Honestly, the "Tate McRae effect" is a real thing. You've seen the photos—the 21-year-old Canadian pop star basically lives in what she calls her "tomboy-chic" uniform, but when she hits a beach in Mexico City or Bora Bora, her swimwear choices start trending faster than a new TikTok snippet of Greedy. People keep searching for the "Tate McRae bathing suit" as if it’s one specific item, but her style is actually a moving target. It’s less about a single brand and more about a very specific Gen Z energy that mixes high-glam with "I just threw this on" vibes.
If you’re trying to track down her exact looks, you’ve probably noticed she doesn't just stick to the typical big-name designers.
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The Bydee Obsession in Bora Bora
While everyone was obsessing over her Miss Possessive Tour outfits, Tate was low-key setting the internet on fire during a vacation in French Polynesia. She basically put the Australian brand Bydee on the map for a lot of North American fans. Specifically, she was spotted in their "Limon" set—a bright yellow triangle top with these tiny blue bow details that felt very "coquette-meets-sporty."
It wasn’t just a one-off thing, either.
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She also rocked a navy blue Bydee set on the sand, proving she’s into that classic, adjustable string bikini silhouette. What's interesting is how she styles these. Most people just wear a bikini to swim. Tate? She’ll layer a white ribbed tank over a crystal-studded gingham bikini and pair it with unbuttoned army green pants. It’s that "Mexico City energy" she posted about on Instagram in March 2025. It’s not just a bathing suit; it’s the base layer of a full streetwear fit.
That Viral Rolling Stone Cover
If you’re looking for the most iconic "Tate McRae bathing suit" moment of the last year, it’s definitely the January 2026 cover of Rolling Stone. That red and white string bikini with the heart motifs? It basically broke the fandom. The shoot featured a few different looks, including a cherry-printed set that felt very vintage pin-up but with her signature edgy twist.
Why the "Heart Bikini" Trended
- The Contrast: Bright cherry-red strings against a crisp white base.
- The Graphic: Small, strategically placed hearts that leaned into the "sultry but sweet" dichotomy she often talks about in interviews.
- The Styling: She paired the cherry look with an oversized zip sweater, which is such a Tate move.
From Custom Stage Wear to Beach Basics
There’s a huge difference between what Tate wears on a boat and what she wears at the VMAs. In September 2025, she showed up in a custom Ludovic de Saint Sernin look that many people (and Reddit threads) joked looked like a high-fashion bikini with a sheer cover-up. It was bold. It was polarizing. But it reinforced her love for minimal fabric and maximal impact.
On tour, her stylists Chloe & Chenelle Delgadillo lean into brands like Honey Birdette and Hervé Léger, but those are more "performance-ready" than "pool-ready." If you want her actual lifestyle vibe, look at JOAH BROWN. While they are primarily known for streetwear, their minimal, body-hugging cuts are exactly the blueprint Tate uses for her swimwear choices.
Brands Frequently Spotted:
- Bydee: Her go-to for feminine, frilly, yet functional pieces.
- Chanel: She famously wore vintage Chanel bikini bottoms in her recent press spreads.
- Lounge: Often used for those "effortless" hotel room selfies.
- Riot Swim: Known for the V-cut bottoms that Tate favors to elongate her silhouette.
How to Get the Look Without the Celeb Budget
You don't need a pop star's bank account to pull this off. The "Tate aesthetic" is really just about the cut. Look for triangle tops with extra-long strings that you can wrap around your waist—it’s a small detail, but it’s very her.
Also, don't be afraid of "clashing" your beachwear with your streetwear. If you’re wearing a bikini, throw on some baggy Adidas track pants and some Sambas. That’s the core of her style. It’s the juxtaposition of being ready for the beach and a dance rehearsal at the same time.
The Shift Toward "Tatiana"
Lately, Tate has been talking about her alter-ego, "Tatiana"—the version of her that is ultra-confident and unapologetically "pop girl." This version of her favors the "bedazzled barely-there" looks. We saw this in Mexico with the crystal-studded gingham pieces. If you're shopping for a suit that fits this vibe, look for textures. Think sequins, ribbed fabrics, or even metallic finishes.
One thing is for sure: she’s moved far away from the "baggy T-shirt only" phase of her 16-year-old self. She’s embracing the "badass on stage" energy, and her swimwear is following suit.
Actionable Tips for Your Next Purchase
- Prioritize Adjustability: String bikinis are her staple because they allow for that high-cut hip look that suits a dancer's physique.
- Mix Your Textures: Don't just go for flat spandex. Look for gingham, ribbed cotton-blends, or even something with a slight shimmer.
- The Accessory Rule: If you’re wearing a "Tate-style" suit, you need the accessories. A pair of oversized black sunglasses or a simple cross necklace usually completes the look.
- Check the Fit: Many fans on Reddit have noted that "Tate-inspired" brands can run small. If you're going for those cheeky, high-cut bottoms she loves, consider sizing up to ensure you can actually move in them.
If you want to recreate the exact Bora Bora vibe, check out the Bydee "Barcelona" or "Búzios" tops in bright colors like yellow or orange. These are the specific styles that have seen a massive surge in searches lately. Just remember to pair them with a healthy dose of confidence—because that’s the one thing Tate McRae wears with every single outfit.