July 10, 2024

From Cheeky to High-Waisted: The Complete Guide to Every Type of Bikini Bottom

Sun on your skin, breeze in your hair, latte in hand—choosing the right bikini bottom should feel just as fun as the day you’re dressing for. If you’ve ever wondered what actually makes cheeky different from Brazilian, or why high-cut suddenly gives you legs for days, this guide walks you through every popular silhouette, what kind of coverage to expect, and how to match each cut to your plans—whether that’s tanning by the pool, paddleboarding at sunrise, or a quick swim followed by café time.

Keep this tab open while you browse your favorites in Bikinis (Top / Bottoms)—mix and match for a look that suits your shape and your day.

Quick Glossary: Coverage, Rise, Leg Line & Adjustability

  • Coverage

    • Minimal — less fabric, fewer tan lines (thong, Brazilian, some cheeky).

    • Moderate — balanced and versatile (classic brief, hipster, many high-cut).

    • Full — secure, comfy, and sport-ready (boyshort, some high-waist and skirted).

  • Rise (where the waistband sits)

    • Low — under the hip bones, relaxed and sporty.

    • Mid — on or just above the hip bones; a safe, wear-everywhere sweet spot.

    • High — near the belly button or above; shapes the waist and delivers retro charm.

  • Leg line

    • Classic — a gentle curve like a traditional brief.

    • High-leg — opens higher on the hip to visually lengthen the legs.

  • Adjustability

    • Tie-sides / sliders — fine-tune the snugness, reduce dig-in, and adapt to small size fluctuations.

The Line-Up (What It Is, Why People Love It, Fit Notes, Best Uses)

Classic Brief

Coverage: Moderate → Full Rise: Mid
Why people love it: Timeless and balanced—great for swimming, walking, and family beach days.
Fit notes: Smooth waistband, no-drama fit, and easy to pair with any top.
Best for: “Set it and forget it” comfort when you want to move without fuss.

Cheeky

Coverage: Minimal → Moderate Rise: Low to Mid
Why people love it: Flirty, curve-highlighting back with a touch more reveal—without going full minimal.
Fit notes: Look for center-back ruching or a slightly higher leg line for a subtle lift.
Best for: Tanning, pool hangs, casual dips. If you’ll be active, pick wider side straps to stay put.

Brazilian

Coverage: Minimal Rise: Low to Mid
Why people love it: Sculpted, fashion-forward lines that show more of the lower bum than cheeky.
Fit notes: Soft, stretchy edges help prevent digging. Between sizes? Consider sizing up for comfort.
Best for: Photo moments, resort pools, and days you want a confident, modern profile.

Thong

Coverage: Minimal (string or slim back) Rise: Varies (low to high)
Why people love it: Maximum sun with minimal lines under coverups.
Fit notes: Prioritize buttery, flat edges and stay true to size so the waistband lies smoothly.
Best for: Tanning days and sleek looks; pair with a supportive top to balance proportions.

String (Tie-Side)

Coverage: Minimal → Moderate (you set it) Rise: Adjustable
Why people love it: Customizable from morning to afternoon—cinch the front/back for exactly the coverage you want.
Fit notes: Double-knot (firm first knot, gentle second) and tuck the ends. Choose a slightly wider front panel for swim sessions.
Best for: Travel, fluctuating sizes, and beach days that involve both lounging and light swims.

Hipster

Coverage: Moderate Rise: Low to Mid (sits on the hips)
Why people love it: Secure, sporty look with no-pinch comfort.
Fit notes: Seek flatlock/bonded seams and a leg curve that’s just high enough to flatter without riding.
Best for: Laps, paddleboarding, beach volleyball, and long walks.

High-Waisted

Coverage: Moderate → Full Rise: High (near or above the navel)
Why people love it: A defined waist, gentle smoothing, and vintage-meets-now polish.
Fit notes: Power-mesh or firm double lining offers a soft, supportive hug. If waist and hip measurements differ, mix sizes—waist comfort wins here.
Best for: Swim-to-snacks days, resort afternoons, and pairing with longline or bandeau tops.

Be Juliet Harriet patchwork two-piece bikini, trendy high waist swimsuit with colorful retro design

High-Cut / High-Leg

Coverage: Minimal → Moderate Rise: Mid to High (leg opening is the star)
Why people love it: ’90s supermodel energy with visually longer legs and a shaped hip line.
Fit notes: Start with a moderate high-leg if you’re new; fabrics with good recovery keep the opening in place.
Best for: Photos, pool clubs, and statement swim looks.

V-Front / V-Cut

Coverage: Minimal → Moderate Rise: Low to Mid (dips at the front)
Why people love it: The “V” visually lengthens the torso and accents the waist.
Fit notes: The V should lie flat; if it tents outward, try a slightly taller front panel or size up.
Best for: When you want subtle drama that still reads sleek and refined.

Boyshort

Coverage: Full (short-like) Rise: Mid
Why people love it: Stay-put security with a sporty attitude.
Fit notes: Look for 4-way stretch, a smooth waistband, and (optionally) tiny side slits to lighten the visual weight.
Best for: Water sports, snorkeling, beach runs, and playing with kids.

Skirted / Skort

Coverage: Full (brief underneath + skirt overlay) Rise: Mid to High
Why people love it: A feminine, swingy silhouette with bonus coverage across hips and upper thighs.
Fit notes: Quick-dry fabric and a fully lined under-brief keep it comfortable and secure.
Best for: Resort days, cruises, and poolside lunches when you want polished coverage.

