Looking at celebrities basking in the sunshine on their recent slew of exotic holidays has reminded me of a couple of things: 1) that I need to replenish my supply of dental floss when I’m next at Tesco, and 2) that it’s good to get out of your leggings and knitwear once in a while and embrace something… skimpy. And what could be skimpier than a barely there string bikini?
That’s right; stylish stars have been casting aside their Baywatch-esque high-leg cossies in favour of teeny triangle bikinis—the sort that dominated every beach, poolside and popular music video in the '90s. And you know what? I might join them.
A few years ago, I found my swimwear comfort zone in retro, high-waist bikinis—the sort that cover my belly button and provide me with the added support across my hips that I was looking for. But this year, as my first abroad holiday in over two years approaches, I’m not going to take being able to wear a minuscule bikini for granted. Life’s too short, and I’m over being hung up on my insecurities. Sure, there’s a risk of spillage, especially when you have a bigger bust as I do, but I think it’s worth it. So I’m taking a leaf out of J.Lo, Dua Lipa, and Hailey Bieber’s collective book by embracing the triangle-string-bikini trend.
Another commonality is that all of these bikinis are made in bright colours or statement prints and, more often than not, accompanied by matching sarongs, kaftans or beach trousers. Bucket hats, Y2K sunglasses and designer beach bags complete the high-end swim aesthetic celebrities are loving right now.
Scroll below to see celebrities doing their thing in their tiny triangle bikinis. Then, proceed to shop the trend for yourself.
CELEBRITIES IN STRING BIKINIS
Last year, Jennifer Lopez practically broke the internet when she posted this snap to her IG feed. Is this the look that kick-started the triangle-bikini trend? It’s highly possible.
Winnie Harlow’s acid-pink tie-dye bikini and matching sarong are Y2K perfection. I’m particularly partial to the addition of her crystal necklace.
Dua Lipa ticks off more trends than I can count with her checkerboard triangle bikini, crochet sarong, sporty sunglasses, platform flip-flops and a bag from Loewe’s Spirited Away collection.
Make like Lizzo and enhance your string triangle bikini with a belt chain—even better if yours is personalised like hers, too.
Shay Mitchell turns her bikini into a look I would also wear on home soil with her coordinated trousers and shirt, Prada basket, hoop earrings and felt bucket hat.
Kim Kardashian West was one of the first stars to reacquaint themselves with the string triangle bikini this year. Instead of statement prints, Kim opted for an equally on-trend shade of saturated pink.
Hailey Bieber pairs her triangle bikini with a body chain and bucket hat, upping the '90s appeal of her swimwear as she goes.
If Jourdan Dunn’s lime-and-turquoise bikini wasn’t enough to turn heads, her awesome Louis Vuitton–logo beach towel ought to do it.
SHOP STRING BIKINIS
A swimwear classic.
Ideal for more frugal budgets.
A cool print, and the beading is a nice detail.
When you can't rely on the sun, fall back on a sunny bikini.
A really beautiful take on a floral, leafy print.
The colours in this will pair easily with different coloured tops too.
This will suit all skin tones.
These bottoms have more coverage than most string bikinis.
Tick off two swimwear trends in one with a seersucker string bikini.
This print feels so current.
Very cool indeed.
Pair this with a bright linen shirt.
This shade of blue looks great on every skin tone.
Try mixing these with different tops.
The ruching on the bikini top is very on trend.
This set also comes in a khaki green hue.
This style boasts even more tie details.
If you're a minimalist, a white bikini will blend in seamlessly with your holiday wardrobe.
The asymmetric tie offers a cool point of difference.
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