What is a string bikini?
A string bikini is a two-piece swimsuit characterized by minimal coverage and adjustable ties at the sides of the bottoms and the back and neck of the top. The thin string ties allow a customizable fit that suits many body types, which makes the style versatile, flattering, and popular for sunbathing and swimming. It's the classic triangle-top swimsuit silhouette — and the parent style of the more minimal micro bikini.
This guide covers what a string bikini actually is, how it differs from a regular bikini and from a micro bikini, the full range of cuts, how to choose the right style for your body type, the brief history behind the silhouette, how to fit and care for one, and where to shop — with a curated collection behind every style.
String Bikinis at HauteFlair
Triangle tops, tie-side bottoms, Brazilian and thong cuts, and coordinating sets — all in one curated collection, across a range of sizes, colors, and styles.
Shop String Bikinis → Triangle Bikinis →- A string bikini is a two-piece with thin adjustable ties at the sides, neck, and back — minimal coverage, customizable fit.
- It's the classic triangle-top silhouette — the suit most people picture when they think "bikini."
- String vs micro: a micro bikini is the more minimal evolution; every micro is string-based, but not every string bikini is micro.
- Flattering across body types because the ties personalize the fit — petite, curvy, athletic, and hourglass each have an ideal cut.
- Great for tanning — minimal coverage and repositionable ties reduce and even out tan lines.
- Fabric matters: nylon-spandex blends hold shape; triangle tops often have removable padding.
- HauteFlair carries string bikinis across triangle, tie-side, Brazilian, and thong cuts.
What "String Bikini" Actually Means
A string bikini is defined by its construction rather than by one fixed amount of coverage. Where a standard bikini uses wider bands, fixed straps, and structured cups, a string bikini replaces those with thin adjustable ties at the sides of the bottoms and the back and neck of the top. That tie system is the whole point: it follows the body's curves and lets the wearer set the fit and coverage themselves.
Three features identify a string bikini at a glance:
- Triangle top. The signature string top is a triangle — usually with removable padding — held by thin ties at the neck and back rather than by a structured band.
- Tie-side bottom. The bottom ties at the hips with thin strings, so coverage and rise are adjustable. Cuts range from classic to cheeky, Brazilian, and thong.
- Adjustable everything. Because the suit is tied rather than elasticated into a fixed shape, you set the fit at every point — which is what makes string bikinis flattering across so many bodies.
The most accurate way to think about a string bikini is "the adjustable triangle classic." It's the most versatile point on the swimwear spectrum — more covered than a micro bikini, more minimal than a structured suit, and tunable by the wearer to land anywhere in between. That adaptability is exactly why it has stayed in style for decades.
String Bikini vs. Regular Bikini vs. Micro Bikini
Three terms shoppers mix up constantly. Here's the clean breakdown:
| Style | Coverage | Defining feature | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular bikini | Moderate | Wider bands, fixed straps, structured cups | Active swimming, more support |
| String bikini | Modest-to-minimal | Thin adjustable ties, triangle top | Tanning, fashion, versatile wear |
| Micro bikini | Minimal | Tiny panels + strings | Tanning, resort, statement looks |
| Thong / Brazilian | Minimal rear | Reduced back coverage on a string base | Tan lines, cheeky looks |
The string bikini is the parent style. A micro bikini is a string bikini shrunk down to minimal panels, and a Brazilian or thong refers to the back coverage of the bottom. Every micro bikini is string-based, but not every string bikini is micro. If you want the full breakdown of the most minimal end, see our complete micro bikini guide.
String Bikini Styles
Within the string family, several cuts cover different goals. Each links to a shoppable collection at HauteFlair.
Triangle String Bikini
The classic — two triangle cups with thin ties at the neck and back, usually with removable padding. The most recognizable and versatile string style.
Shop Triangle →Tie-Side String Bottom
Thin ties at the hips let you set the rise and coverage. Wear high on the waist to elongate the legs, or low for a classic look.
Shop Tie-Side →Brazilian String Bikini
A scrunch or cheeky back on a string base — less rear coverage than classic, more than a thong. Popular for a flattering, on-trend look.
Shop Brazilian →Thong String Bikini
A thong back on a string base — minimal rear coverage for the fewest tan lines. The bridge between a string bikini and a micro.
Shop Thong →Find Your String Bikini Style
Two quick questions — we'll point you to the right cut and collection for your body type and goal.
How to Choose a String Bikini for Your Body Type
The string bikini's adjustable ties are exactly why it flatters so many figures — but the right cut still varies by body type. Here's where to start.
