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A string bikini refers to a bikini swimsuit that is scantier and more revealing than the traditional bikinis. It gets its name from the string characteristics of its design. Rather than featuring a full single piece bottom, the string bikini consists of two triangular shaped pieces connected at the groin but not at the sides, where a thin "string" wraps around the waist connecting the two parts. String bikini tops are similar and are tied in place by the attached "string" pieces. String pieces can either be continuous or tied. The cult favorite Humanoids from the Deep (1980) featured a string bikini worn by a festival mascot. String bikinis are popular in beaches and many women use them.^{[citation needed]} Also male bodybuilders use string bikinis to better show their muscles in competitions.

A string bikini is also a type of undergarment worn by both men and women. It is similar to but more revealing than a bikini. Women's string bikini underwear normally resembles the bottom of the string bikini bathing suit. Men's string bikini underwear consists of a front and rear section joined at the crotch but not at the sides. The tops of each piece join with either an elastic waistband similar to that found on briefs or to a thin piece of material or "string," leaving the sides exposed except for the string or waistband.

First created by Brazillian model Rose de Primo who, when hired to model a bikini for a fashion shoot, did not own one of her own. Without the money to buy one, she decided to sew a bikini for the shoot the night before. Finding that she did not have enough fabric for a full bikini, she tied the pieces together with string. The next day she showed up at the shoot and, donning her new creation, the rest became history...

The first formal showing of the string bikini in the United States in 1974 was produced by Glen Tortorich, a public relations agent who was hired to stage an event to promote the opening of Le Petite Centre a shopping area located in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana.

Mr. Tortorich and his wife Brandi Perret-DuJon, a local fashion model, were visiting a Vieux Carré boutique when he noticed a picture in a fashion trade publication on the counter. Women's Wear Daily newspaper featured a photograph of Brazilian women on the beach at Rio De Janeiro wearing bikinis made of hemp which tied in the back and on each side.

Feeling certain that he had a promotion that would gain media attention, Mr. Tortorich contracted local fashion designer Lapin to create several string bikinis based off the newspaper photo. The designs included string bikinis made of various fabrics and featured a bikini hand crocheted of hemp.

He then called on model and talent agent Peter Dasinger to provide the fashion models for the "First Formal Showing of the String Bikini". The bikinis were concealed with full length fur coats by furrier Alberto Lemon.

The event attracted media attention appearing in news spots on local television stations and a photograph in the New Orleans Times-Picayune newspaper. The string bikini photo gained national prominence when it was sent out via the wire news services of the Associated Press and United Press International.