Bikini bottom types explained
Bikini bottoms come in many styles, each flattering different body shapes and natural curves. From high-waisted bottoms with full coverage to cheeky cuts that show more skin, there's a perfect pair of bikini bottoms for every woman.
Whether you prefer maximum coverage or a more revealing look, you'll find the ideal bottoms to complete your swimwear collection and feel confident at the beach or pool. Let’s explore the different types of bikini bottoms.
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Check out our entire collection of women’s swim bottoms to find the perfect fit for your body type and style.
What is a bikini?
A bikini is a form-fitting two-piece swimsuit worn by women and girls. In 1946, French designers Jacques Heim and Louis Réard introduced an innovative two-piece design featuring a bra top and two triangular fabric pieces on the bottom, tied at the hips. They dubbed their creation the "bikini", taking inspiration from Bikini Atoll where the U.S. had conducted atomic bomb tests.
The revealing new swimsuit was considered daring and controversial. Réard likened its impact to a cultural "explosion" akin to the nuclear bomb. This original bikini has since been reimagined many times.
Bikini bottoms come in many styles to suit different body types, sizes, fashion preferences, and coverage needs. Let’s take a look!
Side tie bikini bottoms
Tie bikini bottoms add a playful, adjustable element to your beach look. These bottoms feature fabric ties at the hip that allow you to customize the fit and coverage.
Our side ties create flattering ruching along the hips and thighs, accentuating your natural curves. You can adjust them for a relaxed fit or a high-cut leg look. This versatile option balances comfort and style for most beach activities.
These cheeky bottoms provide moderate to minimal coverage, depending on how you tie them.
Here's what you can expect from our side tie bikini bottoms:
- Full lining
- Adjustable side ties for a perfect fit
- Medium rise—will sit a few inches below your belly button
Can you think of a more classic, feel-good summer print than Gingham? This Navy Gingham print will add a bold touch to your swim attire. Pair it with a wide-brimmed hat and our Orchid Pink wrap top for ultimate sun protection.
High-waisted bikini bottoms
Our high-waisted bikini bottoms accentuate natural curves while offering fuller coverage and a chic, retro-inspired style. These bottoms sit higher on the waist and cover part of the tummy.
High-waisted bottoms create a flattering, elongated look that complements different body shapes. A higher rise helps to smooth and sculpt the midsection, while moderate to full back coverage enhances the backside.
High-waisted bottoms strike a perfect balance between vintage sophistication and modern sultriness. You can pair them with your favorite bikini tops or tankinis to show style at the pool or beach.
Here's what you can expect from our high-waisted bikini bottoms:
- High rise—sits around your belly button
- Flattering adjustable tie waist
- No-dig, comfortable leg openings
- Moderate full-bum coverage
- Full lining
Check out this Gamified high-cut bikini bottom. With a nod to the digital gaming age, this fun checkered print features tiny summer favorites set on a gradient of orange, yellow, green, and blue.
Other bikini bottom styles
Other types of bikini bottoms include:
- Brazilian bikini bottoms provided minimal coverage in the back for a stylish, revealing look.
- Thong bikini bottoms offer the least coverage, with a narrow strip of fabric in the back.
- Low-rise bikini bottoms sit below the hip bones for a trendy, elongating effect.
- Skirted bikini bottoms feature a small skirt or ruffle attached to the waistband.
Bikini benefits
Bikinis offer freedom and style. Here are some of the many reasons so many women choose them over other swimwear.
- Better tanning. Minimize tan lines for an all-over, even golden glow.
- Figure flattering. Bikinis showcase your physique, accentuating feminine curves more than one-piece swimsuits.
- Style. With a wide range of bikini top designs from simple to elaborate, you can easily find a bikini to suit your taste.
- Comfort and mobility. Bikinis allow freedom of motion without swaths of fabric getting in the way. They are perfect for swimming, watersports, beach volleyball, and activities where you want less coverage and more freedom.
- Mix-and-match options. You can combine different bikini bottoms with many bikini top styles to create a diverse swimwear collection.
- Fast drying. Less fabric means bikini bottoms dry quicker, which helps with shifts between water and land activities.
Choose Swimzip for bikini bottoms and other swimwear
SwimZip offers many bikini tops, bottoms, and sets to make you look and feel your best. Our swim bottoms are fashionable and block 98% of the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays. They are made of the highest-rated, most comfortable UPF 50+ fabric and are quick-drying and chlorine-resistant.
From full-coverage bottoms and classic bikini bottoms to halter tops and tankinis, we have got you covered! SwimZip has swimwear styles, colors, and sizes to suit every occasion and body type.
Bikini bottoms FAQ
Which bikini bottom type makes you look slimmer?
High-waist bikini bottoms often create a slimming effect. They sit above the natural waistline, which helps to smooth the midsection and create an elongated silhouette. Dark colors and ruched details can also enhance this slimming effect.
What is the difference between classic and Brazilian bikini bottoms?
Classic bikini bottoms offer moderate coverage for the rear, while Brazilian bottoms reveal more. Classic styles typically cover about half to three-quarters of the buttocks, whereas Brazilian cuts show more cheek with a narrower back panel.
Are full-coverage bikini bottoms flattering?
Full-coverage bikini bottoms flatter many body types. They provide ample coverage and often feature a higher waistband. These bottoms offer comfort and modesty while smoothing the hip and tummy areas, suiting many body types.
What type of bikini bottom offers moderate coverage?
Classic bikini bottoms and mid-rise styles offer moderate coverage. These bottoms typically cover about half to three-quarters of the buttocks and sit at or slightly below the natural waistline, which balances coverage and style.
What bikini bottoms are the best for a saggy bum?
High-waisted, ruched bikini bottoms, and swim skirts work well for a saggy bum. These styles lift and shape the buttocks.
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