The Thongkini Trend Is the Celebrity Bikini Style of Summer
The Thongkini Is Hollywood's Swimsuit of Choice
As if Beyoncé rocking a crystal bikini on the "Renaissance" album cover wasn't already an indicator, the thongkini is officially summer's hottest swimwear trend. The thongkini, or thong bikini, looks like a traditional two-piece swimsuit from the front, but in the back, it features a thin strip of material designed to show as much skin as possible.
Recently, some of the biggest swimsuit connoisseurs have embraced thongkinis without hesitation. SZA nailed "#KFedcore" in a plunging thongkini styled with a red trucker hat. Olivia Rodrigo took a dip in the waters of Maui in a black bikini set with a cheeky bottom. Kim Kardashian did cartwheels on the beach wearing a black thongkini bottom paired with a white T-shirt. Halle Bailey wowed in Jamaica in a Montce green printed thongkini with a wraparound strappy top. Lizzo posed in a super-strappy thongkini, styling it with beaded jewelry and a sheer coverup. Kendall Jenner went for a full thong style in a Heavy Manners set replete with a floral brushstroke print. Anitta posed in Brazil wearing red thongkini bottoms paired with a graphic T-shirt and matching baseball cap.
Chlöe took a dip in a nude string thongkini, and Kim and Khloé Kardashian sported black thongkinis from their respective brands, Skims and Good American, while in Turks and Caicos. Simone Biles has embraced the thriving trend on countless vacations, most notably rocking a neon-green thongkini during a birthday trip with fiancé Jonathan Owens. And the sultry silhouette has won the hearts of bloggers and influencers all over TikTok and Instagram, cementing itself as the reigning style of the season.
The thongkini was a staple on major '90s runways, including Chanel's spring 1995 show, where supermodels like Beverly Johnson and Helena Christensen famously showed off the swimwear trend. Their crystal bikinis — featuring a thong emblazoned with the Chanel logo — became instantly iconic. Today, the trend is back on the catwalk at Miami Swim Week, where brands like Matte Collection and Riot Swim embraced the style.
What Is the Thongkini Trend?
The thongkini, also known as a thong bikini, is a high-cut swimwear style that comes with a triangle-shaped bottom with minimal coverage over the hips and butt, reminiscent of a bodybuilder's uniform. Even though the thongkini is enjoying a resurgence today, the revealing style was invented by designer Rudi Gernreich in the '70s, and it populated several high-fashion runways throughout the '80s and '90s.
The thongkini trend encourages people to display their body confidence, unbound by the limitations of the conventional, full-coverage bikini bottom. And for those who want more coverage, don't hesitate to explore one-piece swimsuits with high-cut thongs.
If the head-turning look resonates with you, keep scrolling for the best celebrity takes on the trend.
Vanessa Hudgens Wearing a Pink Thongkini
Lori Harvey Wearing a Dior Thongkini
Lizzo Wearing a Gold Thongkini
Kim Kardashian Wearing a Metallic Skims Thongkini
Simone Biles Wearing a Green Thongkini
Beyoncé Wearing a Nusi Quero Thongkini
Hailey Bieber Wearing a Tie-Dye Thongkini
Jennifer Lopez Wearing a White Thongkini
Addison Rae Wearing a Pink Thongkini
Sofia Vergara Wearing a Black Thongkini
Chlöe Wearing a Nude Thongkini
Lizzo Wearing a Blue Thongkini
Kim Kardashian Wearing a Gray Thongkini
Emma Roberts Wearing a Green Thongkini
Hailey Bieber Wearing a Red Thongkini
Halle Bailey Wearing a Green Thongkini