Tired of wearing your bikini the same way every time? The classic triangle bikini top is incredibly versatile, offering a variety of ways to tie it for different looks, levels of support, and style preferences. Whether you’re looking to minimize tan lines, add a unique twist to your swimwear, or simply want to refresh your beach wardrobe, learning a few new tying techniques can make a big difference. While your quest may start by searching for The One, along the way, you discover the multiple ways bikini styles can make the journey even more enjoyable than the destination.
Whether you’re looking for flattering bikinis for vacation, different ways to switch up your trusty triangle top, or just want to experiment with some crushable swim looks at home, keep reading to fall head over heels for your triangle top, season after season, with different styles. In this guide, we'll walk you through ten creative and popular ways to tie your bikini top, complete with easy-to-follow steps and tips for achieving the perfect fit.
#1 Upside Down Triangle
Ever wonder how Hailey Bieber and other A-listers get that edgy, Instagram-worthy look? The Upside-down triangle, also known as the scoop neck, seems to be all over celebs’ Instagrams and style blogs these days. To jump on the trend and “flip” your suit, follow these three steps for the upside-down bikini trend:
- Flip your Bikini Top - Flip the string bikini top, so the ruching and bust strap rests on the upper portion of your bust
- Tie the Neck Straps - Use the bottom strings (now at the top) to tie securely behind your neck, forming a halter.
- Secure the Back Strap - Tie the original top strings (now at the bottom) behind your back. Adjust as needed to ensure a comfortable and stylish fit.
You should wind up ruching along the wider bottom of the bikini cup, creating a ruched, scoop-like shape across your chest. The neck ties will provide additional support, which is ideal for those with a smaller bust looking to create the illusion of cleavage and minimize any excess fabric. Bear in mind that the scoop neck offers less coverage and support than other tie methods since the top portion of the cup provides less security underneath your breasts. But if you’re in the mood to take some paparazzi-worthy beach pics, flip away!
#2 Wrap-Around Tie
The Wrap-around tie is a striking and fashionable way to tie your triangle bikini top, creating a trendy cut-out effect around your waist. This style is perfect if you want to make a bold statement on the beach while highlighting your waistline.
Steps:
- Prepare the Straps - Start by adjusting the triangle bikini top so that the fabric is positioned comfortably over your bust. Pull the back tie straps as long as they can go so you have enough length for wrapping.
- Wrap and Criss-Cross - Take the bottom straps and begin wrapping them around your waist. Start by crossing the straps over each other in front of your torso to create the crisscross pattern.Continue wrapping the straps around your waist as much as the length allows, forming multiple layers.
- Secure the Back - After wrapping the straps, tie them in a secure bow or knot at the back of your waist. This option gives a clean and polished look from the front while keeping the focus on the criss-cross design.
- Adjust as Needed - If the straps feel too tight or too loose, adjust the triangle cups or the length of the straps before you start wrapping again. This style works best with extra-long ties, so make sure your bikini top has enough strap length to achieve this look.
Why It’s Popular: The Wraparound style creates a cool cut-out effect that accentuates your waist and adds a touch of edginess to your beachwear. Tying the bow or knot at the back keeps the front clean and sophisticated, making it a versatile option for different looks.
#3 Keyhole Bandeau
The keyhole bandeau is a chic and modern way to wear your triangle bikini top. This style is perfect for reducing tan lines while still offering support and style. Celebrities like Kendall Jenner have been spotted sporting the Keyhole Bandeau, and it's easy to see why this look has become a favorite among fashion-forward beachgoers.
Steps:
- Prepare the Straps - Start by adjusting the triangle bikini top so that the fabric is positioned comfortably over your bust. Make sure that the neck straps are even and untangled.
- Create the Keyhole - Cross the neck-straps over each other in the front, creating a keyhole effect. This adds an extra touch of style to the bandeau look.
- Secure Behind the Neck - Finally, tie the neck straps securely behind your neck. Adjust the keyhole and the cups as needed for a comfortable fit.
Why It’s Popular: The keyhole bandeau is a great option for achieving a clean, strap-free tan while adding a bit of visual interest with the keyhole design. It’s also a flattering option for those with a smaller bust, as the keyhole effect can enhance your cleavage.
#4 Butterfly
The Butterfly style is an elegant and eye-catching way to tie your triangle bikini top. This method wraps the straps around your torso in a way that creates a beautiful, cinched look, resembling the delicate wings of a butterfly. It’s a great option if you want to add a unique flair to your swimwear and highlight your waist.
