Bikini season in NYC always lags slightly behind the one in L.A. for obvious reasons, giving me as an East Coaster a chance to see which new trends are going to be big before the first nice day. It also shows me which old trends are coming back for a second go. And while I’ve already noticed tons of fresh swimwear styles to invest in for summer, there’s one bikini trend from last year that’s making an even bigger splash than any of its newer alternatives: the upside-down bikini.
If you thought you’d escaped summer 2021 without ever having to flip your string bikini upside down, you were sadly mistaken. You see, the flip-flopped swimsuit trend has already made its way into 2022—and it’s not even May yet. In the last week alone, supermodel Elsa Hosk and Euphoria actress Sydney Sweeney have both posted photos on their Instagrams featuring the controversial bikini hack. And after 2021’s showing—which included Paloma Elsesser, Kendall Jenner, and Kourtney Kardashian, among others—it’d be naïve of us to assume that they’ll be the only two to break them out this year. Presumably, they’re but the first of many celebs to tie their bikinis tops upside down now that warm weather is approaching.
Ahead, see how Hosk and Sweeney are wearing the heavily debated swimwear trend in 2022.
On Sydney Sweeney: Palm Swimwear Viper Bikini Top ($120) and Bottom ($95)
Shop the matching Viper Bikini Bottom ($95).
On Elsa Hosk: Sommer Swim Xena Profumo Halter Bikini Top ($89) and Naomi Profumo Tie-Side Bikini Bottoms ($79); Bottega Veneta Jodie Mini Knotted Shearling Tote ($2500); Orchard & Ito hat
Shop the matching Naomi Profumo Tie-Side Bikini Bottoms ($79).
Metallic and sparkly swimsuits are all anyone’s talking about ahead of the summer. Shop the matching Elle Tie Side Bikini Bottoms ($115).
Okay, you need this set. Everyone does. Shop the matching Tie Bikini Bottom ($26).
Tory Burch low-key makes the best bikinis. Shop the matching Printed String Bikini Bottoms ($98).
This price is going to be hard to beat, if not impossible. Shop the Brazilian Thong Bikini Bottoms ($10).
Mirror Palais selling its bikinis on Ssense is a summer game changer.
This color is too good to miss if you ask me. Shop the matching Candy Solid Curtain String Bikini Bottom ($26).
This was an all-time top seller last year.
Prepare for every beach-goer to ask you where you got this bikini from.
Have you ever seen a more beautiful bikini? I certainly have not. Shop the matching Palm Ruched Stretch-Satin Bikini Briefs ($140).
I was never the colorful-bikini type until I saw this style. Shop the matching Tia Floral String Bikini Bottom ($80).
A sunshine-yellow bikini is literally summer’s perfect match. Shop the matching Olivia High-Cut Bikini Bottom ($24).
Courtesy of one of 2022’s most buzzed-about brands. Shop the matching Bikini Bottoms ($125).
All string attached is our swimwear motto this summer. Shop the matching Tie Bottoms ($90).
You can bet we’ll be wearing this bikini top for a lot more than just days spent at the beach. Shop the matching High-Waist Bikini Bottoms ($30).
This print is giving Pucci vibes in all the best ways. Shop the matching Billie Boyshort Bikini Bottom ($42).
If you have a larger bust, this is the upside-down bikini style for you because it has built in support with the underwire and thicker band. Shop the matching Franny Bottom ($78).
I will, indeed, be buying this bikini in every pattern and color available. Try to stop me. Shop the matching Tie Bikini Bottom ($26).
If you like Euphoria, you need this gemstone-encrusted bikini.
H&M wasn’t messing around when it designed this psychedelic bikini. Shop the matching Brazilian Bikini Bottoms ($18).
Simply gorgeous. Shop the matching Enki Bikini Bottom ($92).
So basically, I need an iridescent bikini now. Shop the matching Andrea Iridescent Ruffle Skirt ($100).
Sometimes it is the simplest styles that become your favorite. Shop the matching Palm Bikini Bottoms ($88).
Little red bikinis are as important if not more important than little black ones. Shop the matching The Scene Rib Bikini Bottoms ($85).
