Before Kim Kardashian, Kendall Jenner, Bella Hadid, and literally every other celebrity in 2017 were freeing their nipples, the women of Old Hollywood had it covered. Or rather, uncovered. As we all know, nipples are nothing to be ashamed of and everyone has them, so all the high fives to these throwback stars—from Marilyn Monroe to Rita Hayworth.
1 of 13
Getty Images
Rita Hayworth
The actress lounges on the set of You Were Never Lovelier wearing a dress that *just about* frees her nipples. Pretty scandalous for 1942, and you know2017's naked dresses could never.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
2 of 13
Getty Images
Lillian Gish
Lillian Gish was an iconic silent film actress, who by the looks of this amazing photo, clearly had no f*cks to give when it came to wearing a bra. This particular image was taken in 1951—again, a pretty conservative time.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
3 of 13
Getty Images
Raquel Welch
Here's the stunning Raquel Welchposing for a fashion shoot in 1968, making the case for going braless in a sheer white blouse.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
4 of 13
Getty Images
Marianne Faithfull
British singer Marianne Faithfull freed the nipple in a lovely floral blouse that we can definitely see the likes of Gigi and Bella wearing circa right now.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
5 of 13
Getty Images
Carroll Baker
Okay, so this is less freeing the nipple and more freeing everything *except* the nipple, but still counts and then some.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
6 of 13
Getty Images
Carroll Baker
A closer look at the actress in this magnificent '60s era dress.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
7 of 13
Getty Images
Marilyn Monroe
The was Marilyn's final shoot before her death, and is called The Last Sitting as a result. Photographer Bert Stern got the actress to agree to pose nude, using props and accessories instead of clothes.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
8 of 13
Getty Images
Rita Hayworth
Rita Hayworth, popping up again to break a few more sartorial "rules"—this time in 1945.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
9 of 13
Getty Images
Jane Birkin
Not even Kim Kardashian has worn a dress this sheer. The 1970s were truly the coolest decade.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
10 of 13
Getty Images
Sophia Loren
Sophia Loren had a feminist moment while filming Boy on a Dolphin in 1957.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
11 of 13
Getty Images
Sophia Loren
But nothing beats Loren in this circa 1964 outfit—where she freed her spider-style nipple pasties as opposed to her actual nipples.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
12 of 13
Getty Images
Marlene Dietrich
May we present Marlene Freakin' Dietrich in 1950. Bow down.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
13 of 13
Alamy
Jill St. John
Actress and former "Bond girl" Jill St John wore this sheer piece in 1967—a pretty popular time to free the nipple.
