7 creative ways to tie a bikini top

Styling is just as important as style. Once you've picked the perfect bikini top, you also need to know how to wear it. We'll teach you seven creative ways to tie your top, so you can stop fumbling with knots and go catch some rays.

Quick links:

How to choose the right bikini

Bikini styling tips

Check out our collection of women’s bikini tops to find the perfect fit for your body type and style. Our stylish tops are made with a UPF 50+ UV sun-protective fabric.

Woman in a SwimZip's Floral Garden tie bikini top—How to tie a bikini top: 7 creative ways

Classic tie

The classic triangle bikini top, a timeless swimwear essential, consists of two triangular fabric pieces covering the breasts. This design offers minimal coverage and maximum sun exposure.

Create a classic triangle bikini top style with the following:

Place the cups over your breasts.
Tie the top strings behind your neck.
Wrap the bottom bikini strings around your rib cage.
Fasten the bottom strings at your back with a double-knot.
Adjust the cups and strings for proper coverage and support.

The classic triangle style fits different body shapes, particularly those with smaller to medium-sized busts. It creates a natural look and lets wearers easily adjust cleavage and coverage.

Women with larger busts should pick versions with thicker neck straps or added side support for enhanced security.

Front tie

Tie your bikini in front if you prefer a classic look with easy adjustability. This method is perfect for most triangle or halter-style tops with long enough ties.

To secure your front tie bikini top, follow these simple steps:

Take the two center fabric ends and cross them over each other.
Apply gentle pressure to tighten for a secure fit.
Form a single knot or bow with the ends.
Fine-tune the knot and cup placement for maximum comfort.

This tie suits different body types, especially those with smaller to medium-sized busts. The central knot creates an illusion of increased volume and accentuates the cleavage, drawing attention to the décolletage.

Women with larger busts should opt for versions with wider straps or additional side ties for extra security.

Criss-cross tie

The criss-cross tying style of your bikini top creates an intricate and alluring look for your swimwear. This method transforms a simple top into a stylish piece that accentuates your neckline and provides adjustable support.

To achieve the keyhole criss-cross style:

Hold the bikini top in front of your chest, cups facing out.
Locate the long bikini straps attached to the outer edges of the cups.
Take the left strap and pull it diagonally across your chest to the right.
Cross the right strap over the left, forming an 'X' in front.
Pull the straps upward, positioning the bikini cups over your breasts.
Bring both straps behind your neck.
Tie the straps securely at the nape of your neck.
Adjust the cups and the keyhole opening to your preferred fit and coverage.

The criss-cross accentuates the shoulders and collarbones, creating an elongating effect for the torso. It is flattering for those with narrow shoulders or a pear-shaped figure, as it balances the upper body proportions.

The adjustable nature of the criss-cross design also accommodates a range of bust sizes, as it offers customizable support and lift.

Upside down tie

The upside-down bikini trend involves wearing a triangle top in reverse. This unconventional style creates a unique look with enhanced cleavage and underboob exposure.

Here’s how to tie an upside-down bikini top:

Flip a triangle bikini top upside down.
Position the bottom string across your chest, above the breasts.
Wrap the top strings around your rib cage.
Tie the strings securely at your back.
Adjust the cups for desired coverage and support.

The upside-down style is perfect for those who want to accentuate their cleavage and create a daring beach look. It works best for smaller to medium-sized busts because of its minimal support.

This style offers less support and coverage, so women with larger busts should be careful with it. Extra tape or additional ties improve security for fuller figures.

Body wrap tie

The body wrap bikini tie involves wrapping your long bikini straps around your torso multiple times. This unique style creates a sultry, customizable look with the potential for different tie patterns.

To body wrap your bikini top, follow these steps:

Place the cups over your breasts.
Cross the straps behind your back.
Bring the straps around to the front.
Criss-cross the straps over your midriff.
Continue wrapping until you reach the end of the straps.
Tie the strap ends.

The body wrap style flatters many body types. It emphasizes the waist and creates an hourglass silhouette. Wrapped straps offer adjustable support and coverage.

Women with larger busts benefit from the extra support provided by the multiple wraps. Those with smaller busts appreciate the style's ability to create the illusion of curves.

Butterfly tie

The butterfly wrap style involves a center twist that creates a shape reminiscent of butterfly wings. This bikini style offers a playful and feminine look.

Here’s how to tie a butterfly bikini knot:

Put the top on with triangles covering your breasts.
Twist the center fabric between the cups.
Tie a simple knot at the center of your chest.
Secure the neck straps behind your neck.
Fasten the back straps around your ribcage.

The butterfly style adds volume for smaller busts through the twisted center. For larger busts, versions with thicker straps provide more support.

The adjustable straps let you fine-tune the fit and coverage. You can tighten or loosen the center twist to change how much cleavage shows.

Keyhole tie

The keyhole criss-cross halter tie gives your bikini a retro-inspired look. This knot creates a distinctive keyhole cutout with a high-neck halter, evoking a 70s vibe.

Here is the way to tie a keyhole criss-cross halter bikini top:

Start with a triangle bikini top upside down.
Cinch the triangles closer together at the center.
Crisscross the ties at the center of your chest.
Pull the strings around your neck.
Tie the strings securely behind your neck.
Adjust the cups and keyhole for the desired fit.

If you seek minimal tan lines, the keyhole style is the right for you. It works best for small to medium busts, as it offers less support than other styles.

