There’s a reason why bikini sets have been so popular throughout the years. Despite the traditional structure of a two-piece swimsuit, there are several different ways to wear a bikini top. There are also a variety of styles, cuts, and colors to choose from to separate one bikini from the next. It can be transformed based on current fashion trends and evolving personal preferences and still look great.
They may be a staple for any swimwear wardrobe, but there’s nothing basic about sexy designer bikinis. There’s one for every occasion, location, and season. Also, how you tie one can instantly change a bikini’s style and make it feel like a brand new bikini. Among the various styles to choose from are the classic triangle cut and the newest upside down bikini top trend. There are also bandeau, mermaid cut, and scoop neck bikini tops that make up the list of endless options.
Whatever cut and pattern you choose and however you decide to wear it, it’s safe to say the bikini is one bathing suit that will never go out of style. Here are 10 different ways to wear a bikini top and make the look your own.
Triangle Bikinis
The triangle bikini is one of the most sought after cuts because of how well it flatters all body types. There are multiple different ways to wear triangle bikini top swimsuits. Adjustable straps mean triangle bikini tops can be worn as a halter, bandeau, or tied to adjust for minimal coverage. Two string bikinis that play up the triangle cut best are the Sprite Bondi Triangle Bikini and the Artsy Ripple Bikini.
Sprite Bondi Triangle Bikini
This gorgeous green string bikini is a stunner on its own, but to change up the look, play around with the bikini top. Maximize or minimize the chest coverage to your preference by moving the cups along the middle top string. Another way to switch up the style is to create a triangle shape on the back or bring the tie to the front and secure just below the bust. Then, you can choose between cheeky and full-cut bikini bottoms to complete the look, depending on your current mood or destination.
Artsy Ripple Bikini
The long strings on the Artsy Ripple Bikini allow for extra versatility when experimenting with different ways to tie a bikini top. Start with a standard halter around the neck or tie the top strings lower to create bandeau-style coverage.
Another option is to bring the back tie to secure in a bow in the front while maintaining minimal support in the back. No matter how you tie it, the stunning colors of this triangle bikini instantly make a fashion statement every time.
Upside Down Bikinis
One of the season’s hottest trends is reimagining how you wear your bikini top by literally turning it upside down. String bikinis work best to capture distinct looks since the ties can be tied in the front, back, as a halter, or a bandeau top.
There are ways to criss-cross longer strings in the front and create minimal coverage both on the top and bottom for an ultra-sexy look. The Black Livia Top, the Cinnamon Lurex Gia Bikini and the Viola Triangle Bikini are all beautiful options to test this new trend and have fun playing around with ties to create unique looks every time you step out in your swimwear.
Black Livia Top
Looking for the perfect black bikini top to wear on your next vacation? The Black Livia Top meets the upside down bikini top trend with a unique twist. This sexy top can be worn more than seven ways, including upside down, making it one of the most versatile bikini tops. Pack light for your next vacation and enjoy multiple looks with just one piece.
Cinnamon Lurex Gia Bikini
For versatility with straps while still embodying the bandeau style, the Cinnamon Lurex Gia Bikini blends the best of both worlds. The minimal coverage of this sexy, rust-colored swimsuit is perfect for the upside down bikini top trend. The adjustable ties in the front and back offer plenty of different ways to wear a bikini top.
Rather than tie the top at the nape of the neck, this bikini top can be flipped upside down, and the straps can be placed just below the bust or crisscrossed closer to the waist.
Viola Triangle Bikini
The fresh, floral print of the Viola Triangle Bikini is whimsical and feminine, perfect for a sunny day at the beach or pool. The adjustable straps create varying levels of coverage based on your activity and location. In addition to following the upside down bikini trend with this swimsuit, you can also bring the two ties across the chest and secure in the back for a strapless look. There’s also the option of crossing the bikini top straps at the neck and tying at the nape for a slight variation of the traditional halter top look.
