Ancient Egyptian and Greek scriptures have depicted women in water scenes wearing short cotton skirts that were waisted below the bust and held up by two straps that mark the earliest versions of the modern monokini. However, European designer, Rudi Gernreich, holds the title for designing the first monokini in 1964. A cross between a one-piece swimsuit and a two-piece, the design consisted of a bikini bottom with straps that ran over the shoulders. He also is responsible for naming the garment and was recorded in the English language that same year. The term monokini, refers to a bikini bottom held in place by two straps which, at least partially, cover the breasts. His vision to create a garment with minimal construction and detailing to maintain focus on the body itself received mixed reviews during the conservative times. In the face of the critics, the monokini was a highly purchased item for shoppers that summer, selling over $3,000 in the suits. Although not very successful in the US, it was a great hit in Europe by the early 1970's.

After its first season, the monokini grew quickly out of style, nonetheless, the exposing suit began a new era in swimsuit design. Designers soon began experimenting with strategic cutouts and mesh coverage in swimwear design. For the Sports Illustrated cover in 2000, Laetitia Casta was photographed in a vintage 1967 Gernreich monokini, reviving interest in the swimsuit. Today, the monokini is the hottest summer trend in swimsuit since its debut. Popular designs are cut-out one-piece swimsuits with designers using fabric, mesh, chain, and straps to bond the top and bottom sections together, like Dolce & Gabbana's Monokini with Metal Ring & Gold Lurex Piping. Celebrities including Paris Hilton and Eva Longoria Parker, have been photographed in stylish monokini designs, only growing the popularity of this up to the moment trend.