The Thongkini Is the Power Suit of the Summer

As if Beyoncé rocking a crystal bikini [1] on the "Renaissance" album cover [2] weren'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. Lizzo [4] posed in a super-strappy thongkini, styling it with beaded jewellery and a sheer coverup. Kendall Jenner went for a full thong style in a Heavy Manners set replete with a floral brushstroke print. Chlöe took a dip in a nude string thongkini, and Kim and Khloé Kardashian [5] sported black thongkinis from their respective brands Skims and Good American while in Turks and Caicos. 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 [6] 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 [7], 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 [8] that comes with a triangle-shaped bottom with minimal coverage over the hips and bum, reminiscent of a bodybuilder's uniform. Even though the thongkini is enjoying a resurgence today, the revealing style was invented by designer Rudi Gernreich [9] 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 [10]. And for those who want more coverage, don't hesitate to explore one-piece [11] swimsuits with high-cut thongs.

If the head-turning look resonates with you, keep scrolling for the best celebrity takes on the trend.

Lizzo Wearing a Printed Thongkini

Lizzo [13] accessorises a super-strappy printed thongkini with beaded jewellery and a sheer coverup.

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.

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 jewellery, blue-lens sunglasses [14], and her famously gorgeous locs dyed bright red.

Kim Kardashian Wearing a Grey Thongkini

Kim Kardashian [15] 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-coloured swimsuit with her platinum blonde dye job.

Vanessa Hudgens Wearing a Pink Thongkini

Effortlessly mastering the Barbiecore trend [16], Hudgens wore the Xandra Bikini from Hunza G in a striking, hot-pink hue.

Lori Harvey Wearing a Dior Thongkini

Lori Harvey [17] embraced the trend in an unconventional way while celebrating her dad's birthday in the Bahamas [18]. For the special occasion, the Skn by LH founder paired an archival printed Dior bikini from Spring 2003 with an oversized 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 holiday, Lizzo [19] confidently posed in a gold design featuring a criss-cross 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 [20] 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 [21]. 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 [22] on the cover of her critically-acclaimed album "Renaissance." Styled by Marni Senofonte [23] and Vance Gamble [24], 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 colourful look with criss-cross body jewellery, Balenciaga B Chain earrings, and a cotton Jacquemus sun hat.

Jennifer Lopez Wearing a White Thongkini

In an at-home mirror selfie, the singer channelled the '80s in a sporty white one-piece by Heart of Sun [25], featuring a high-cut thong bottom, a plunging neckline, and cutouts at the waist.

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