The high-neck tie provides extra security for active beach days, while the keyhole cutout adds a flirty touch while maintaining coverage. This innovative tie method turns a simple triangle top into a fashion-forward piece.

How to choose the right bikini top

Your optimal bikini choice affects your comfort and style at the beach or pool. Here’s what you need to think about to pick the right top.

Body shape

Hourglass: balconette tops, underwire styles
Pear: tops with ruffles or embellishments
Apple: full-coverage tops, wide-band styles
Rectangle: push-up tops, tops with padding
Inverted triangle: halter tops, asymmetrical styles

Bust size

Small: triangle tops, bandeau styles
Medium: most bikini top styles
Large: underwire tops, thick-strap styles, full-coverage cups

Activity level

Lounging: strapless bandeau, triangle tops
Swimming: racerback tops, cross-back styles
Water sports: high-neck tops, crop top styles

Neckline

Plunging: deep V-neck tops
Straight across: bandeau bikini style
Sweetheart: molded cup styles

Strap style

Halter: ties behind the neck
Bandeau: strapless
Triangle: adjustable strings
Racerback: sports bra style

Closure type

Tie back: string bikini tops
Clasp: hook-and-eye closure
Pull-over: crop top styles

Padding

Removable: tops with pocket for pads
Fixed: molded cup styles
None: unlined triangle tops

Pattern

Solid: one-color tops
Prints: floral, geometric, or abstract designs

Material

Nylon/spandex: most standard bikini tops
Cotton: t-shirt style tops
Microfiber: seamless styles

Bikini styling tips

The right styling makes your favorite bikini shine. Here are some tips you can follow to turn heads wherever you go:

Wear triangle tops with high-waist bottoms. This combination creates a flattering retro look that highlights your waist and provides extra coverage for your midsection.
Pair bandeau bikini tops with side-tie bikini bottoms. The strapless top balances the revealing bottom, while the adjustable sides let you customize the fit and show off your legs.
Try halter tops with swim shorts. This sporty combo offers more coverage and support, perfect for active beach days or water sports.
Pair a solid-colored bikini top with patterned bottoms for a matching pair that reflects your personal style.
Put a sheer cover-up over your bikini. This easy addition transforms your beach outfit into a look suitable for beachside restaurants or shops.
Wear a rash guard with your bikini bottom for water activities. This protects your skin from the sun and surf while keeping you stylish.
Use a sarong as a versatile accessory. Tie it around your waist as a skirt, wear it as a dress, or drape it over your shoulders for quick and fashionable coverage.
Choose a wide-brim hat or visor to complement your bikini. These accessories shield your face from the sun and add a touch of glamor to your beach outfit.
Pick statement sunglasses and a coordinating beach bag. These accessories pull your look together and provide practical benefits for your day at the beach.
Finish your beach look with sandals or flip-flops. Metallic or embellished styles can dress up a simple bikini, while rubber flip-flops are perfect for sandy shores.

The history of bikinis

In 1946, French clothing designers Jacques Heim and Louis Réard introduced a groundbreaking two-piece swimsuit design featuring a bra top and two triangles of fabric on the bottom tied at the hips. They named the creation “the bikini,” drawing inspiration from Bikini Atoll where the U.S. had recently conducted atomic bomb testing.

The skimpy new swimsuit was considered risqué and scandalous. Réard compared it to a cultural explosion akin to the nuclear tests occurring at the islands. Like an atomic reaction, he knew his sexy design would create shockwaves. The bikini name became a clever metaphor for the suit’s explosive debut.

Choose SwimZip’s high-quality swimwear

SwimZip offers many bikini top styles for different body types, preferences, and beach activities. Our sun-protective swimwear collection features durable, quick-drying fabrics made from nylon and spandex, with a polyester lining for comfort and support. Our high-quality swimwear provides long-lasting UPF 50+ sun protection.

From men's swim trunks and women's swimwear to sun hats, kid’s sunsuits, rash guards, and accessories, we’ve got you covered.

As one of the most trusted UPF 50+ brands, SwimZip is committed to keeping you and your loved ones safe from harmful UV rays.

Woman in a SwimZip Zinnia scoop neck bikini top, rash guard, and swim skirt walks on the beach—How to tie a bikini top: 7 creative

Bikini FAQ

How do you tie a bikini top securely?

To tie a bikini top securely, start with a classic knot at the neck and back. For enhanced functionality, try a cross-neck style. Double-knot the ties and adjust for a custom fit. Your top will stay in place during swimming and beach activities giving you peace of mind and a bit of flair.

How do you make a triangle top more supportive?

To make a triangle top more supportive, adjust the side ties for a snug fit under the bust. Cross the neck ties before tying them for added lift. You can also insert removable padding or choose a size down for a tighter band. These tricks can transform a basic triangle top into a more secure, versatile bikini for different beach plans.

How should a string bikini top fit?

A string bikini top should fit snugly without digging into your skin or creating bulges. The triangles should cover your breasts comfortably. When properly adjusted, you should be able to raise your arms without the band riding up.

What is the point of a string bikini?

The point of a string bikini is to offer minimal coverage while providing maximum adjustability. This versatile bikini style provides a personalized fit and reduces tan lines. String bikinis are perfect for those wanting to show off their beach body or add a trendy, cute touch to their swimwear collection.

How to tie bikini tops: 7 creative techniques