Anyone who's brave enough to take on the thong swimwear trend has my admiration. Thong swimwear first came onto the fashion scene in the ‘80s, but over the course of the last year, it’s become a common cossie style that’ll you’ll see on just about every beach, TV program and Instagram feed. Why?

"Thong swimwear has always been popular in markets such as Brazil, Colombia and Italy,” explains swimwear expert Lily Russo. "They’re countries where people spend the most time on the beach, so for many women getting the least tan lines is top on their list. However, they’ve been given more visibility through social media by the likes of the Kardashians and Emily Ratajkowski—as such, they have gained popularity.”

Indeed, like so many trends, thong swimwear was reborn thanks to Instagram, and it seems the shops are preparing for it to be in demand for high summer.

Still, Russo believes many of us are still too tentative to try it—myself included. What is different from last year, however, is the style's sudden omnipresence on the high street. The trend is about to go mainstream, so with Russo's help, I’ve decoded how to make thong swimwear work in real life.

Keep scrolling for our top tips on how to wear the thong swimwear trend. Then, finally, shop our edit of the best thong swimwear around.

1. Fake It

"No one feels confident during their first day on the beach,” admits Russo. "Chances are, it's been a year since you were last there, which is why I always recommend getting a spray tan before you head off. Even a subtle glow will make you feel more at ease in a bikini or swimsuit.” 

2. Consider a One-Piece

"While there’s no denying that thong bikinis are easier to come by than one-piece iterations, they do exist. Keeping your top-half covered up will make you feel less on show or vulnerable as you initially try the thong look.” 

3. Pack a Back-Up

"For your first thong swimwear foray, why not take a spare pair of bottoms with you? That way, should you not be feeling them, you can make the switch and carry on with your day. That, or give them a test-run at your hotel pool where you can easily head back to your room to change before you venture to beaches further afield.”

4. Use Straps to Your Advantage

"If you’re worried about not having enough support, look for bikini bottoms with thicker waist straps—they’re particularly helpful if you’re less confident about your stomach area.”

5. Floss Isn't Your Only Option

"Thongs are usually associated with string-like straps you can choose another type that covers a little more so that you feel comfortable and will still show off your peachy bum.”

Shop Thong Swimwear

Next Up: It's My Job to Find Amazing Shopping Picks—These 9 New Buys Are Too Good to Miss

Candice Swanepoel might be best known for her eight-year tenure as a Victoria’s Secret Angel, but her appearances on the runways at Versace, Chanel, Diane von Furstenberg, Dior, Givenchy and others have cemented the 29-year-old’s high-profile model status.

As such, she’s perfected an off-duty model wardrobe we regularly dream of owning. Candice Swanepoel’s street style is a thing to covet—just look at how she mixes bohemian prints, casual separates and sleek shapes. Whether the South African model is hanging out in NYC with fiancé Hermann Nicoli or walking the red carpet in haute couture, she always looks effortlessly cool. For her best looks yet, keep scrolling through the gallery.

Style Notes: Swanepoel makes a statement at the 2017 Met Gala in a fairy tale–inspired gown by Topshop.

Style Notes: Here she is proving her effortless street style whilst strolling around NYC’s East Village with model fiancé Hermann Nicoli.

Style Notes: On the runway at Versace’s S/S 18 show at Milan Fashion Week.

Style Notes: She nails the cool-girl style by wearing ripped denim with a slouchy jersey and a Givenchy handbag. Airport style perfectly executed.

Style Notes: Keeping cool in the sunshine during her first pregnancy, thanks to a maxi dress by Jen’s Pirate Booty—one of the model’s favourite labels.

Style Notes: Okay, we had to share this one shot. Here’s Swanepoel strutting down the runway at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in Nicholas Kirkwood chain-detail boots (plus a whole lot of gold).

Style Notes: Over-the-knee boots and oversized knitwear are go-tos for many off-duty models at New York Fashion Week.

Style Notes: Here, the model tackles the tux trend in an embellished Naeem Khan ensemble.

Style Notes: A fan of simple silhouettes, Candice adds a belt to this lavender KaufmanFranco slip dress to give it a more casual feel.

Style Notes: When your one of your jobs is to sell undies, it pays to seek out the sheer-clothing trend. Candice wore this two-piece by Mach & Mach at a private screening of the Victoria’s Secret 2017 Fashion Show.

Style Notes: On the runway at Alexander Wang’s "Wangfest" showcase during S/S 18 New York Fashion Week.

Style Notes: The model looks stunning with peroxide-blonde hair and a custom-made sequin Theyskens’ Theory dress at the 4th Annual amfAR Inspiration Gala in New York.

Style Notes: On the runway at Diane von Furstenberg’s S/S 15 show.

Style Notes: The fastest way to add edge to a wrap dress? Get it in slick black leather.

Style Notes: Channelling menswear trends in Christian Dior at the brand’s F/W 14 menswear show.

Style Notes: Swanepoel at the Tony Awards in crystal mesh Prabal Gurung. She’s clearly a fan of the "naked dress."