Beyond “Body Type”: Choose by Goal

  • Longer-looking legs: High-cut/high-leg or V-front.

  • Defined waist: High-waisted, V-front, or crossover waistbands.

  • More bum coverage: Classic brief, boyshort, or a high-waisted bottom with fuller back.

  • Minimal lines under coverups: Seamless/raw-edge finishes; thong or Brazilian also reduce lines.

  • Active days: Hipster or boyshort; tie-side works if you cinch and double-knot.

  • Sun-max afternoons: Thong, Brazilian, or cheeky with soft, flat edges.

Fit Checklist (Paris meets Pacific Coast practicality)

  1. Mind the leg line. A slightly higher curve on the leg opening flatters most shapes.

  2. Check the rise. Mid-rise is the no-brainer; try high-rise for definition or low-rise for a relaxed, sporty feel.

  3. Prioritize lining. Double-lined backs are smoother, more opaque, and more secure when wet.

  4. Use adjustability. Tie-sides and slider straps prevent dig-in and adapt to tiny size changes.

  5. Mix sizes freely. Fit bottoms to hips; fit tops to your bust/band. Your set doesn’t have to be the same labeled size.

  6. Fabric matters. Nylon/elastane or poly/elastane blends with good recovery keep their shape and resist sagging.

  7. Match cut to activity. Minimal backs are for tanning; wider side straps and hipster/boyshort cuts are for movement.

Your Swim Day, Your Picks (Activity Matrix)

  • Surf lessons / SUP / lap swim: Hipster → secure; Boyshort → max stay-put coverage.

  • Beach yoga / long strolls: Classic brief or hipster.

  • Pool party & photos: High-cut, V-front, or Brazilian for sharp lines.

  • Resort day (sun → café): High-waisted or skirted; throw on a linen shirt and sunglasses.

  • Tanning: Thong or cheeky; seamless edges help reduce lines.

Fabric & Construction: What to Look For

  • Lining: Double-lined fronts and backs improve coverage and comfort, especially in lighter colors.

  • Recovery: A touch of high-quality elastane helps bottoms spring back after swimming.

  • Edges: Bonded or raw-edge styles reduce seam bulk; choose a fabric weight that lies flat without rolling.

  • Mesh panels: Strategic power-mesh can offer gentle shaping that still feels easy.

  • Hardware: Smooth rings/sliders that won’t snag or heat up too much in the sun.

Care & Longevity (So Your Favorites Last)

  • Rinse as soon as you can after salt or chlorine.

  • Hand wash with a gentle detergent (no fabric softener—it breaks down elastane).

  • Lay flat to dry in shade; avoid direct high heat.

  • Rotate pairs so the elastic can recover between wears.

  • Store flat rather than hanging to reduce stretch over time.

Size & Conversion Notes

  • General guide: US 2/4 ≈ AUS 6–8; US 6/8 ≈ AUS 10–12.

  • Mix-and-match freedom: Tops and bottoms can be different sizes.

  • Minimal cuts feel smaller: Brazilian/thong can feel snugger in the same label size—adjust accordingly.

  • High-waist reality check: If the top edge rolls, try a slightly lower high-rise or a crossover waist to distribute tension.

Styling the “Paris in LA” Way

  • Texture play: Pair a ribbed high-waist bottom with a sleek triangle top.

  • Color stories: Match a patchwork or color-blocked bottom with a neutral bralette top.

  • Throw-on chic: Oversized linen shirt, woven tote, glossy sunglasses—ready for that terrace coffee right after your swim.

  • Coverups we love: Sarongs, airy knits, or a lounge set for beach-to-brunch transitions.

TL;DR — Quick Matches by Mood

  • Minimal & bold: Thong, Tanga, Brazilian

  • Flirty with a touch more cover: Cheeky, V-Front

  • Retro & defined: High-Waisted, High-Cut

  • Sporty & secure: Hipster, Boyshort

  • Playful & feminine: Skirted/Skort

  • Custom fit: String (Tie-Side)

FAQs

What are the main bikini bottom styles?
Cheeky, Brazilian, thong, string (tie-side), hipster, classic brief, boyshort, skirted/skort, V-front/V-cut, and high-cut/high-leg. Many lines also offer high-waist options and crossover waists for shaping.

Cheeky vs. Brazilian—what’s the difference?
Brazilian typically shows more lower bum with a narrower back panel. Cheeky is the “flirty middle”—revealing without going ultra-minimal.

Are high-waisted bottoms only for certain body types?
No. High-waist can flatter many shapes by emphasizing the waist. Look for power-mesh or firm double lining if you like a gentle hug.

How do I avoid ride-up?
Check sizing (too small rides up), choose double-lined backs, and consider wider side straps or hipster/boyshort cuts for active days. With tie-sides, cinch and double-knot.

Which bottom is best for swimming or sports?
Hipster for a balanced, secure fit; boyshort for maximum coverage. Minimal backs shine for tanning; go sportier when you’ll be moving.

Can I mix sizes between top and bottom?
Absolutely. Fit the bottom to your hip measurement; fit the top to your bust/band.

Quick care rules to remember?
Rinse after each swim, hand wash gently, avoid fabric softener, dry flat in shade, and rotate pairs.

Shop the styles in this guide (links preserved)

Written by Jessa Paisley