Steps:
- Start with the Classic Halter - Tie your triangle bikini top as you would normally, with the neck straps tied behind your neck and the bottom straps hanging down.
- Cross the Bottom Straps - Take the bottom straps and cross them over each other just below your bust. This will start to create the butterfly effect.
- Wrap Around the Waist - After crossing the straps, wrap them around your waist, bringing them around to your back.
- Secure the Straps - Tie the straps at the back of your waist in a secure knot or bow, depending on your preference.
- Adjust the Cups - Finally, adjust the cups to ensure they are positioned comfortably over your bust, and that the straps are sitting flat against your skin.
Why It’s Popular: The Butterfly style not only adds a chic and unique look to your bikini but also helps to emphasize your waist, creating a flattering silhouette. It’s perfect for those looking to mix up their bikini style with minimal effort but maximum impact.
#5 Criss-Cross Halter
The Criss-Cross Halter is a simple yet stylish way to elevate your triangle bikini top. It adds a bit of flair to your neckline while providing great support. Seen on Gigi Hadid, this style is perfect for adding a unique twist to your swimwear without sacrificing comfort or security.
Steps:
- Tie the Bottom Strap - Start by tying the bottom string of your bikini top around your back, as you would normally do.
- Cross the Neck Straps - Take the top strings and cross them over each other in front of your chest. This creates the distinctive crisscross pattern that sets this style apart.
- Secure Behind the Neck - After crossing the strings, bring them up and tie them securely behind your neck.
- Adjust the Fit - Make sure the cups are properly positioned over your bust and that the crisscross straps sit comfortably without digging into your skin.
Why It’s Popular: The Criss-Cross Halter style is one of the easiest ways to add a bit of bling to your bikini without the need for additional accessories. Not only does it add extra appeal to your neckline, but it also provides extra support, making it a great option for active beach days. It’s a bikini style that’s both functional and fashionable, ideal for creating different looks with the same top.
#6 Off the Shoulder
For those who prefer a more relaxed, bohemian vibe, the off-the-shoulder style is a great choice. It’s a soft, feminine look that pairs beautifully with laid-back beach days.
Steps:
- Prepare the Straps - Adjust the triangle bikini top over your bust, ensuring the cups provide the right amount of coverage. Let the neck straps hang loose.
- Drape the Straps Off the Shoulders - Instead of tying the straps behind your neck, drape them over your shoulders, allowing them to rest naturally.
- Secure the Back Strap - Tie the back strap snugly behind your back to hold the cups in place, allowing the front to maintain its relaxed, off-the-shoulder style.
Why It’s Popular: The off-the-shoulder style is perfect for reducing tan lines while offering a relaxed, effortless look. It’s comfortable and stylish, making it a favorite for casual beach outings.
#7 Front-V
The Front-V style is a chic and creative way to tie your triangle bikini top, adding a stylish twist to the classic look. This method emphasizes your neckline and creates a flattering deep V shape that draws attention to your bust.
Steps:
- Start with a Basic Tie - Begin by tying the bottom strings of your bikini top behind your back, as you normally would. Make sure the cups are positioned comfortably over your bust.
- Tie the Neck Strings - Take the top strings and tie them around your neck in a loose single knot. This knot should be comfortable but secure enough to hold the top in place.
- Create the Front-V - Instead of leaving the neck strings tied behind your neck, pull the ends down in front of you. Cross them over in front of your chest, creating a V shape with the strings.
- Secure the V - Finally, tie the ends of the neck strings to the bottom string at the front. Adjust the tension and position of the cups as needed to ensure a snug, comfortable fit.
Why It’s Popular: The Front-V style is a fun and stylish way to highlight your neckline and add a touch of flair to your bikini. It’s perfect for those who want to stand out with a deep V-neckline that accentuates their bust. This look is both flattering and fashionable, making it a great choice for beachgoers who love to experiment with their swimwear style.
#8 T-Back
If you’re a creative spirit, you can’t go wrong with this inspired tie-up method. The T-back is one of our most popular multiple-way swim top styles—and you can create one ad-hoc by following these simple steps:
Prepare the Straps -Begin by positioning the triangle bikini top comfortably over your bust. Make sure the neck straps are untangled and ready for tying.
Cross and Tie the Neck Straps -Take the neck straps and cross them over each other at the back of your neck. Bring the crossed straps down to the middle of your back.
Secure the Bottom Strap -Tie the bottom strap around your back, forming a “T” shape with the crossed straps. This setup ensures that the bikini stays in place during any activity.
To add some variation to this look, try introducing some extra texture: you can twist your strings together like rope for a nautical feel, or even slide on some spare beads you have to add a boho vibe.
