How to Tie String Bikini Bottoms (& Other Solutions)

Finding a swimsuit that fits your body like a glove is an ultimate challenge. In some instances, you need to make adjustments once you find the design or cut you like. I am listing different ways how to make string bikini bottoms fit better.

How to Tie String Bikini Bottoms

Tying string bikini bottoms is all about mastering the art of the knot. Here’s my step-by-step guide to ensure your bikini bottoms are tied to perfection.

1. Prep Your Strings: Smooth out any tangles to ensure your bikini strings are straight.
2. Wear Your Bikini: Step into your bikini bottoms so they’re resting loosely on your hips.
3. Identify Your Strings: You’ll notice two strings on each side – one from the front and one from the back.
4. Grab the Strings on One Side: Hold the front and back strings of the right side together.
5. Tie the Knot: Create a loop with the two strings together, then pull the ends through the loop. This is a basic overhand knot.
6. Secure the Knot: Pull gently until the knot is snug against your hip, but not too tight.
7. Repeat on the Left Side: Now do the same with the left side’s strings.
8. Double Knot for Extra Security: For added peace of mind, especially if you’re planning some active beach fun, tie a second knot over the first on both sides.
9. Adjust & Style: Ensure the bikini sits comfortably on your hips and make any necessary adjustments.
10. Finishing Touches: Consider tying cute bows if the strings are long enough or let them hang for a relaxed beachy look.

Remember, the key is to make sure your string bikini bottoms feel secure without cutting into your skin. It’s all about balancing style with comfort.

How to Make String Bikini Bottoms Fit Better 

The best way to make your bikini bottoms fit better is to tie them correctly. I know, seems obvious right? But, you might be doing it wrong.

Past that, though, some other ways to get a better fit are to sew in matching straps, resize the bottoms, or add scrunches. While you can try shrinking the bikini by ironing it, putting it in the dryer, or soaking it in hot water, these methods can be a trial and error.

How to Make Bikini Bottoms Fit Better Without Sewing

If you don’t know how to sew, you can do these steps to alter the fit of your bottoms. However, this is only suitable if your string bikinis fits quite loosely. Additionally, shrinking your garment is trial and error, so proceed with caution.

Shrink Using Hot Water

Suppose your suit fits quite large because you lost weight or stretched the material over the years. Most types of bikini bottoms consist of fabrics such as Spandex, nylon, lycra, or polyester that you can shrink to fit using hot water.

• Use a large pot or kettle to boil water.
• Soak the bikini totally in boiling water.
• Leave the suit until the water cools down, which may take 15 to 20 minutes.
• Wait for the water’s heat to shrink the fabric. The heat will release tension from the fabric’s naturally short fibers.

Shrink in the Dryer

Shrinking string bikinis in the dryer is quite similar to using hot water. You can also combine these two techniques.

• Remove bra inserts or padding.
• Turn your bikini inside out.
• Put the suit in the dryer and set the machine to the highest setting possible.
• Use the longest dry time to shrink the bikini as much as possible.

Iron the Bikini Bottoms

Ironing your suit can take more effort, although you’ll have more control over where to put the heat. You can also do this if using hot water isn’t enough.

• Use a cotton cloth or handkerchief to cover the bikini to avoid damaging the fabric.
• Set the iron to a low or medium heat setting.
• Iron the suit using slow, long, and even strokes.
• Work from the top to bottom, lasting around 10 minutes.
• Flip the suit from time to time to iron both sides thoroughly.

How to Make Bikini Bottoms Fit Better by Sewing

Sewing is the best way to make your string bikini bottoms fit better. This method is perfect whether you have small or baggy bottoms.

Fit is the most vital aspect of styling because well-tailored bottoms can make a huge difference in your figure. A well-fitting bikini will conform to your body shape and accentuate your best features. What’s more, it should let you move freely as you enjoy swimming.

Sew in Matching Straps

Attaching two matching straps to your string bikinis is the easiest way to fix the fit. Use a needle and thread to put a strap on each side of the suit. This will transform your old swimsuit into a tie-up bikini.

Fold the Waistband

Folding the waistband and re-stitching it is the quickest sewing solution if your bikini fits loosely. If you need the suit to fit bigger in the future, you can remove the stitches and bring back the original size.

Insert an Elastic Band

If your string bikini suit is slightly saggy, insert an elastic band to adjust the fit.

• Pin the elastic to the bikini’s waistband. 
• Start at the side seam and sew down to the center to attach the elastic.
• Understich the elastic to the lining.

Remove Fabric Gaps

There may be times when the waistband fits well, yet the leg holes fit slightly bigger. Try on the swimsuit and gather the elastic seam where there are gaps.

Fold the areas and pin them to fit. Double-stitch the folds to remove fabric gaps.

Attach Drawstrings

Attaching drawstrings is another way to solve the fit of saggy bikini bottoms. First, put a drawstring onto your waistband’s lining. After that, tie the suit to check the fit.

Transform Into Scrunch Bikini Bottoms

This technique is suitable for string bikinis that fit larger than expected. The more stitches you make, the better the fit.

• Use a thread color that matches your bikini.
• After feeding the thread through the needle hole, locate the starting point halfway down the bikini’s back. It should also be in the center of the suit’s width to give your buttocks an even silhouette.
• After finding the center, poke the needle on the inside of the fabric.
• Measure half an inch and bring the needle back into the fabric.
• Pull the thread tight to create a scrunch in the fabric.
• Put five to six more stitches until you’re about an inch away from the waistband.
• Once you have the scrunches, double the stitches to ensure the scrunches don’t come undone.
• Tie a knot at the end of the thread.

How to Avoid Ill-Fitting Bikini Bottoms

While there are ways to fix the fit of your bikinis, it’s much easier to avoid these problems in the first place. These are ways to prevent ill-fitting string bikinis.

• Wash your bikini properly: Improper washing can damage garments, especially delicate items like bikinis. You should choose a machine’s delicate washing cycle or handwash your swimwear for the best results. You must also consider the water temperature and type of detergent.
• Dry your bikinis properly: Even though you can try shrinking your bikinis in the dryer, you should only do this as a last resort. Generally, you should not dry bikinis in the dryer as the heat can deteriorate the fibers. Instead, it’s best to air dry your bikinis on a flat surface or clothesline.
• Look for quality string bikinis: As much as you’re careful about washing, drying, and storing your bikinis, it’s equally important that you choose a quality bikini. Top-notch string bikinis will have quality fabrics and stitches, holding up better over time.
• Choose bikinis according to your size and shape: Improper sizing is among the reasons why a string bikini may not look good on you at first. Picking cuts or styles that don’t suit your body shape can also result in an unflattering silhouette.
• Consider the waistband and strings: The band and strings will keep your bikini bottoms together. The strings and band may quickly wear out if they aren’t supportive enough, causing the bikini to fit poorly.

If you can’t seem to get string bikinis to fit, try a different type. The best rated thong bikini is definitely along the same lines as the string option!

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Learning how to make string bikini bottoms fit better can make you wear your suit confidently. You can either sew or shrink them a bit to adjust the fit. Regardless of the method, finding the best string bikinis should give you the right fit.