Aim for high-cut bottoms paired with tiny triangle tops to elongate your figure. Keep ties thin and proportions small so the suit doesn't overwhelm a smaller frame.
If you want more support in the bust or seat, opt for thicker string ties and double-lined fabric. The sturdier ties hold securely while keeping the string look.
Match smaller triangle tops with ruched or scrunch bottoms to add the appearance of curve where the silhouette is naturally straighter.
Classic string sets will accentuate your natural proportions beautifully — the adjustable ties let you balance top and bottom to your exact shape.
Because string bikinis are adjustable, sizing is forgiving — but the cut still matters more than the size. If you're between two looks, choose by the body-type guidance above first, then fine-tune the fit with the ties once it arrives.
A Brief History of the String Bikini
The string bikini descends directly from the modern bikini, and its evolution from full-coverage early swimwear to today's minimal triangle is part of why the style carries so much staying power.
The Modern Bikini Debuts in Paris
French designer Louis Réard popularized the modern two-piece in 1946. Early bikinis were comparatively modest — often high-waisted, with bra-like tops and skirted or boyshort bottoms — but the revealing two-piece concept set the stage for everything that followed.
From Full Coverage to Triangle Tops
Through the 1950s and 60s, women worldwide began experimenting with more revealing cuts. Coverage shrank, structured tops gave way to triangles, and Brazil drove the minimal evolution that produced the thong and string styles we recognize today.
The Term Enters the Mainstream
The term "string bikini" entered wider use in the 1970s as the thin-tie triangle silhouette spread internationally. The defining feature — strings instead of bands — became the look most people now picture when they imagine a bikini.
The Classic That Keeps Returning
The string bikini's silhouette has withstood decades of trend cycles. New reinterpretations — reversed ties, bandeau-style wraps, fresh prints — only prove its versatility. It remains a symbol of confidence and the go-to classic for beach and pool.
Fit, Fabric & Sizing
String bikinis are forgiving on sizing because the ties set the fit — but a few principles make the difference between a suit that sits perfectly and one that gaps or slips.
Refer to the retailer's chart for bust, waist, and hip measurements. Adjustable ties accommodate slight variations, so a precise fit is easier than with fixed-band swimwear.
Nylon-spandex blends hold shape when wet and resist fading. Soft, stretchy fabric gives a comfortable second-skin fit; triangle tops with removable padding add flexibility.
Wear the bottoms high on the waist to elongate the legs, or pull them lower on the hips for a classic low-rise look. The same suit reads differently depending on how you tie it.
When trying it on, the hip ties should feel snug but not digging. Adjust at the neck, back, and hips until the fabric sits flat with no gaping at the panels.
Choosing by Activity
Beyond body type, match the suit to what you'll actually be doing in it.
LOUNGING
SPORTS
& FESTIVAL
"The beauty of a string bikini is the adjustability. If your size slightly wavers, you simply tighten or relax the ties — which is exactly why one well-chosen suit can last seasons and flatter you the whole time."
— HauteFlair Swimwear Editorial Team
How to Care for a String Bikini
String bikinis use thin, delicate fabric and ties that degrade faster than heavier swimwear with rough treatment. A simple routine keeps a suit looking new for seasons.
Salt, chlorine, and sunscreen degrade thin fabric and ties. Rinse in cool water immediately after every use, before the residue sets in.
Hand wash in cool water with a gentle detergent. Machine washing — even on delicate — stretches ties and snags fabric. Never wring; press gently between towels.
Lay flat to dry out of direct sun, which fades color and breaks down elastic, especially on bright prints. Never tumble dry.
Apply sunscreen before tying the suit on — applying after leaves missed spots along the tie lines and stains the fabric over time.
Frequently Asked Questions About String Bikinis
What is a string bikini?
What is the difference between a string bikini and a regular bikini?
What is the difference between a string bikini and a micro bikini?
Are string bikinis flattering for all body types?
How do I choose the right size string bikini?
What materials are string bikinis made from?
Can I wear a string bikini for activities other than swimming?
Are string bikinis good for tanning?
Where did the string bikini come from?
How should a string bikini fit?
Where can I buy string bikinis online?
This guide is editorial and contains links to HauteFlair collections. Product availability and pricing may vary. String bikini sizing, coverage, and style preferences vary across bodies, brands, and personal taste — what matters most is comfort, fit, and confidence. Refer to each product's size chart for the best fit. Last updated May 2026. Originally published 2017.
