Swimwear
Aug 8, 2022

Sydney Sweeney and Elsa Hosk Are Keeping This Controversial Bikini Trend Alive

by Eliza Huber

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.

Photo:

@sydney_sweeney

On Sydney Sweeney: Palm Swimwear Viper Bikini Top ($120) and Bottom ($95)

Photo:

@hoskelsa

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

Vitamin A Gia Triangle Bikini Top

Gia Triangle Bikini Top

Metallic and sparkly swimsuits are all anyone's talking about ahead of the summer.

Shop the matching Elle Tie Side Bikini Bottoms ($115).

Mango Triangle Bikini Top

Triangle Bikini Top

Okay, you need this set. Everyone does.

Shop the matching Tie Bikini Bottom ($26).

Tory Burch Printed String Bikini Top

Printed String Bikini Top

Tory Burch low-key makes the best bikinis.

Shop the matching Printed String Bikini Bottoms ($98).

H&M Triangle Bikini Top

Triangle Bikini Top

This price is going to be hard to beat, if not impossible.

Shop the Brazilian Thong Bikini Bottoms ($10).

Mirror Palais Multicolor Babysitters Club Bikini

Multicolor Babysitters Club Bikini

Mirror Palais selling its bikinis on Ssense is a summer game changer.

The Attico Zebra-Print Triangle Halterneck Bikini

Zebra-Print Triangle Halterneck Bikini

This was an all-time top seller last year.

Triangl Aster

Prepare for every beach-goer to ask you where you got this bikini from.

Isa Boulder Petal Ruched Stretch-Satin Bikini Top

Petal Ruched Stretch-Satin Bikini Top

Have you ever seen a more beautiful bikini? I certainly have not.

Shop the matching Palm Ruched Stretch-Satin Bikini Briefs ($140).

Frankies Bikinis Tia Floral Triangle Bikini Top

Frankies Bikinis

Tia Floral Triangle Bikini Top

I was never the colorful-bikini type until I saw this style.

Shop the matching Tia Floral String Bikini Bottom ($80).

LA Hearts by PacSun Olivia Tie Front Triangle Bikini Top

LA Hearts by PacSun

Olivia Tie Front Triangle Bikini Top

A sunshine-yellow bikini is literally summer's perfect match.

Shop the matching Olivia High-Cut Bikini Bottom ($24).

Louisa Ballou Mini Ring Triangle Bikini Top

Mini Ring Triangle Bikini Top

Courtesy of one of 2022's most buzzed-about brands.

Shop the matching Bikini Bottoms ($125).

Jade Swim Livi Bikini Top

Livi Bikini Top

All string attached is our swimwear motto this summer.

Shop the matching Tie Bottoms ($90).

Mango Draped Bikini Top

Draped Bikini Top

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).

Out From Under Paloma Wrap Triangle Bikini Top

Paloma Wrap Triangle Bikini Top

This print is giving Pucci vibes in all the best ways.

Shop the matching Billie Boyshort Bikini Bottom ($42).

Camila Coelho Franny Top

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).

Mango Triangle Bikini Top

Triangle Bikini Top

I will, indeed, be buying this bikini in every pattern and color available. Try to stop me.

Shop the matching Tie Bikini Bottom ($26).

Oseree Mini Gem Bikini Set

Mini Gem Bikini Set

If you like Euphoria, you need this gemstone-encrusted bikini.

H&M Padded Bandeau Bikini Top

Padded Bandeau Bikini Top

H&M wasn't messing around when it designed this psychedelic bikini.

Shop the matching Brazilian Bikini Bottoms ($18).

Stone Fox Swim Meadow Bikini Top

Meadow Bikini Top

Simply gorgeous.

Shop the matching Enki Bikini Bottom ($92).

Frankies Bikinis Phillipa Iridescent Triangle Bikini Top

Frankies Bikinis

Phillipa Iridescent Triangle Bikini Top

So basically, I need an iridescent bikini now.

Shop the matching Andrea Iridescent Ruffle Skirt ($100).

Aila Blue Emilia Bikini Top

Emilia Bikini Top

Sometimes it is the simplest styles that become your favorite.

Shop the matching Palm Bikini Bottoms ($88).

Bound by BOND-EYE The Sofie Triangle Bikini Top

Bound by BOND-EYE

The Sofie Triangle Bikini Top

Little red bikinis are as important if not more important than little black ones.

Shop the matching The Scene Rib Bikini Bottoms ($85).