Buying swimwear online is a gamble. Seriously. You scroll through endless photos of models, add a "cute" set to your cart, and then it arrives. Suddenly, you’re realizing that what looked like a classic cut on the screen is actually a dental-floss situation in person. Or maybe you wanted something sporty for a volleyball game, but the "full coverage" you bought keeps sliding around. It’s frustrating.
Understanding different styles of bikini bottoms isn't just about fashion trends. It's about physics and comfort. Honestly, the industry has made it way more complicated than it needs to be with buzzwords like "cheeky" and "Brazilian" often being used interchangeably when they are definitely not the same thing.
The Reality of Coverage: From String to Full
Let's talk about the spectrum. On one end, you have the Full Coverage bottom. This is the "safe" bet, but even this has sub-categories. Traditional full coverage usually features a lower-cut leg and a back panel that covers the entire glute. Brands like Lands' End or L.L. Bean have mastered this for decades because their customer base wants to move without a wardrobe malfunction. It's functional. It stays put.
Then things get "cheeky."
The Cheeky cut is arguably the most popular style in 2026. It's the middle ground. Basically, it cuts across the middle of the cheek, exposing the lower half. Why do people love it? It’s actually more flattering for many body types than full coverage. A massive amount of fabric can sometimes make a backside look flatter or wider than it is. By angling the cut upward, it creates an optical illusion of a lift.
Brazilian bottoms take it a step further. These are often confused with thongs, but there is a slight difference. A Brazilian cut usually has a very narrow back panel—maybe two or three inches wide—whereas a Thong or G-String is just a literal line of fabric. If you’re heading to a beach in Rio, this is the standard. In the U.S. or UK, it's still considered a "bold" choice, though it's becoming way more normalized at public pools.
High-Waisted vs. The Low-Rise Comeback
We have to address the 1990s revival. It's everywhere.
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For the last several years, High-Waisted bikini bottoms reigned supreme. They were the response to the ultra-low-rise era of the early 2000s. A good high-waisted bottom hits right at the belly button or slightly above. It’s a godsend for anyone who wants a bit of tummy compression or that "vintage pin-up" aesthetic. Skims and Aerie have built entire empires on this silhouette.
But here’s the thing: Low-Rise is back.
It’s polarizing. Some people find them incredibly uncomfortable because they sit right on the hip bones. However, if you have a short torso, a low-rise bottom can actually make your midsection look longer. It’s all about proportions. If you go this route, look for "V-cut" or "front-dip" styles. These dip down in the center and rise up at the hips, which prevents that awkward horizontal line that can "cut" your figure in half.
Why Side Ties Aren't Just for Show
The Side-Tie bikini bottom is a classic for a reason.
Adjustment is key. Most fixed-side bottoms (the ones with a solid band) rely on you being the exact measurements of a fit model. If your hips are slightly wider or narrower than the "standard" Medium, that band is either going to dig in and create a "muffin top" effect or sag.
With side ties, you control the tension. You can wear them high on the hip for a leg-lengthening look or keep them lower for a traditional fit. The downside? Diving. If you’re planning on jumping off a pier or hitting a water slide, side ties are a risky move. Friction is a real thing. One heavy wave and you’re looking for your bottoms at the bottom of the ocean.
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The Sporty Alternatives: Hipsters and Shorts
Sometimes you just want to swim laps or go paddleboarding without worrying about a "cheeky" cut migrating.
The Hipster
This is the "boy-short-lite." It sits low on the hips and has a wide side-seam. It’s incredibly stable. Because the waistband is usually thicker, it doesn't roll down. It’s the preferred style for competitive swimmers when they aren't in a one-piece.
Swim Briefs and Shorts
Don't sleep on Swim Shorts. Brands like Patagonia or Free People Movement make these for people who actually do stuff in the water. They offer the most protection from board-chafe if you’re surfing. Plus, they usually have pockets. Real, functional pockets.
Fabric Matters More Than You Think
You can have the perfect cut, but if the fabric is cheap, it won't matter.
Most bikini bottoms are a blend of Nylon and Spandex (Lycra). You want a high percentage of Spandex—usually 15% to 20%—to ensure the bottoms retain their shape after getting wet. Ever notice how some bikinis get "saggy" in the seat after an hour in the pool? That’s usually because the fabric is a low-quality Polyester blend with no recovery.
Also, look for Seamless construction. Traditional seams use a thick elastic band that can bite into the skin. Seamless bottoms use a folded-over fabric edge or a very thin hidden stitch. It’s more expensive to produce, but the "flush" look it gives against the skin is worth the extra ten bucks.
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Choosing for Your Activity Level
Let's be real: your choice depends on what you're doing.
- Tanning: Minimal coverage is best. Go for the string bikini or the Brazilian. Fewer tan lines, less fabric to move around.
- Active Sports: Go for the hipster or the high-waisted with a "stay-put" silicone grip inside the seam.
- The "All-Day" Beach Day: A medium-coverage cheeky bottom. It's the most versatile.
There is a common misconception that certain body types "can't" wear certain styles. That’s nonsense. A "pear-shaped" body often looks incredible in a high-cut, cheeky bottom because it draws the eye upward and elongates the legs. Conversely, "athletic" or "rectangular" shapes can use side ties and ruffles to add volume where they want it. It’s a toolset, not a rulebook.
Real-World Fit Tips
When you’re trying these on at home, don't just stand still in front of the mirror. Move.
Do a squat. Sit down. If the fabric bunches up significantly in the front or the back starts to "slide" down immediately, it’s the wrong size or the wrong cut for your rise. Remember that water makes fabric heavier. If it feels even slightly loose when dry, it will definitely be too big when wet.
If you are between sizes, almost every expert will tell you to size down.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Purchase
Stop buying "sets" if you have different proportions on top and bottom. Most reputable retailers—think Everything But Water, Summersalt, or Jolyn—allow you to mix and match.
- Identify your "Rise" preference: Measure from your crotch to where you want the waistband to sit.
- Check the Lining: Always look for a double-lined bottom. If you can see your hand through the fabric when you stretch it, everyone will see everything when you get out of the water.
- Rinse Immediately: Saltwater and chlorine eat Spandex for breakfast. Rinse your bottoms in cold, fresh water the second you get home to keep the "snap" in the waistband.
- Ditch the Dryer: Never, ever put your bikini in the dryer. The heat destroys the elastic fibers. Lay them flat in the shade to dry.
The "perfect" style is the one you aren't constantly tugging at while trying to enjoy your vacation. Take ten minutes to look at your current drawer, figure out which ones you actually reach for, and buy more of that specific silhouette.