Bandeau Bikinis
Among the many different ways to wear a bikini top, bandeau tops are a go-to option. They deliver a flirty, carefree appeal that shows off the shoulders and neckline. While bandeau bikinis are mostly strapless, certain styles come with straps and/or underwire to offer additional support and create varying looks.
Versatile bandeau favorites include the Malta Amy Bandeau Bikini and Lollipop Scales Natalie Bandeau Bikini. Both fall under the bandeau bikini category, but each offers its own distinctive look.
Malta Amy Bandeau Bikini
With a chic color combination and a seamless finish, the Malta Amy Bandeau Bikini is a sexy and sophisticated option that embodies the traditional bandeau style. Black and white straps are accented by pale mint and gold to add a special touch to an otherwise neutral color pattern. Thick side coverage at the hips and the soft, breathable fabric of XTRA LIFE LYCRA blend material create a flattering silhouette for every body shape.
Lollipop Scales Natalie Bandeau Bikini
The Lollipop Scales Natalie Bandeau Bikini offers a flirty twist on the standard strapless top. The ruffled fabric on the top and scalloped edges of the bikini bottoms add playfulness to this pretty pink look. It offers more texture than a bikini top that’s seamless straight across. The higher cut on the bottoms also helps to elongate the legs as another detail that transforms the standard bandeau look into a showstopping statement piece.
Mermaid Cut Bikinis
One of the newer swimsuit trends is the mermaid cut bikini. The tops take center stage by starting with an underwire bikini tops with cups that mimic shells which fully cup the breasts rather than only providing support.
It’s a modern take on a swimsuit known for its coverage and functionality, and the mermaid cut makes it more playful and fun. Some of the best underwire swimsuits inspired by the mermaid cut trend are the Divino Scales Ripple Triangle Bikini and the Lime Dune Nissi Bikini.
Divino Scales Ripple Triangle Bikini
The Divino Scales Ripple Triangle Bikini is a signature style that’s appealing for every body shapes. The top’s feminine, scalloped edge speaks to the mermaid cut trend and is universally flattering. The added texture from the ruching on the heart-shaped backside elevates this classic cut in an updated way. These details combined with the deep red color and ultra-soft fabric make this red bikini a must-have for years to come.
Lime Dune Nissi Bikini
The Lime Dune Nissi Bikini is another prime example of the mermaid trend with underwire support and full cups to create demure coverage with a sexy spin. The vibrant lime green color offers a striking update to this favored swimsuit style. Plus, the ribbed texture adds another element of style that elevates the overall look. Even when two-piece swimsuits fall under the same fashion trend, the features differentiate each one and make them feel unique.
Scoop Neck Bikinis
Scoop neck bikinis are ideal for those who want to show a little skin while maintaining ample cup coverage on the top. Stylish straps and bottoms with added features and adornments alter the functional structure of this cut. The Pink Scales Margot Bikini and Tahiti Luli Elis Parallel Bikini show different ways to wear a bikini top while maintaining similar types of coverage.
Pink Scales Margot Bikini
The deep pink hue and fine scale detail of the Pink Scales Margot Bikini is sweet and sultry at the same time. The ruffled trim on the top, straps, and bottom add a welcome touch to this sexy bikini. The straps can be worn like a regular tank top or shifted slightly off the shoulders for a subtle change to this pretty swimsuit style.
Tahiti Luli Elis Parallel Bikini
The striking teal color of the Tahiti Luli Elis Parallel Bikini takes center stage. It’s the perfect bikini for a tropical getaway with its fresh and modern appeal. The low-rise front cut exudes sexy sophistication, while the beaded, hand-wrapped detailing on the straps adds in a built-in accessory that elevates the entire outfit. This style shows straps don’t always have to be made of fabric to give a swimsuit an extra edge.
Whether you’re trying a new trend like the upside down bikini top or sticking to a reliable favorite, take your swimwear fashion up a notch by trying some of these different ways to wear a bikini top. You can create multiple styles all from a single swimsuit, making it feel special and new time and time again.
