Each year when packing for our long-awaited summer holidays, we are faced with the age-old conundrum. To get the cheeks out or not? Granted, barely-there bikini bottoms aren’t exactly ideal for wholesome family getaways, but when the sun is calling and there are no relatives in sight - they’re hard to resist.
Love them or hate them, thong bikinis are set to dominate this summer. The G-string silhouette has been jettisoned onto our swim style radar, courtesy of stars such as Kendall Jenner and Emily Ratajkowski - the latter of which has adopted the design as a staple of her bikini brand Inamorata.
Most recently, Hailey Bieber championed the divisive look prior to her husband Justin Bieber’s Coachella debut, styling a thong bikini with a sheer T-shirt reading ‘Future Mrs. Bieber’ across the front. We would too, Hailey.
© @inamorataNaturally, this prompted Gen Z’s widespread search for covetable thong bikinis to scoop up in time for summer. The data speaks for itself - with Pour Moi noting that thong bikinis have risen in interest by 50 per cent year-on-year. The swimwear specialists say that online searches have grown by a further 218 per cent in the past quarter alone.
Rosie Webbon, swimwear buyer at Pour Moi, elaborates: “Swimwear is becoming more fashion-focused than ever before, and we’re also noticing a real shift in customers looking for minimal styles like thong and triangle bikinis.”
“That said, there’s still a demand for more supportive styles such as full coverage swimsuits or high-waisted options, showing that versatility and choosing what feels good for you is far more important than what's trending."
Treat your peach to some tanning on the beach and discover our favourite thong bikinis below.
Best thong bikinis for 2026:
Maia Azure Sparkle Crop Bikini Set
Triangl
We're big Triangl girls here in the H! Fashion office - and for good reason. Endlessly flattering and highly nostalgic, the brand's empowering bikinis are perfect for glam beachside frolicking.
Beach Boheme Bikini
Seafolly
Tap into beachy Aussie aesthetics courtesy of Seafolly. the brand is brimming with must-have options for summer - and we love the girlish print of this boho set. Matching bottoms available here.
Paula Bikini Set
ViX Paula Hermanny
Channel your inner tigress with a help handing from ViX Paula Hermanny and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. This set, hailing from the duos stylish collaboration, is primed for those wanting to lean into jungle vibes this season. Matching bottoms available here.
Bandana Print Bikini
Skims
Fresh in from Skims, this elegant white two piece is dotted with a sweet print for those seeking a subtle summer-ready ensemble. Matching bottoms available here.
Palma Bikini
Monday
Glow in green thanks to Monday's softly crinkled bikini - a textured delight that comes in a myriad of tempting tones and prints. Matching bottoms available here.
Shania Bikini
Fruity Booty
It-girl brand Fruity Booty is a go-to for summer staples - as the leopard print Shania Bikini so effortlessly proves. Style yours with chunky, bohemian jewels and a printed sarong for a statement poolside ensemble. Matching bottoms available here.
Alison Bikini
For Love & Lemons
The prettiest set we ever did see, For Love & Lemons' Alison Bikini draws the eye with a strawberries-and-cream gingham print, trimmed with ruffles for an added touch of girlish flair. Matching bottoms available here.
HELLO!'s selection is editorial and independently chosen – we only feature items our editors love and approve of. HELLO! may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this pa