Swimwear lovers, take note: if the T-Back style is consistently on repeat in your closet, skip the DIY maneuvers and check out our T-Back collection!
#9 Front Tie or Bow Tie
If you love a flirty, feminine vibe, the Front Tie or Bow Tie is a must-try. Selena Gomez loves this look for its playful charm. Instead of hiding the knots behind your back, this style brings the bow to the front, giving your bikini top a cute “U” shape that’s both unique and flattering.
Steps:
Adjust the Cups -Start by sliding the cups of your triangle bikini top outwards along the bottom strap, creating more space between them. Leave the top neck strap tied as usual.
Flip the Bottom Strap -Take the bottom strap and loop it over your head so that the cups are now facing downwards, hanging from the strap.
Secure the Back -Pull the strings that are now dangling at your sides and tie them securely behind your back.
Tie the Front Bow -Bring the front strings together and tie them tightly in a bow at the center of your chest. Adjust the cups inward if necessary to ensure the right amount of coverage.
Why It’s Popular: The Tie Front or Bow Tie style not only adds a playful touch to your bikini but also helps to enhance your cleavage by naturally pulling your chest inwards. The resulting “U” shape is a cute and modern twist on the traditional triangle bikini top, making it a perfect choice for those who want to mix up theirswimwear stylewhile staying comfortable
#10 Choker
The Choker style is a bold and trendy way to wear your triangle bikini top. It offers a unique twist by using the bikini strap as a stylish accessory around your neck. It’s perfect for those who want to add a little edge to their swimwear without the hassle of extra jewelry.
Steps:
Secure the Bottom Strap -Begin by tying the bottom string of your bikini top behind your back, just like you would for the classic halter style.
Wrap the Neck Strap -Take one of the neck strings and wrap it around your neck like a choker, ensuring that it's not too tight. The key here iscomfort, so make sure you can breathe easily and move around freely.
Tie the Neck Strap -Once you've wrapped theneck stringaround your neck, bring the ends together and tie them securely behind your neck.
Adjust the Fit -Make any necessary adjustments to ensure the cups are positioned comfortably over your bust and that the choker is sitting flat against your skin.
Why It’s Popular: The Choker style is perfect if you want to add a bit offashion-forward flair into your beach look. It’s a great way to make a statement with your bikini without needing any additional accessories. Just remember to keep the choker loose enough to be comfortable, so you can enjoy your day in the sun with confidence.
The Choker style is a bold and trendy way to wear your triangle bikini top. It offers a unique twist by using the bikini strap as a stylish accessory around your neck. It’s perfect for those who want to add a little edge to their swimwear without the hassle of extra jewelry.
Steps:
Secure the Bottom Strap -Begin by tying the bottom string of your bikini top behind your back, just like you would for the classic halter style.
Wrap the Neck Strap -Take one of the neck strings and wrap it around your neck like a choker, ensuring that it's not too tight. The key here iscomfort, so make sure you can breathe easily and move around freely.
Tie the Neck Strap -Once you've wrapped theneck stringaround your neck, bring the ends together and tie them securely behind your neck.
Adjust the Fit -Make any necessary adjustments to ensure the cups are positioned comfortably over your bust and that the choker is sitting flat against your skin.
Why It’s Popular: The Choker style is perfect if you want to add a bit offashion-forward flair into your beach look. It’s a great way to make a statement with your bikini without needing any additional accessories. Just remember to keep the choker loose enough to be comfortable, so you can enjoy your day in the sun with confidence.
#11 Classic Triangle Halter
We can’t forget the classichalter neckstyle. It’s simple, reliable, and has stood the test of time as one of the most popular ways to tie a bikini top.
Steps:
Place the bikini top over your bust.
Tie the neck strings behind your neck in a secure knot.
Secure the under-bust strap behind your back.
Why It’s Popular: The classic halter is a staple in any swimwear collection. It’s easy, comfortable, and works for all body types, making it the go-to style forwomenaround the world. Whether you’re lounging by the pool or diving into the ocean, the classichalter neckoffers the perfect balance of style and support.
Tie The Knot with the Perfect Bikini Tops from ViX
If these 10-megawatt swim top looks tell us anything, it’s that no bikini is ever just a bikini.
Flaunt your creativity and put your unique spin on your swim wardrobe with ViX’s versatile collection of flattering, customizable luxury designer swimwear. Our impeccable triangle sets and different types of swimsuits are designed for maximum adaptability so you can find a look that inspires and flatters you, no matter what waterfront scene you’re headed for.