Style Notes: A statement frill never fails. Case in point? This white jumpsuit by Wanda Nylon.

Style Notes: We’re getting retro Pamela Anderson vibes here (in the best possible way).

Style Notes: Keeping things tonal for a perfect gym-to-brunch ensemble.

Style Notes: Catching eyes in nude Michael Kors lace at the 2015 Met Gala.

Style Notes: Nailing the summer maternity wardrobe once again in a floral maxi.

Style Notes: If this white lace Zuhair Murad dress feels familiar, you’re not wrong. Beyoncé first wore a version of it to the 2014 Grammy Awards before Candice followed her lead.

Style Notes: Sometimes, only an embellished yellow dress will do. Especially if it’s Valentino.

Style Notes: A white shirtdress works for all occasions. Candice adds that supermodel touch by pairing her look with an Alexander Wang handbag and corset belt.

Style Notes: On the runway for Forum at São Paulo Fashion Week.

Style Notes: The epitome of cool off-duty model style in a khaki coat and black ankle boots.

Style Notes: Candice takes her white Stone Cold Fox sundress to the next level by adding a bow-tied Mara Carrizo Scalise ribbon belt.

Style Notes: Touching down in L.A. wearing fresh summer whites and strappy black sandals. Chic.

Style Notes: Easy off-duty style in between shows at Milan Fashion Week.

Opening Image: Getty

The 71st annual Tony Awards took place last night. Broadway's biggest names gathered at New York City's Radio City Music Hall to recognise and celebrate the best in theatre, and of course, we had our eyes firmly planted on the red carpet. Sparkles were one of the biggest style takeaways of the evening, with Olivia Wilde wowing in a glittering red gown with a plunging neckline, Chrissy Teigen working a strapless white column dress that was geometrically lined with gold rhinestones and Candice Swanepoel stepping out in a strapless number with a sheer skirt flecked with sparkles.

Keep scrolling to see all the best dressed from the 2017 Tony Awards.

WHO: Olivia Wilde

WEAR: Michael Kors Collection dress.

WHO: Candice Swanepoel

WEAR: Prabal Gurung dress.

WHO: Chrissy Teigen

WHO: Jenna Lyons

WEAR: Voutsa robe.

WHO: Cynthia Nixon

WEAR: Rosie Assoulin dress.

WHO: Anna Kendrick

WHO: Carolyn Murphy

WEAR: Michael Kors Collection dress.

WHO: Scarlett Johansson

WEAR: Michael Kors Collection dress.

WHO: Bee Shaffer and Anna Wintour

Next up! Don't wait for these nine new-in pieces to sell out.

Some women really do seem to have it all. The it girls we follow and so admire have amazing wardrobes, go to the most exclusive events, and get to travel the world largely on someone else's dime. And to top it all off, most of them have really attractive better halves.

From Alexa Chung's budding romance with screen star/total hottie Alexander Skarsgård to Taylor Swift and Calvin Harris's newly cemented status as the power couple in music, these ladies come home to some awfully pretty beaus.

Keep scrolling to see 10 it girls with the cutest significant others!

Who's your favourite couple in Hollywood right now? Share below!

Leave it to Victoria’s Secret, a brand synonymous with celebrating women and beauty, to create a national holiday that honours just that: women being the wonderful women they are. The first Saturday in May of each calendar year is officially designated International Bombshell’s Day, which encourages ladies to spend time with their girlfriends and take a moment and enjoy being beautiful and pampered. Sounds like a great holiday to us! We chatted with VS model Candice Swanepoel about how she plans to celebrate, what being a bombshell means to her, and more, so keep reading for our exclusive interview.

How will you be celebrating Bombshell Day this year?

I have no idea what part of the world I will be in, but hopefully I will be with my girlfriends and we can go out and have a drink, or I can celebrate with my boyfriend if I’m not with friends. I think Bombshell’s Day is just a nice excuse for us girls to pamper ourselves.

What does being a bombshell mean to you?

To me, being a bombshell is being unapologetically feminine, embracing your curves being happy to be a woman, and maybe throwing on eyeliner or a red lip. It’s being confident in whatever shape or size you are.

What’s your favourite activity to do with your girlfriends?

When we are all in the same city, which is hardly ever, we just like to do something really relaxed, like having dinner, getting a message together, or just hanging at home and having some tea. Maybe go out dancing once in a while.

How do you pamper yourself?

If I’m going to pamper myself, I will definitely get a message—that’s my guilty pleasure. Or just catch up on sleep. I love to just have days off alone at home to catch up on everything and watch movies and chill.

What’s the one article of clothing that makes you feel instantly sexy the moment you put it on?

I think a good pushup bra is definitely something that can make you feel sexier. It can give you that Marilyn Monroe silhouette. I love the Bombshell Bra ($50-$62), but for every day push up the Dream Angels collection is the perfect amount for me. Also, just a classic pair of black lingerie always makes me feel good. 

Will you be celebrating Bombshell's Day this year? Tell us how below!