The experience of shopping for underwear and bikini bottoms is similar. It can be a frustrating day if you do not find the perfect cut for your body type. Finding the right fit for your body shape that is in line with the latest swimwear trends, and that meets all of your needs and preferences can be difficult.
There is a lot of crossover in styles, even though most cuts are self-explanatory. There are high-waisted briefs, low rise thongs and cheeky skirted bikinis. It’s important to know the features of bikini bottoms in order to choose which ones you like and feel comfortable wearing.
Two swimwear experts have broken down each bikini style, from the most expensive brands to more affordable ones, to help you prepare for your beach or vacation. Find out more about each style and shop for products to get the look.
Side-Tie
CrownMedia/MEGA/GC Images
There’s nothing more classic than the side-tie bottom. Hayley Segar, founder of swimwear label onewith explains that side-tie bottoms are perfect for those who want a more “adjustable” fit. Sophia Lima, founder of Heart of Sun says that side-tie bikini bottoms can be tied as tight or as loosely as desired. If you’re looking to minimize tan lines you can wear them with bandeau tops. Segar says that while side-tie pants are versatile and offer moderate coverage, they’re not always the most secure. So make sure you knot your ties so that they don’t come undone.
String
MEGA/GC Images
Lima suggests a string-style bikini with thin side straps for those who “want to achieve minimal tanning lines” on their beach trips. This style provides minimal coverage, and it can be adjusted for a more comfortable fit. Segar recommends a string top to avoid an unmatched look. But, if you want something more eye-catching Lima says that these bottoms pair well with halter and triangle tops. These bottoms are great for achieving the perfect tan but they can be hard to match with different bikini tops.
Cheeky
Udo Salters/Getty Images
The cheeky bottom is a popular style of bikini. It has a moderate amount of coverage, and highlights your bums natural curves. Segar says a cheeky bottom is “not as revealing a thong but not as modest a full-coverage” bottom. This cheeky bottom fits most women. She and Lima also note that it can be paired with any type of bikini top including triangles, halters and bandeaus. It’s a great addition to your collection of swimsuits if you love to mix and match bikini bottoms and tops. Segar says that despite their versatility, “cheeky tops will lay differently on each wearer based on your dimensions, so you might find the coverage to be too much for your liking.”
Hipster
MEGA/GC Images
Segar says that if you like hipster underwear then a hipster cut bikini bottom is likely to be your favorite swimwear. The hipster bottoms are designed to sit on the hips, and offer moderate coverage. According to Lima, this is a good option for those who want “comfort” or “active beachgoers”. They also recommend pairing your bikini set with an athletic-style top like a bralette, or one that has a square neckline. Hipster bottoms can be designed in a variety of styles, from low-rise or high-rise. They are comfortable and functional. Segar says that depending on your personal preferences, this may mean they’re not as flattering as expected.
High-Waisted
Flying Solo by Jason Koerner/Getty Images
Lima says that high-waisted bottoms have a “vintage feel” and offer more coverage for the stomach than other cuts. The style usually extends beyond the navel. However, the coverage at the back can be moderate or minimal. High-waisted pants also look great with anything. Segar says that high-waisted pants can be worn with sporty tops, but they also “can balance out an revealing top, by adding more coverage to your look”.
Thong
Arun Nevader/Getty Images Art Hearts Fashion
Lima says that thong bikini bottoms are for “bold, confident beachgoers.” This cut is the most exposed with minimal coverage. The thong style back bares all of your bum. This style can help you avoid unwanted tanning lines. However, Segar says that if you prefer fabric to cover your bum or want to be comfortable at family events, you should not wear thong bottoms.
Briefs
Arun Nevader/Getty Images Art Hearts Fashion
The brief style, which is similar to hipster bottoms in cut and coverage, is ideal for those who like the classic short underwear. Lima says that they’re a conservative style, and offer full coverage to create a timeless look. She adds that short bottoms can be worn with most bikini styles, and especially tankinis. Segar explains that the only tops you should avoid are those which have a very sexy look and differ significantly from these full-coverage bikinis. Brief bikini bottoms are versatile and comfortable. They can be worn for all beach activities from tanning to swimming, but they may not suit everyone’s taste. Segar says that if you do not like the feel or cut of the classic brief underwear then the bikini version may be unflattering.
Boyshorts
Reagan Rule/Getty Images
Lima and Segar say that boyshorts are perfect for active beach days, whether you enjoy surfing waves or beach volleyball. They offer moderate to full coverage. These bottoms are not only for water sports, but they also offer more protection. Also, they recommend wearing boyshorts with sportier tops like racerback or tankini tops. Segar says that while boyshorts can be a great option for bikini bottoms because they are easy to adjust, they may provide more coverage than you want. They also don’t layer well with some beach coverups.
High-Leg
MEGA/GC Images
The Brazilian or high-leg bikini bottoms are designed to highlight those stems. Segar says that high-cut leg bottoms are great for women who want to show off their legs. They tend to hit at an extremely flattering part of the body. So, though they are more revealing, it can be very pleasing to the figure. Lima suggests pairing these trendy bottoms with halter and bandeau tops to create a dramatic look. High-leg bottoms are “a good balance between a sexy look and some coverage” according to Segar. However, they may not be the best choice if you want to minimize your hips and legs.
Full-Coverage
Thomas Concordia/Getty Images at DC Swim Week
Full-coverage bottoms are available in a range of styles, from low-rise to higher-rise. They will cover your hips and thighs. Segar says that this modest style appeals to women who “intentionally seek coverage as their main variable in a swimsuit.” She and Lima recommend pairing full-coverage styles with tankinis or other supportive styles to create a beach look suitable for different activities. Segar explains that “full-coverage” can mean different things to different brands and people, which makes it difficult to find a truly full-coverage style. Choose the bottom that best suits your needs.
Skirt
Thomas Concordia/Getty Images at DC Miami Swim Week
Segar explains that many people choose skirted bottoms if they don’t like the idea of wearing traditional bikini bottoms. This is a bottom that combines the appearance of a bikini bottom with a skirt. Choose a skirted swim bottom that extends to the mid-thigh or one that has an overlay at the waist for a more revealing look. This cut is great for tankinis and other long-line tops, but it can also be worn with any top. Although skirted bottoms are modest and provide adequate coverage, they can be stylish when they have a bold pattern.