Is a skimpy string bikini more flattering than two-piece swimwear?
Could a skimpy string bikini be more flattering than a substantial two-piece? Both are back in fashion and FEMAIL asked real women to tell us which they prefer
- Two opposing styles are dominating high street sales this summer…so, which one is the most flattering for real women?
- Read more: Do women over 50 look better in a string bikini or big pants 2-piece? Liz Hurley, Davina McCall and Demi Moore certainly think so
The string bikini – adored by the Seventies – has traditionally been the preserve of the young and the lithe; two triangles of cloth tied, like shoelaces, on the upper thigh, with a matching bra top secured in much the same way.
Those who want something a little sturdier when they disrobe at the beach have long since opted for a more substantial affair – a two-piece with pants that Bridget Jones might approve of.
However, there’s a debate raging this summer, as the two styles dominate high street sales – the 1990s Burberry check string bikini is proving particularly popular – over which is actually the most flattering, particularly for women of more advanced years.
Famous bikini lovers – with fabulous physiques – including Davina McCall, 55, Demi Moore, 60, and Elizabeth Hurley, 58, have all donned the string bikini – or ‘tie-up’ as it’s also known – in recent weeks.
However, what do real women, who might not have the luxury of personal trainers or personal chefs, feel they look like in the skimpier version? Here, we ask four women, all of different ages, to try both styles and tell us what they think…
The tie-up is back! Davina McCall (pictured), 55, and Demi Moore, 60, have both recently been pictured wearing string ones, and the queen of bikinis, Elizabeth Hurley, turned 58 last month and celebrated with a selfie of her on a beach in a bright blue string bikini…
‘After cervical cancer and six operations, my body confidence was so low – but I’ve learned to love my body, and men adore my curves!’
Former cafe owner Claire McCauley says a health battle has given her a new-found body confidence
Claire McCauley, 52, is now medically retired but ran her own cafe in Deptford. Six years ago, she was diagnosed with stage 3 cervical cancer and underwent a radical hysterectomy. Infections developed and she was force to endure months in hospital and six major abdominal operations.
She tells FEMAIL: ‘After my illness, I thought I would never even wear a bathing suit, my body confidence was so low – I thought my scars would frighten children!
‘However, in the last couple of years, I really have finally learned to love my new body shape, belly folds and scars. The lovers I have had since my cancer treatment love my post-menopausal body too. My boobs have grown and men really do love curves and flesh!’
SKIMPY: Madeira cherry diamante triangle bikini top, red mix by Boux Avenue (bouxavenue.com), £28
I probably needed a size up in this one, it was small-fitting. My first thoughts? Barbara Windsor in Carry on Camping! And, honestly, wearing those skimpy briefs reminded me of the late Peter Stringfellow and his famous posing pouches.
Former cafe owner Claire McCauley, 52, says her attitude to bikinis has completely changed since she had cervical cancer – and six major operations – six years ago…and she now embraces her scars and her curves
Claire pictured in a Boux Avenue string bikini; she admitted it reminded her of the famous Barbara Windsor sketch in Carry on Camping
SUBSTANTIAL: High waist bikini in Cobalt Blue by Boux Avenue, £22
This bright blue bikini was fantastic – although the briefs didn’t quite sit where I wanted – they could have either been higher on the belly or lower but felt more just like a regular knicker fit. There was great support on top though!
Beach ready: Claire loved this cobalt blue bikini for its great support around the bust – although the bottoms felt more like a knicker fit, she added
THE VERDICT
A yes to the blue, would I wear the red one? Yes, but only if I was in a private villa to get the most of tanning opportunities.
‘As an Asian woman I haven’t always felt bikinis were for me…’
Minreet Kaur, 42, is a journalist from Harlington in South West London.
She told FEMAIL that she would ‘never normally go for a string bikini when I’m on holiday or even here in the UK while at the gym pool’.
Minreet added: ‘I find tie-ups expose too much skin and I don’t think they suit my body shape. I also think it’s hard to be so revealing as an Asian woman – I can feel a bit shy.’
SKIMPY: Mango tie-up bikini by Blonde the Label (blondethelabel.com), £48, and Summer in Capri bikini by Gottex at UK Swimwear, £149.99 (ukswimwear.com)
Too revealing: Minreet first tried a mango tie-up bikini by Blonde the Label but said she felt self-conscious wearing it
The first one I tried was Blonde the Label’s mango tie-up. It wasn’t a success. I found it too big and very hard to wear, it’s very revealing and I felt exposed and it was loose.
Definitely not something I’d wear on holiday as it’s just too flimsy and I’d feel very self-conscious. You would need to tie it properly and it would really make me feel paranoid if I wore this in case it wasn’t tied up properly. That said, it’s a very lovely colour but just not a style that’s right for me. I prefer something less revealing and more elegant.
The second one I tried – the Summer in Capri by Gottex – wasn’t strictly a string bikini, but it did feel still skimpy – I initially thought it would expose too much skin.
It fitted fine though, and I loved its colourful pattern and it was actually slightly more covered up than you might think as the straps aren’t too thin. The top came with padding.
The journalist from Harlington in South West London, tried on a second bikini by Gottex at K Swimwear that was much skimpier than she’d normally wear – but proved a hit
The two-piece Summer in Capri bikini by Gottex at UK Swimwear retails at £149.99
I don’t wear bikinis as I always think they are too revealing, but after wearing this one I fell in love with the feel of it, it was super comfy. I felt the material was soft, it didn’t irritate me or feel too tight and it’s perfect for holidays or by the pool.
