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Cool French-girl style has developed a reputation for being that effortlessly chic, je ne sais quoi for which we are constantly on the hunt. There are the Breton stripes, the lace lingerie sets, the little black dresses — the list goes on. But, there's one summertime trend that is one of the most sought-after Parisian looks, and for good reason. That, of course, is the French bikini.
Popularized during the 1960s and '70s via icons like Jane Birkin and Twiggy (though not French herself), this over-the-shoulder tank style was revolutionary for its sporty-yet-sweet design. Not quite as revealing as a string bikini yet lighter than an underwire style, it's no surprise that it's a swimwear trend that has remained largely untouched — and is still just as popular — today.
Not only is the French bikini one of the chicest swimwear silhouettes, as it turns out, it's one of the few that is actually equally flattering, comfortable, and easy-to-wear for both large and small chests alike. Which, to be honest, is quite a feat.
When it comes to swimwear trends, there seem to be very few designs that support small and large chests in the same effortless manner. Sure, anyone can wear a sporty one-piece, but it might not offer enough support for a larger cup size. We can all clasp ourselves into an underwire top and some retro high-waist bottoms, but that option may prove quite uncomfortable for those less endowed. The French bikini, however, is differernt.
For starters, the French bikini's shape offers enough coverage for large cup sizes without feeling restrictive or overwhelming. And, on the flip side, it still boasts a dipping neckline that gives smaller chests a boost as well. The real magic, though, comes by way of the shoulder straps, which offer a more comfortable and more supportive construction than a halter, thus eliminating the desperate need for a structured underwire in most cases.
Though it's the swimwear style that I personally have worn exclusively for years, I invite you to try it out or yourself, just in time for warmer weather. Shop some of my favorites below!
ASOS Curve Knot Front and High Waist Bikini
Available at Asos
Shop now: $49; asos.com
J.Crew Tie-Front French Bikini Top and Side-Tie Bikini Bottoms
Shop now: $65 for the top; jcrew.com and $58 for the bottom; jcrew.com
Solid & Striped The Lulu Bikini
Available at Click.Linksynergy
Shop now: $156; solidandstriped.com
H&M Padded Triangle Bikini Top and Brazilian Bikini Bottoms
Shop now: $18 for the top; hm.com and $15 for the bottom; hm.com
Eres Les Essentiels Mouna Triangle Bikini Top and Malou Bikini Briefs
Available at Net-a-porter, Net-a-porter
Shop now: $140 for the top; net-a-porter.com and $135 for the bottoms; net-a-porter.com
Mara Hoffman Carla Bikini Top and Jay Bikini Bottom
Available at Marahoffman, Marahoffman
Shop now: $150 for the top; marahoffman.com and $150 for the bottoms; marahoffman.com
Marysia Santa Clara Bikini
Available at Marysia
Shop now: $148; marysia.com
Aerie Ruffle Triangle Bikini Top and Tie Cheekier Bikini Bottom
Available at Anrdoezrs, Anrdoezrs
Shop now: $27 (Originally $35) for the top; ae.com and $23 (Originally $30) for the bottom; ae.com
Onia Alexas Bikini Top and Ashley Bikini Bottom
Shop now: $125 for the top; onia.com and $125 for the bottom; onia.com
Caroline Constas Masie Bikini Top and Mykela Bikini Bottom
Available at Carolineconstas
Shop now: $50 (Originally $165) for the top; carolineconstas.com and $38 (Originally $125) for the bottom; carolineconstas.com
Abercrombie Shoulder-Tie Triangle Bikini Top and High-Waist Cinched Cheeky Bottoms
Available at Imp.i254217, Imp.i254217
Shop now: $35 for the top; abercrombie.com and $35 for the bottom; abercrombie.com
Anemos The Wrap Triangle Top and The String Bottoms
Shop now: $140 for the top; goop.com and $135 for the bottoms; goop.com
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