The String Bikini Guide: Styles, Fit Tips, and How to Wear One

A string bikini is one of the most dynamic, showstopping looks in swimwear. With simple triangle cups and adjustable ties, it’s designed to adapt to your preferences for coverage, lift, and fit. Unlike fixed-frame swimsuits, the string bikini can be adjusted in multiple ways, making it a fave for showing your personal style.

Whether you're relaxing poolside, packing for a beach getaway, or dressing for a summer party, let’s help you find the perfect string bikini that can be an integral part of your warm-weather wardrobe. We’re partial to the SKIMS string of choice: the Signature Swim Triangle Bikini Top with the Signature Swim Dipped Tie Bikini Bottom in the color you love.

What Is a String Bikini?

You know the string bikini from its tried-and-true elements: triangle cups, a tie neck and back, and tie-side bottoms. Because the ties control the tension of the garment, you can fine-tune how the suit sits on your body.

This construction is more than just cute. It also offers:

Adjustable coverage so you can customize how much or how little the cups reveal (space them further apart for a more open neckline, or slide them closer together for more coverage and support)
Personalized fitting that adapts to different bust/torso shapes and hip measurements

Another perk: Minimal tan lines thanks to thinner straps and smaller panels.

How to Get the Right Fit for Your String Bikini

The key to feeling confident in a string bikini is achieving your preferred balance between support, coverage, and comfort. A well-fitting suit should feel secure, without digging into the skin or shifting too much as you move.

Signs your bikini fits correctly:

The cups sit flat against the body without gaping
The under-bust string stays horizontal across your back
The bottoms stay in place when you walk or sit
Straps provide lift without leaving deep indentations

Signs it may need adjusting:

Cups wrinkle or pucker at the edges
Bottoms sag or bunch at the back

Because the fabric relaxes slightly after getting wet, a new swimsuit may feel slightly snug at first. This is normal. High-quality swim fabrics stretch subtly in water and mold to the body over time.

Choosing a String Bikini for Your Body Shape

One of the benefits of the string bikini is how easily it can be styled for different proportions. Strategic placement of your ties can help balance your silhouette. Color and details also always contribute to the whole look.

For bodies with fuller hips (pear or hourglass silhouettes) drawing attention upward creates visual balance.

Tie the triangles around your neck with enough lift. Maybe play with contrast color—AKA, a dark bottom with a bright top, like the SKIMS Triangle Bikini Top in Aqua Ombre Snake or Sphene.
Situate the bottom ties high on your hips to elongate the legs

If your torso carries more volume through the midsection:

Tie the bottom’s ties high on your hips to lengthen your legs
Consider pairing your string bikini top with a high-waisted bikini bottom for silhouette shaping

For straight silhouettes, or shoulders that are as broad as hips:

A triangle bikini top is a great option
High-cut legs can enhance curves visually
Opt for patterns to create intrigue and draw eyes to the swimsuit

Styling Your String Bikini Beyond the Beach

This timeless silhouette is easy to incorporate into a broader summer wardrobe. A string bikini is a clean, light foundation, and can double as a layering piece under sheer mesh cover-ups or peeking out under thoughtful resort wear, creating a clean, minimal foundation for warm-weather styling.

The string bikini top mimics a wireless bralette in function, and you can show it off in total confidence..

Try pairing your string bikini with:

An oversized linen or oxford shirt, unbuttoned
Lightweight resort wear trousers or cover up sarongs
Cover-up dresses and sleek resort wear pieces
High-rise denim shorts

SKIMS Cover Ups and Resort Wear are designed to go over your string bikini with ease, dressing you from pool or beach to your next activity effortlessly. The list of possibilities for styling the string bikini is almost endless. For more suggestions on outfits to wear over a string bikini, visit our blog all about Bikini Outfit Ideas.

String Bikini Support for Different Bust Sizes

For smaller busts: Color, shape, and details can create the appearance of fullness. Look for patterns or bright colors. Avoid oversized triangle cups. A smaller cup that follows your natural shape usually looks more defined.

For fuller busts: The key is distributing weight across the under-bust band rather than relying solely on the neck tie. You might want to try other ways of tying the strings to see what’s most comfortable. SKIMS fabrics are strengthened with adequate elastane to support your body, stretch and snap back with you.

Caring for Your String Bikini

High-quality swimwear fabrics have strong elastane fibers that maintain stretch and recovery. Elastane requires proper care—it doesn’t hold up in basic machine-washing methods. Following a few simple, DIY steps will help preserve the shape and color of your bikini.

Best practices for swimwear care

Rinse immediately after swimming to remove salt or chlorine
Hand wash in cool water (even better if with a gentle cleanser)
Press water out in a towel, instead of wringing it to dry (avoid harsh twisting and pulling of fabric)
Dry flat in the shade, never in direct sunlight

As with everything, daily use takes its toll. Rotating between two or three swimsuits can extend the lifespan of each piece.

The most important part of wearing a string bikini is feeling comfortable and supported. When the ties, cups, and fabric all work together, the result is a swimsuit style that feels as effortless to wear as it is to put on. It highlights your natural proportions and supports how you want to feel in all your clothes and cover-ups. Explore the full range of colors of our String Bikini Tops and Bottoms in the SKIMS Swim Shop, designed with customizable fit for a confident summer.