String Bikinis: The Adjustable Style That Fits Every Body

String bikinis have been a swimwear staple for decades, and they've earned that status. The adjustable design means they work across body types, the minimal construction means less bulk and better tans, and the look is effortlessly clean. If you've been curious about string bikinis or want to find the right one, this is your guide.

What Is a String Bikini?

A string bikini is a two-piece swimsuit where the top and bottom are held in place by thin string ties rather than fixed bands or clasps. On the bottom, two strings tie at each hip, connecting a front panel to a back panel. On the top, strings tie at the neck and across the back, holding the cups in position.

The defining feature is adjustability. Because the ties are not fixed, you can tighten or loosen the fit at every point, customising the coverage and positioning to suit your exact proportions. This is what makes string bikinis one of the most universally flattering swimwear styles available.

Why String Bikinis Work for Every Body

Most swimwear forces you into a fixed cut. String bikinis do the opposite. The ties adapt to you.

If you're between sizes in fixed-waist bottoms, string ties solve the problem entirely. You tie to your exact measurement, every time. If you want the cups of a triangle top sitting higher or lower, you adjust the neck tie. If you want more or less coverage on the hips, you adjust where the side ties sit.

This means a single string bikini fits differently on different bodies, and that's the point. It's not a compromise fit. It's a custom fit, built into the design.

String bikinis are also one of the most comfortable swimwear styles for extended wear. There are no rigid bands digging in, no underwire shifting, no elastic losing its grip over a long day. The ties hold steady and adjust as you move.

Types of String Bikini Styles

Classic String Bikini

The original and still the most popular. A classic string bikini bottom has a moderate front panel with thin ties at each hip. The back coverage is typically moderate to cheeky, with enough fabric to feel secure while keeping the silhouette clean. Paired with a string bikini top, you get the full adjustable experience.

Micro String Bikini

A scaled-down version of the classic, with a narrower front panel and less back coverage. Micro string bottoms are for those who want maximum tan lines and minimum fabric. The ties are thinner, the panels are smaller, and the look is bold.

String Thong Bikini

Combines string ties with a thong back. The front panel connects to a narrow back strip via string ties at the hips. This is the choice for an all-over tan with the adjustability of string sides. Popular for resort holidays and private beach settings.

High-Cut String Bikini

High-cut string bottoms raise the leg line toward the waist while keeping the string tie at the hip. The effect is longer-looking legs and a sculpted hip line. The string tie sits higher on the body, which creates a different visual proportion than a classic low-rise string bottom.

How to Tie a String Bikini

It sounds simple, and it is, but the way you tie makes a difference to how secure and comfortable the bikini feels all day.

Bottom Ties

Thread the strings through and tie a double knot rather than a bow. Bows look pretty but they come undone in surf. A double knot sits flat, stays put, and is still easy to untie when you want to. Position the knot on top of the hip bone where it won't dig in when you sit.

Top Ties

For the neck tie, adjust the length so the cups sit where you want them, then tie at the back of the neck rather than directly behind. This distributes weight more evenly and prevents the tie from slipping. For the back tie, keep it snug but not tight. You want the band to sit flat against the ribs without leaving marks.

Getting the Right Coverage

String bikinis let you adjust coverage in real time. Pull the front panel slightly higher for more coverage, lower for less. Shift the side ties forward or back on the hip to change how the fabric sits across the front and back. This is one of the main advantages over fixed-construction swimwear.

String Bikini Fabrics: What to Look For

The fabric matters more on a string bikini than almost any other style, because there's less of it doing more work. Every panel needs to hold its shape, resist stretch-out, and maintain opacity when wet.

Lycra weight: Look for a minimum 200 GSM swim lycra. Anything lighter will stretch out over a day's wear and lose its recovery. Quality Italian and Australian swim fabrics hold their shape through repeated wear and wash cycles.

Stretch recovery: Pull the fabric and release it. It should snap back to its original shape immediately. If it stays stretched, it will sag when wet and lose its fit over time.

Opacity: This is critical for string bikinis, especially lighter colours. Quality swim fabric maintains complete coverage when wet. Cheaper fabrics go sheer, which defeats the purpose of wearing swimwear in the first place.

UV and chlorine resistance: Swimwear that fades in the sun or degrades in chlorinated pools has a limited lifespan. Quality fabrics are treated for UV resistance and chlorine tolerance, meaning your string bikini looks the same at the end of summer as it did at the start.

Styling String Bikinis

String bikinis are some of the most versatile swimwear to style, precisely because of their minimal construction.

At the beach: A string bikini paired with a wide-brim hat and oversized sunglasses is a classic combination that never dates. The clean lines of the bikini work with statement accessories rather than competing with them.

At the pool: Layer a sheer cover-up or open shirt over a string bikini for moving between the pool and the bar. The thin ties sit flat under clothing and don't create bulk or visible lines.

For travel: String bikinis pack flat and take up almost no space. Three string bikinis fit in the space one padded bikini top would take, making them ideal for a travel wardrobe.

Mix and Match With String Bikinis

One of the best things about string bikinis is how well they mix and match. Because the construction is consistent, a string top in one print pairs naturally with a string bottom in another.

Start with a solid colour in a neutral tone, then add a printed piece in a complementary colourway. Navy and white, black and a tropical print, olive and terracotta. The string ties create a visual thread that connects mismatched pieces.

Building a capsule swim wardrobe around string bikinis is efficient. Three bottoms and three tops give you nine different combinations. That's more than two weeks of non-repeating swim looks from six pieces that fit in a single packing cube.

Caring for Your String Bikini

String bikinis last longest when you treat them with a bit of care.

Rinse after every wear in cool fresh water. Salt, chlorine, and sunscreen all break down swim fabric over time. A quick rinse removes the worst of it before it can do damage.

Hand wash with a gentle detergent rather than machine washing. The thin ties can tangle and stretch in a washing machine, and the agitation is harder on delicate fabrics than hand washing.

Dry flat in the shade rather than hanging or machine drying. Hanging by the ties stretches them out of shape, and direct sun fades colours faster than shade drying. Lay the bikini flat on a towel and let it air dry naturally.

Rotate your swimwear. Swim fabric needs 24 hours to recover its stretch after wearing. If you're wearing a bikini every day on holiday, rotate between at least two so each one gets time to bounce back.

Find Your String Bikini

Whether you want a classic string style for everyday beach wear or a micro string for a resort holiday, the right string bikini is the one that fits your body exactly the way you want it to.

Browse our string bikini bottoms and string bikini tops to find your perfect fit, or explore our full bikini tops and bikini bottoms collections to mix and match your ideal set.