In Thing: String bikini from Giorgio Armani

Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water - the string bikini returns.

More a small collection of postage stamps held together with hope rather than a proper bathing cossie, the string bikini is a notoriously dodgy invention.

Not only does it tend to inch painfully between the buttocks and fill with sand, but the top half has a habit of twirling round to expose your nipples. The designer responsible for the comeback is Georgio Armani. His tie-dye and brightly coloured micro-string bikinis are this summer's must-have for the beach.

But the string bikini is for not for the likes of you and me. Babes, Baywatch bodies, Bond girls, waifs and wannabees are the (un)natural models for this little number.

Micro-bikinis pounds 59 at Emporio Armani, 57 Long Acre WC2 (071-917 6882) Mon-Sat 10am-6.30pm/Thurs 10am-7.30pm/Sun 11.30am-5.30pm and 191 Brompton Rd S3 (071-823 8818) Mon-Sat 10am-6.30pm/Weds 10am-7.30pm.

(Photograph omitted)