As if Beyoncé rocking a crystal bikini [1] on the "Renaissance" album cover [2] wasn't already an indicator, the thongkini is officially summer's hottest swimwear trend [3]. 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 [4] took a dip in the waters of Maui in a black bikini set with a cheeky bottom. Kim Kardashian [5] 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 [6] 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 [7] sported black thongkinis from their respective brands, Skims and Good American, while in Turks and Caicos. Simone Biles [8] has embraced the thriving trend on countless vacations, most notably rocking a neon-green thongkini during a birthday trip with fiancé Jonathan Owens [9]. 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 [10] 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 [11], 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 [12] 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 [13] 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 [14]. And for those who want more coverage, don't hesitate to explore one-piece [15] 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
Effortlessly mastering the Barbiecore trend [17], Hudgens wore the Xandra Bikini from Hunza G in a striking, hot-pink hue.
Lori Harvey Wearing a Dior Thongkini
Lori Harvey [18] embraced the trend in an unconventional way while celebrating her dad's birthday in the Bahamas [19]. For the special occasion, the Skn by LH founder paired an archival printed Dior bikini from spring 2003 with an oversize pink Seyit Ares shirt. She finished her beach-ready look with a cowboy hat and an array of gold accessories to match.
Lizzo Wearing a Gold Thongkini
While on vacation, Lizzo [20] confidently posed in a gold design featuring a crisscross strap and tie at the waist.
Kim Kardashian Wearing a Metallic Skims Thongkini
Serving all the futuristic vibes, Kardashian wore a self-made bikini from her shapewear and clothing brand, Skims. While the brand's venture into swimwear [21] is no secret, the business mogul's thongkini is from a new collection launch.
Simone Biles Wearing a Green Thongkini
Simone Biles has a full swimwear drawer, as exhibited on her birthday trip to Turks and Caicos [22]. The swimwear-loving gymnast posed in a neon green thongkini, paired with a bucket hat of the same hue.
Beyoncé Wearing a Nusi Quero Thongkini
With no need for a tropical setting, Beyoncé posed in a crystal, sculptural Nuso Quero bikini [23] on the cover of her critically-acclaimed album "Renaissance [24]." Styled by Marni Senofonte [25] and Vance Gamble [26], the pop star wore the statement swimsuit with liquid silver heels.
Hailey Bieber Wearing a Tie-Dye Thongkini
While on a trip to an undisclosed location, Bieber nailed the model-off-duty aesthetic in a tie-dye bikini from Tropic of C. She teamed the colorful look with crisscross body jewelry, Balenciaga B Chain earrings, and a cotton Jacquemus sun hat.
Jennifer Lopez Wearing a White Thongkini
In an at-home mirror selfie, the singer channeled the '80s in a sporty white one-piece by Heart of Sun [27], featuring a high-cut thong bottom, a plunging neckline, and cutouts at the waist.
Keep scrolling to shop our favorite thongkinis.
Addison Rae Wearing a Pink Thongkini
Addison Rae [28] enjoyed some sand and sun in a pink embellished thongkini, which showed off her new leg tattoos.
Sofia Vergara Wearing a Black Thongkini
Sofia Vergara [29] looked stunning as she sunbathed by the pool topless with a tiny black thongkini bottom.
Chlöe Wearing a Nude Thongkini
Chlöe reminisced about trips to Dubai and Brazil with a series of photos on Instagram, including a sultry shot in a nude thongkini. The "Pray It Away" singer styled the swimsuit with gold jewelry, blue-lens sunglasses [30], and her famously gorgeous locs dyed bright red.
Lizzo Wearing a Blue Thongkini
Lizzo [31] made a splash in a two-piece swimsuit with a nature-inspired print, embracing the string bikini and thong-bottom trend in one fell swoop.
Kim Kardashian Wearing a Gray Thongkini
Kim Kardashian [32] closed out the year embracing one of the biggest 2022 trends: the thongkini. In a selfie, she showcased a string-bikini style with thong bottoms, complementing the light-colored swimsuit with her platinum-blond dye job.
Emma Roberts Wearing a Green Thongkini
Emma Roberts incorporated footwear into the mix, pairing a Victoria's Secret green thongkini with high-heeled wedges from Aldo for a photo in front of the mountains.
Hailey Bieber Wearing a Red Thongkini
Hailey Bieber tried out some of her Rhode Skin products wearing a wet "Got Milk" T-shirt and a tiny string red thongkini.
Halle Bailey Wearing a Green Thongkini
Halle Bailey looked stunning in Jamaica wearing a Montce green-and-brown printed thongkini with a wraparound strappy top. She let her gorgeous locs flow freely and added a pop of color with a soft, pink lip.
Kendall Jenner Wearing a Floral Thongkini
Jenner wore a Heavy Manners Miss Tortula underwire top with a delicate ruffle trim along the balconette. Her matching high-rise Miss Tortula bottom featured the same floral brushstroke print, and she capped off the look with a baseball cap from her own 818 Tequila brand.
Lizzo Wearing a Printed Thongkini
Lizzo [33] accessorizes a super-strappy printed thongkini with beaded jewelry and a sheer coverup.
Heidi Klum Wearing a Black Thongkini
Heidi Klum [34] posed topless in a tiny black string thongkini on Instagram.
Hailey Bieber Wearing a Neon Mismatched Thongkini
Hailey Bieber took a dip in a cold plunge [35] wearing a neon-and-black mismatched thongkini.
Kim Kardashian Wearing a Black Thongkini
Kim Kardashian [36] does cartwheels in a barely there thongkini bottom, which she paired with a tied-up, fitted white T-shirt.
Olivia Rodrigo Wearing a Black Thongkini
Click through to see Rodrigo taking a dip in the water while on vacation in Maui, sporting a black thongkini bikini set with her long, brown hair left down.
SZA Wearing a Plunging Thongkini
Styling her barely there thongkini with a red trucker hat, SZA hilariously dubs her look "kfedcore" in the perfect nod to the 2000s.
Anitta Wearing a Pink Thongkini
Anitta looked stunning in a pink string thongkini designed by I.AM.GIA.
