Floss Bikinis Are a Thing, and They're Exactly What You're Thinking

Summer is shaping up to feel 10 times more normal than last year, which means treating ourselves to trendy new bikinis is a must. The particular trend I want to talk through today is one I originally spotted on both swimwear and clothing. I defined the trend as "any article of clothing that slinkily ties and wraps around a bare midriff," but as I did more research, I realized this isn't just a clothing micro-trend. It's a major bikini trend as well. For the sake of journalism, I'm naming them "floss bikinis."

Floss bikinis are the summertime 2021 version of last year's ever-popular floss heels, and yes, these swimsuits are exactly what you're thinking—tiny strings wrapping around various parts of the body, crisscrossing here and there and, well, everywhere.

Most of the ties are attached to the tops, but I managed to find some unique versions of the trend featuring multiple strings on bikini bottoms, too. From neutral colors to striking patterns, take time to check out all the various ways one can don the floss-bikini trend this summer, wherever you may be.

Pictured: Inamorata Las Olas Top ($75) and Las Olas Bottom ($75)

Emily Ratajkowski is a longtime supporter of this bikini trend—so much so that one of the best-selling bikinis from her swimwear brand, Inamorata, just so happens to be adorned with a tied-up midsection. 

Pictured: ASOS Design Recycled Mix and Match Sleek Triangle Multiway Bikini Top ($13)

We love this trend in black because it allows you to mix and match with a wide variety of bottoms. So whether you're a barely-there, tie-side girl or prefer a more retro high-rise cut, the trend still applies. 

Pictured: Reina Olga Hawn Tiger Stripe Wrap-Around Bikini Set ($137)

If you, too, have been influenced by Tiger King, then an animal-print version of a floss bikini is definitely the direction you should be taking.

Pictured: Inamorata Las Olas Top ($75) and Las Olas Bottom ($75)

This photo is making us miss beaches and summertime social gatherings, but for now, we will use it as inspiration to freshen up our swimsuit assortment. 

Pictured: Inamorata Las Olas Top ($75) and Las Olas Bottom ($75)

This look is proof that accessories (even a coconut) will always make a bikini look more interesting. 

Pictured: Inamorata Las Olas Top ($75) and Las Olas Bottom ($75)

It's crazy how much of a difference this tiny crisscross detail can make on the overall appearance of a bikini. 

Pictured: Matteau The Wrap Triangle Top ($135)

I never knew a floral bikini could be so interesting. And don't fret—if high-rise bottoms are more your style, this set caters to you as well. 

Pictured: Inamorata Las Olas Top ($75) 

Nothing goes better with the ocean than deep shades of blue (and a coordinating towel to match). 

Pictured: Solid&Striped bikini 

Unfortunately, this exact bikini is no longer with us, but I can promise you that any of the other suits shopped out for you here will hit just as hard.