J.Lo and Hailey Bieber Are Both Backing This "Risky" Swimwear Trend

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

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(Image credit: @jlo)

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. 

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(Image credit: Getty Images)

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.

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(Image credit: Getty Images)

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. 

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(Image credit: @lizzobeeating)

Make like Lizzo and enhance your string triangle bikini with a belt chain—even better if yours is personalised like hers, too. 

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(Image credit: Getty Images)

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. 

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(Image credit: @kimkardashian)

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. 

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(Image credit: @haileybieber)

Hailey Bieber pairs her triangle bikini with a body chain and bucket hat, upping the '90s appeal of her swimwear as she goes. 

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(Image credit: @jourdandunn)

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

Next Up: 27 Easy Outfit Ideas I'm Wearing on Rotation Right Now

Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over twelve years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories, and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, works closely with influencer talent on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media. Previously, Maxine appeared on TV in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o. 


Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship, she was offered a position on the Look magazine fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. She went on to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others. Maxine works remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh.