The Best String Bikinis

There is a reason the string bikini refuses to go out of fashion. It is the swimwear equivalent of a little black dress — quietly confident, endlessly versatile and flattering on practically everyone who slips into one. A few slender ties, a triangle or two, and suddenly you have a suit that packs into a clutch, dries in minutes and leaves you with the kind of even golden glow that no self-respecting one-piece can promise. Below, our edit of the styles, the brands and the small details worth knowing before you tie the bow.

The adjustable appeal

The string bikini's genius lies in its strings. Unlike fixed-band styles, every tie can be loosened, tightened or shifted to suit your shape on the day — bloated Tuesday or post-holiday Friday, it simply adapts. That adjustability is precisely why it flatters such a broad range of bodies: you set the coverage, the rise and the support yourself. Frankies Bikinis has built an empire on exactly this kind of barely-there, do-it-your-way design, and it remains the brand to beat for a string that feels custom. Shop Frankies Bikinis

The right ties & no slipping

A string bikini is only as good as its knots, and this is where cheaper versions betray themselves. Look for ties with a little grip — a soft, slightly textured cord holds a bow far better than slippery nylon that works itself loose by your second length of the pool. Double-knotting is your friend, as is a suit with enough tie length to actually fasten securely rather than straining at a single tight loop. Acacia does beautifully reliable ties in dreamy, sun-faded shades. Shop Acacia If you're after more security across the bust, our guide to swimwear for a small bust covers the styles that stay put.

Classic triangle vs slide

The two great schools of the string bikini are the classic triangle and the slide triangle. The classic stitches the cup in place for a clean, predictable fit — what you tie is what you get. The slide triangle lets the fabric glide along the strings, so you can nudge the cups closer for cleavage or wider for more coverage. The slide is the more forgiving of the two across cup sizes, though it asks for a confident knot to keep everything in position. Vitamin A strikes a lovely balance with sustainable, beautifully cut triangles. Shop Vitamin A

Ribbed & textured strings

If the flat-fabric string feels a touch too 2009 for you, texture is the update. Ribbed knits, seersucker and crinkle finishes add quiet structure and a grown-up polish, and they have the happy side effect of being more flattering — texture catches the light and gently disguises rather than clings. L*Space does some of the best ribbed strings going, in a palette that flatters a British tan or the brave hope of one. Shop L*Space For another minimal silhouette worth a look, see our edit of the best bandeau bikinis.

Who it suits

Here is the cheering truth: the string bikini suits almost everyone, because you are the one deciding how it sits. Smaller busts love the freedom of a slide triangle and the option to scrunch the cups for shape. Curvier figures can tie for genuine lift and lengthen the line of the leg with a high-tie side. Petite frames adore how little fabric there is to overwhelm them, and the high-rise tie elongates beautifully. Tori Praver has a knack for strings that feel grown-up rather than girlish. Shop Tori Praver

Fit advice

A few parting notes. Tie the bottoms at your natural hip rather than yanking them up at the waist — comfort first, drama second. Wet your suit before a big knot so it doesn't loosen as the fabric relaxes in the water. Mind that pale ties and sun cream are not always friends, so cream first and dress after. And do remember the whole point: the string's narrow ties give you the most even tan-line-friendly finish of any swimwear, so move the knots a touch between days if you want the cleanest glow. For more brands worth your suitcase this season, browse our pick of the best bikini brands of 2026.