monroe Pinterest board. 🙂

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