SUBSTANTIAL: Red high-waisted bikini set by Gottex at UK Swimwear (ukswimwear.com)
Sport: Minreet said she loved the fit of the second bikini, and felt it was more flattering
The verdict? She loved both of the designs – but the bigger pant was more flattering, she thought
Wearing the maroon bikini with the bigger pant worked really well; it was comfortable and fitted perfectly. I felt this style was really flattering.
The overall look and feel of this bikini was nice, the colour was lovely and I didn’t feel it was too revealing. I definitely would wear this on holiday or to a pool here in the UK.
THE VERDICT
I really like both bikinis and both styles. I would usually go for a thicker strap bikini but after trying on both styles I think I’m happy to wear both!
As an Asian woman I haven’t always felt bikinis were for me and I’ve always seen very skimpy styles but these looked elegant and they are definitely different to what I’ve seen so I would wear these with no worry of feeling shy or embarrassed as they don’t reveal too much skin and they are stylish and slick.
‘I have no problem whipping out a string bikini as soon as the opportunity arises. My friends can vouch for this!’
Angee LeBruin, 58, from Dulwich, works in a tech department and teaches holistic yoga IT. She says she’s learned to embrace positive stereotypes about ageing and prioritises keeping active, self-care and saying ‘yes’ to life.
She told FEMAIL: ‘I have no problem whipping out a string bikini as soon as the opportunity arises. My friends can vouch for this.
‘I feel incredibly confident and comfortable in my skin, there is no reason why I can’t rock a two-piece bathing suit, regardless of my age. I’m a great believer woman can look and feel her best in a bikini. The confidence shines from within.’
SKIMPY: Orange string bikini (models own)
Angee LeBruin, 58, from Dulwich, juggles a job in a tech department in central London with teaching fitness and pilates; she says the string bikini has always been one of her favourite styles
Angee says she would normally opt for a tie-up bikini – so how would she get on with a bigger two-piece?
This bikini was a gift, I think it was purchased from Accessorize years ago…and this style of swimwear has always been one of my favourites.
The bottoms are sexier and more flattering than traditional bikini bottoms. I personally feel they provide a fantastic fit and look great on any body shape.
Although I’m always careful with the string ties, in the past I’ve had accidents and revealed way more than I needed to!
SUBSTANTIAL: Space high neck underwired cami top and waist control brief in Ultramarine by Pour Moi, £52.00 (pourmoi.co.uk)
A fan! Angee says she loved the electric blue colour of the two-piece she tried
The fitness fan, 58, described the top of the Pour Moi two-piece as ‘exceptionally comfortable’ too
I absolutely the love the design and style of this bikini. The top has a sporty feel, so great for volleyball or other beach games. I’m very sporty so in love with the practical nature of this design.
Normally, I wouldn’t opt for this style, it’s the first time ever wearing bottoms like this but I’m hooked.
The bottoms are very comfortable and great if you want the option for a tummy cover up. The top feels exceptionally comfortable too, very flattering for my broad shoulders and I loved the colour on my skin tone.
THE VERDICT
Hard to decide a preference as they both do the job in different ways – but I think the string bikini suits both my shape and personality.
‘String bikinis offer a better fit because you can easily adjust them…’
Videographer and model Alicia Watts, 28, from London, is a size 6-8 and says she ‘almost always’ goes for a string bikini on holidays.
She told FEMAIL: ‘I’ve learnt to be appreciative of my body as I have people close to me who are less fortunate and cannot use their body in a way others can – walking, dancing etc.
‘I try and maintain a healthy lifestyle and practice mindfulness – a tip I’d always give to others is, if I wouldn’t say it to a friend, I don’t say it to myself.’
SKIMPY: Alicia’s own tie-up bikini
Adjustable…but Alicia says although the string is her preferred option when it comes to bikinis it can leave her feeling ‘exposed’
I think string bikinis are generally very flattering and it’s a good style for preventing tan lines. I also feel like a tie-up gives a suitable fit for anyone as you can have it as tight or as loosely comfy as you wish.
My only issue with this style of bikini is if the ties become loose – but this rarely happens, especially if you get one with good quality material and you tie it up well.
I’m also a bit cautious of being a bit ‘exposed’ given it’s less material, I think I would think twice about it if I was wearing it on a family holiday.
SUBSTANTIAL: Brussels fuchsia pink bikini by Melissa Odabash, £256 (odabash.com)
Converted! Alicia says the more substantial bikini was a surprise hit. Right: She adds that she loved the fact the bottoms would be great for sport on holiday
I was pleasantly surprised with this bikini. I love the halter neck style top and the bottoms are very comfy. The bikini is a little more covered up and practical but still makes me feel confident.
I rarely wear bikini bottoms like these but now I’m wondering why! The material is soft and stretchy and my bottom is covered up – perfect for any kind of holiday and/or water activity.
THE VERDICT
I love both bikinis and both styles. I would usually go for a string bikini but after trying on the second style I think I may be converted!
It’s super comfortable and flattering at the same time. I love the bold fuchsia colour and the top is a perfect style to go out and about in with a pair of shorts – I love doubling up bikini tops as normal tops.
The bottoms are comfortable and feel more secure, especially for swimming. This is the one I would grab first from now on.
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