Quick answer

The Nautilus Bikini Top is a classic string triangle top in black vintage high shine spandex, with adjustable straps, nickel hardware, a small black rosette, and a matching spandex lining. Choose it if you want minimal coverage and a secure, adjustable tie fit; skip it if you prefer molded cups, underwire, or fuller bust coverage. Custom sizing is available at checkout.

What the Nautilus actually is

This is a string bikini top built on triangle cups, not a bra. There is no underwire, no molded foam, and no band sized in inches. Instead, the fit comes from two adjustable straps and the way the triangles slide along the string, so you set the coverage and the lift yourself. The hardware is nickel, and a small black rosette sits at the center front. The top is lined in the same black vintage spandex as the shell.

Because it is a tie-style triangle, the top packs flat, dries quickly, and adjusts across a wider size range than a fixed-cup top. The trade-off is that it offers less structure and less coverage than a bra-sized bikini top, especially at the center and under the bust.

How black vintage high shine spandex behaves

Vintage high shine spandex is chosen for its glossy surface and its stretch recovery. In the water it stays close to the body rather than ballooning, and it dries fast. The shine is a surface finish, so it shows water spots and sunscreen residue more than a matte fabric; rinse in cool water after swimming and dry in shade to keep the finish even.

The black color is the practical part: it hides tan lines, reads as a neutral under a cover-up, and does not go sheer when wet the way lighter swim fabrics sometimes can. It is also a deadstock or vintage fabric, which means it is a limited run rather than a continuously restocked solid.

Coverage: what to expect and how to change it

Triangle cups cover least when the strings are pulled tight and the fabric is gathered narrow, and cover most when you spread the cups wider across the chest. If you want more coverage, loosen the neck and back ties slightly, then slide the cups outward before retying. If you want a lift, tighten the underbust string first, then adjust the neck tie.

For larger busts, the honest limitation is that a string triangle top relies on tension rather than structure. It can work for a moderate bust, but if you want serious support, a bra-sized or high-neck top will serve you better. The adjustable straps help, but they cannot replace an underwire.

Sizing and custom fit

The Nautilus is sold by size, and custom sizing is available by selecting it in the size drop-down and entering your measurements and any specifications in the note to Clare Bare. That option matters most if you fall between standard sizes or have a long or short torso that changes where the underbust string sits.

Before ordering, measure your underbust and your fullest bust point, and note whether you prefer a snug or relaxed tie. If you are between sizes and want more coverage, size up; if you want maximum tension and minimal coverage, stay with your usual size.

Care that protects the shine

Rinse in cool water after every wear, especially after chlorine or salt water, and hand wash with a gentle detergent. Do not wring or machine dry; lay flat or hang in shade. Nickel hardware can warm in direct sun, so let the top cool before putting it back on after it has been sitting out.

Decision rules for buying the Nautilus

  • You want minimal coverage and a tie fit: Choose the Nautilus if you like triangle tops and want to set coverage yourself with the adjustable straps. Best match for A–C cups and low-key pool or beach days.
  • You want structure or fuller coverage: Skip the Nautilus if you need underwire, molded cups, or a high-neck cut. A bra-sized swim top will support you better. Do not expect a string triangle to replace a structured bikini top.
  • You fall between sizes or have a long torso: Use the custom sizing option and enter your measurements in the note to Clare Bare so the underbust string lands where you want it. Custom sizing is the fix for fit gaps, not a size up or down guess.
  • You want a matching bottom: Pair it with a high-waist option like the Demeanor Garter Panty if you prefer more coverage below than a string bottom gives. Mixing a minimal top with a high-waist bottom balances the silhouette.

Product facts

  • Nautilus Bikini Top in Black Vintage High Shine Spandex: Classic string bikini top in vintage spandex with triangle cups, adjustable straps, nickel hardware, a small black rosette, and black vintage spandex lining. Confirms it is a tie-style triangle top with no underwire, so coverage and support are set by how you adjust the strings.
  • Demeanor High Waist Garter Panty (6 fabric options): Demeanor High Waist Garter Panty with four removable adjustable garter straps, stretch lace leg holes, plush elastic waistband, and Tencel modal jersey lining, available in six fabrics. A coordinating bottom option if you want a high-waist silhouette with removable garters rather than a standard bikini brief.
  • LOW STOCK Cardamine Bralette in Greener Grass Vintage Fabric: Cardamine Bralette in Greener Grass vintage cotton floral fabric, a scrunch style with a front lace-up panel, silver grommets, adjustable hook-and-eye back, raw black merrow edges, and darted cups; only enough fabric for 10 sets. Shows the same vintage-fabric approach in a bralette, useful if you like the limited-run idea but want a non-swim top.

Who the Nautilus Bikini Top is for

Best for

  • Swimmers who prefer triangle string tops and adjustable coverage
  • Small to moderate busts that do not need underwire support
  • Anyone who wants a black, high-shine vintage spandex piece with custom sizing available

Not for

  • Shoppers who need molded cups, underwire, or full-coverage swim tops
  • Larger busts looking for structured lift and support
  • Anyone who wants a matte finish or a continuously restocked solid fabric