Swimsuit season is finally here, and there are plenty of new trends to shop for this summer. Of course, buying a new bikini is just the first step. You’ll also need to learn to wear it the right way (or ways).
Tying a bikini top may seem simple enough, right? With a little creativity, bikini tops are highly versatile garments that can be worn in more ways than one. If you want to change up your look this summer, check out some of our fun hacks to tie a bikini top. Be the most fashionable person at the beach every day, with one little secret, it's the same bathing suit.
- One Shoulder
- Halter
- Bandeau
- Front Knot
- Tie Front
- Wrap
- Cross Neck
- V Neck
- Twisted Neck
- Bandeau Halter
- Scoop Neck Cross
- Scoop Neck
1. One Shoulder
You’ve probably seen your fair share of stylish one shoulder dresses, but did you know you can achieve the same look with your bikini top? Bring any bikini top to the next level with just a few simple steps.
First, you’ll want to choose a versatile bikini like the Santorini Bikini Top in Terracotta. Next, tie the bottom string normally so that the bikini top is securely held in place around your rib cage. Pull up the bikini top and firmly grasp both neck straps in one hand. Instead of bringing a strap to each side of the neck, pull both straps around one side of the neck and secure the straps with the bottom string in the center of your back.
If you have beach plans this summer, a cute top won’t be enough! Throw a matching pair of shorts in your bag, the Flo Short V2 pair well with any Buffbunny bikini top.
2. Halter
The halter top bikini remains one of the most popular styles of swimwear. This style of bikini top may feature a neck strap with a plastic or metal enclosure. Other halter bikini top styles have strings or straps that can be tied around the neck for the best fit possible.
To tie a halter top, wrap the bottom strap around your rib cage and secure it in the back. Next, take a neck strap in each hand and pull it up and around your neck on each side. Tie the straps together behind your neck.
The Santorini Bikini Top in Brown Leopard Print is the perfect example of a versatile bikini top that can be worn as a halter. Of course, you’ll want to pair your chic halter top with the matching bottoms.
3. Bandeau
The bandeau is a sexy way to wear a bikini top as it elongates the neck and shows all the right places. It’s also a comfortable way to wear a bikini as there are no straps to dig into your shoulders. As you are soaking up the sun rays, the bandeau top is perfect for a no-strap suntan.
To achieve the bandeau bikini style, you’ll want to choose a string bikini like the Santorini Bikini Top in Onyx Black. The trick to pulling off this look is to wear the bikini upside down so that the strings you would normally wear around your neck are tied behind your back. Then, pull the top strings together tightly and tie them into a bow just above your bust.
4. Front Knot
The great thing about bikini tops with adjustable straps is that you can achieve so many looks. You can give even the simplest of bikini tops new life by tying it in different ways, such as the popular front knot.
As the name implies, the front knot tie features a bikini top with a cute knot in the center. This look works best on a bikini top that has thicker neck straps, ideally an inch or more in width. The Santorini Bikini Top in Malibu is the ultimate example with its thicker neck straps and thin bottom straps.
To create the knot, simply tie a knot between your bust with the thicker straps, then bring the straps to the back and tie as you normally would. You can then bring the top straps up and tie them around the neck.
5. Tie Front
Creating a front tie adds something special to any triangle bikini top. You want your front tie to stand out, so you’ll again want to choose a bikini top with thicker neck straps and a string bottom.
Start by pulling the bust pads apart approximately 12-inches. Place the center of the string bottom around your neck and pull the bust pads to the front. The pleated sections of the bust pads should now be on the outside and the thicker straps should meet in the center of the chest. Bring the string bottom around the rib cage and tie it in the back. In the front, tie the thicker straps into a knot, allowing the excess fabric to hang down. You can even tie the strings in a bow tie for a girly, fun look.
Select a patterned bikini top to make this look extra chic. The Santorini Bikini Top in Lavendear Bossy Print is a great pick.
6. Wrap
The wrap bikini top provides just the right amount of modesty with its stylish cross-over detail in the front. Tying a bikini top in a wrap is simple if you have the right swimsuit. The Santorini Bikini Top in Black Bossy Print can help you achieve this sophisticated look.
Start by bringing the center bikini string around to the back and create a bow. Once secured, bring the top strings around the neck and create another bow. Finally, crisscross the thicker bottom straps and bring them around the rib cage and tie them in the back.
Complete your look with the matching bikini bottom. This high-waist style features a flattering lace-up detail on each side that can be adjusted for the perfect fit.
