Christie Brinkley Drops Jaws In Bikini Throwback That 'Caused A Stir' In 1977

Bikini culture in the 1970s wasn't quite what it is today. Legendary model Christie Brinkley just explained the whole thing on Instagram, also managing to wow the platform with a bikini throwback that dates back to 1977.

Christie, 65, updated her Instagram earlier today. Her photo showed a Cosmopolitan cover from back in the day. The "Sports Illustrated" legend was looking smoking hot in a super-tiny and high-waisted bikini in purple. The satin two-piece was showing a lot of hip, and Christie mentioned this in a caption that was long – but ultimately incredibly eye-opening.

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'In 1977 This Bathing Suit Caused A Stir'

Christie Brinkley poses in a bikini in 1977
Christie Brinkley poses in a bikini in 1977

To the modern-day viewer, the bikini might look perfectly normal. Christie was posing facing the camera and with her arms behind her head. Her gaze was confident, but the caption explored the subject of swimwear confidence.

"In 1977 this bathing suit caused a stir! At the time all the bikinis were low slung on the hip.This high leg cut leg made the hip a new erogenous zone. I couldn’t figure out how to put it on as just one string holds it all together!" Christie opened.

'I Was Worried That I Looked Fat'

Christie Brinkley wears a bikini on a boat
Christie Brinkley wears a bikini on a boat

Christie continued by stating that back in the day, "retouching" didn't exist.

"I remember was worried that I looked fat," she wrote, adding:

"I’m so glad that today our industry appreciates all shapes and sizes so we can just focus on being healthy. Not cookie cutter. Still there is something in some young girls that often makes them feel they just don’t measure up. I was one of them."

The model then stated that looking back at the snaps reminded her how "worry" was such a "waste of time."

Christie hoped that younger generations would be able to benefit from the snap: "If only the perspective we gain with age that elevates the worries could be absorbed," she wrote.

Instagram Is Wowed By The Body – And The Caption

Christie Brinkley poses in a dress
Christie Brinkley poses in a dress

The update has generated an immense response.

"Wow 🔥🔥🔥🔥 same body as today" came from swimwear designer Melissa Odabash.

"So well put Christie. 💜 We have a way to go but seeing the positive in all different body types and focusing on feeling good and being healthy is definitely a step in the right direction!" another fan wrote.

One fan recalled the cover.

"Actually remember that issue of Cosmo I used to buy it all the time. Fat no way absolutely gorgeous as always❤️," they wrote.

The One Kid Who Wanted To Marry Her

Christie Brinkley poses at an event
Christie Brinkley poses at an event

Christie's fans aren't all her age. One user who was growing up in the '80s replied with an adorable comment.

"When I was a kid in 1984Everyone would ask me chris riddle who are you going to marry ? I was like Christie Brinkley ...I had the famous swimsuit poster in my room. I think I was 12😂," they wrote.

Of course, teeny tiny bikinis – especially high-waisted ones – are now the norm. On the plus side, it looks like body-positivity is also making progress. Plus-size model Ashley Graham likely wouldn't have had the career she has today back in the '70s.

Then again, body-shaming remains alive and well. In June 2019, Bebe Rexha was body-shamed on Instagram, with singer Demi Lovato coming to her defense.