When it comes to swimwear, there are many iterations of the classic two-piece bathing suit. The micro trends are aplenty: revealing bottoms, strappy bikini sets, underwire balconettes and new styles called “midriff floss.” You can wear them on their own, toss over a wife beater shirt or flaunt them off as streetwear fashion.
But with the overwhelming number of options available, it’s easy to confuse the top trend out of all the trends.
Still, one trend remains classic and supreme at the same time: the classic triangle string bikini.
String bikini underwear has become a staple in the swimwear fashion scene. Celebrities like Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner have modeled string bikinis in high-end runways. Fashion magazines like Vogue have featured their selection of top string bikini fashions, celebrating the very “Bond Girl” look that promotes string bikini tops and bottoms.
But not everyone’s a big fan of this classic swimwear must-have — with all the string bikini problems women know so well.
Whose Body Was This Designed For? String Bikini Problems
String bikinis are cute; if you wear them well, you’ll be the talk of the town (or at least your small community of social media followers). But if you encounter wardrobe malfunctions or fail to keep the bikini on, nip slips and blushing cheeks from embarrassment are your imminent futures.
It’s no wonder that not everyone’s a big fan of these string bikinis. Consider the common problems below.
- You’re tall but the bottoms barely come above the crotch area. If you are a tall person, you’re no stranger to the “Aw hell no” feeling when string bikini panties barely cover your butt or crotch. As a result, you spend most of your days pulling it up or even worse, losing it once you get in the water.
- When the tops and bottoms are different sizes but you can’t buy them separately. Sometimes, you can buy the string bikini tops and bottoms separately, which is great because it’s highly likely that the tops and bottoms are different sizes. But if your string bikini parts cannot be bought separately, you can’t afford to be cute in the manner you want.
- The endless wedgie pull-downs. No matter how the string bikini fits you well, your butt will still suck your bikini bottoms like a vortex, which means you’ll spend the entire day removing it from the vortex. It’s a law with bikinis.
- Stuffing the strings into tighter shorts, creating a visible panty line. As a result, you look like you have straws sticking to your bottom.
- Large sizes fit like smaller sizes. When you first bought the string bikini, it said large. But when you actually wore it, they feel like they’re made for smaller teens. How can a 4×4 inch swatch of fabric cover your entire bottom?
- Big waves are after you. Beach waves are the enemies after your string bikinis. Shame on them for undressing you in public.
- The constant checking to make sure the bikini triangle is still where it’s supposed to be. No breasts are shaped like a triangle. So no matter what you do, your girls will always escape. The kindest slip would be a side boob but when there’s a threat of nip slip, your defense instinct kicks in. This is where women with smaller bests are the queens of g-string bikinis since they don’t have this big problem.
- The socially-required hair removal. Don’t get this wrong. If you want to let your hair grow, you’re free to do so. But it’s socially-implied that people who don’t trim or wax everything south of the navel are making a social faux pas. There’s also the fear of razor burns on your crotch area because you didn’t wax. You’ll end up with red bumps that itch through your bikini.
- You have nowhere to hide. If you feel like being modest or feel weird about certain parts of your body, a string bikini may seem like a big joke. You think you’ll look cute but you’re still insecure. The only way to rock a bikini is to wear it with confidence.
How Should a String Bikini Fit?
String bikini blunders shouldn’t keep you from staying fashionable on the beach. To win this fashion war, you start with the right tools — aka a string bikini that actually fits. Granted, this is the first hurdle you have to face and it’s challenging already. But there are guidelines you can follow.
- Swimsuits should be supportive. The top compromise women have with swimsuits is the lack of expectation of support. Rule of thumb: your string bikini tops should never make your breasts look “saggy” or “long.” Your breasts are not the problem; it’s the bikini. Go for a double-lined bikini top that offers thick support. Also, consider your breast size. Shop for a bikini top as you would shop for a bra.
- Don’t settle for saggy swimsuit bottoms. Another looming issue to resolve is in the back of your string bikini panties. There are many ways the fit can go wrong in this area. Every woman is created in different body shapes, sizes and weight distribution. When you go to the store, you have five choices: XS, S, M,L or XL. But what if you’re in between sizes? Do you settle for a small size that may fit snugly or should you go with saggy bottoms? No, girl. Go for a style that is designed to fit your coverage.
- Ill-fitting bottoms again! As mentioned in the second option, a bottom that doesn’t fit is never an option. First of all, the muffin top is the first blunder, which isn’t your body’s fault. Women are meant to have curves and the best string bikini can complement it. When shopping for string bikini bottoms, go for panties that have “no squeeze” factor. If you can’t find them in your chosen shop, ask if they customize bottoms. It can be pricey but girl, you deserve a string bikini bottom that hugs your curves well.
- Swimwear with tummy support and control. This is often an overlooked problem during swimsuit shopping because women often blame themselves for “tummy issues.” Society has trained us to think that if a swimsuit doesn’t fit, you have to lose weight. On the contrary, you don’t and you deserve a better string bikini that offers support. The rise in a swimsuit (aka the part that hits your back and tummy) is important. If the bottom feels too low in the front, you won’t be comfortable. Go for a well-fit swimsuit that you don’t have to adjust repeatedly.
- The ability to be active in your string bikini. Finally, the best string bikini offers you the ability to be active in it. Function trumps style if you plan on snorkeling, paddle-boarding or playing with the kids.
String Bikini Shopping Commandments to Follow
Finding the right string bikini fit to flatter your shape and size can be difficult. But keeping a positive mindset and remembering a few crucial tips can make your shopping experience better. It also enables you to find the best bikini that inspires your self-confidence and ensures a relaxing day at the beach.
When shopping for string bikini tops and bottoms, know your body shape. Unlike other types of clothing, you can’t alter bikinis. A poor fit will work against the look you want to achieve. If the string bikini is too big, you’ll look frumpy. Always check your size first before you shop. If you are shopping online, match your measurements against the company’s sizing chart.
Second, know what makes you feel confident. Take stock of the available bikini selections and choose your favorite. This gives you a great idea of things you can look for in a bikini. Also, if you need more support, order a bikini with an underwire. But there’s no harm in trying something new. If you have never tried a g-string bikini, go for it, girl! Strut with confidence.
Finally, know how to spot quality. Inexpensive bikinis are priced that way are because they lack quality. Do not settle for “cheap” string bikinis. Instead, invest in quality-made bikinis.
Anyone can look cute in a string bikini. If a string bikini makes you feel uncomfortable, it’s not your body; it’s the bikini. So, to win the string bikini fashion wars, find the right bikini for your body, love yourself and wear it with confidence.