7. Cross Neck
Adding a pop of flair to your swimwear doesn’t have to be complex. In fact, it takes just seconds to switch up your look without having to struggle with complex tying methods.
The cross-neck style is a comfortable way to wear any bikini top. As a plus, the crisscross created on the chest helps flatter your chest. Just like our last look, the Santorini Bikini Top in Black Bossy Print is the ultimate choice for the cross-necktie.
To lace your bikini top, bring the thicker ties around the rib cage and create a bow in the back. Next, grab a top string in each hand and pull it up and across to create an “X” on your chest. You can then bring each string up to create a bow on the back of the neck. For another option, you can tie the strings around the back and use the thicker ties for the neck. Either way, the high neck and the little hole detail are super stylish while showing off just enough.
If you want some added spice with the thick strap look, you can cross the strings around your abdomen and feel a little flirtier.
8. V Neck
One unique bikini top style that you don’t see too often is the V necktie. If you’re a fan of V neck tops and dresses, you’ll love this tying method.
Start with your favorite string bikini. Flip the triangle top upside down so that the pleated edge is on the top and the point of the triangle is pointing downwards. Take the thicker straps and tie them around your rib cage and create a bow in the back. Take the top strings and bring them up and tie them around your neck. Finally, take the last string and loop it under the string in the center of the chest and bring it back around the neck.
The optimal bikini choice for this look is the Santorini Bikini Top in Green Leopard Print.
9. Twisted Neck
Looking for even more ways to switch up your bikini looks? Look no further than the twisted neck tying method. This style is like the halter top method, but with a little "twist".
This method works with bikini tops with slightly thicker straps. To get this awesome style, start by wrapping the bottom straps around your rib cage and create a bow in the back. Next, bring the thicker neck straps together in the front and twist them around one another. You can twist it fewer or more times depending on the length of twist you want between your neck and bust. Finally, tie the straps behind the neck.
The Santorini Bikini Top in Brown Leopard Print makes it easy to create this stylish look.
10. Bandeau Halter
While the bandeau is most associated with a strapless look, there are alternative ways to pull off this look without going completely strapless. If that is what you are looking for, the bandeau halter is perfect for you.
With this tying method, your bikini is worn upside down with the pleated sides near the center of your bust and the points of the triangles pointing downwards. Take the bottom strings and tie them in the back like you normally would. Then take the top straps, cross them, and create a single knot just above your bust to create a keyhole effect. You can then pull the strings around your neck and tie like usual.
If you’re in search of the best bikini for this look, try the Santorini Bikini Top in Onyx Black. Pair this chic top with the Odyssey Wrap Skirt, a garment suitable for both the beach and brunch.
11. Scoop Neck Cross
The scoop neck cross is a flattering way to wear your favorite bikini top. It also looks incredible whether you’re wearing a solid-colored bikini or a colorful pattern, such as the Santorini Bikini Top in Green Leopard Print.
Like our last tying method, you’ll want to wear your bikini top upside down so that the pleated sides are near the center of your bust and the points of the triangles point downwards. Separate the triangles and place length above your neck. Take the thicker straps and tie around your back as normal. Lastly, take the bottom strings and cross them in the front before bringing them to the back and creating another bow.
12. Scoop Neck
Sometimes a classic is the best way to go. Try the scoop neck tie and look amazing every. single. time.
Start off the same as the scoop neck cross. However, do not separate the triangles this time. Instead, simply tie the strings around your neck in a bow. Then, use the thick straps to tie around your back.
Whether you want a classic look or a cute bikini trend, both scoop neck ties will look great on you.
Are you inspired to switch up your swimwear this summer? Now that you know how to tie a bathing suit top, check out the latest swimwear from the Buffbunny Collection and try some of these fun tying methods.
FAQs:
- How do you secure a bikini top?
- Tie-back: This method involves tying the back of the bikini top to secure it in place. The straps or strings at the back of the bikini top can be tied together to create a secure knot or bow. This method is adjustable, allowing for a custom fit based on the wearer's body shape and size.
- Hook-and-eye closure: Some bikini tops feature a hook-and-eye closure, similar to a bra. The closure consists of a hook on one side and a series of loops on the other. The hook is inserted into the loop to secure the bikini top in place. This method is more secure than tying the back, but may not be as adjustable. A hook-and-eye closure can be purchased and sewn to any existing bikini top for extra security.