Bikini Bottom Styles: The Ultimate Guide – Andie Swim (2024)

Whether you are gearing up for the summer months or a beach vacation, you might be looking to update your swimsuit wardrobe. There are countless swimsuit options on the market that can make shopping for these clothing pieces a little overwhelming.

Additionally, if you prefer bikinis over one-pieces, you are responsible for finding a top and bottom that fit your body well (like you didn’t have enough on your to-do list packing already!).

Bikini bottoms come in a wide range of styles and shapes nowadays, and it can sometimes feel like the options are endless. At Andie Swim, we offer bikini bottom styles for every taste and body shape, and we have rounded up some of our favorites below.

Bikini Bottom Styles

Before you start shopping for your next suit, it’s helpful to have an understanding of the different kinds of bikini bottom styles.

Cheeky vs. Full Coverage

First, you might want to decide if you prefer a cheeky or full coverage cut, which refers to the amount of coverage on the backside of the swimsuit. A cheeky cut is all about leaving your cheeks exposed with a curved design that highlights your bottom’s natural curve and shape.

Cheeky bikini bottoms are a wonderful option for lounging in the sun or wading in the pool. Some surfers even prefer to wear cheeky bottoms because they prefer the feeling of minimal clothing on their bottom half.

A full-coverage bikini bottom is designed to cover most of your backside and fit like your favorite pair of bikini-style underwear. A full-coverage bikini bottom is a great choice if you want to feel secure and covered while still taking advantage of the freedom and comfort of a two-piece bathing suit.

High vs. Low Leg Cut

You might not have even noticed that every bikini bottom comes with its own leg cut. A high vs. low leg cut will change the silhouette of the suit as well as change how it sits on your body. A high leg cut will generally give your legs the illusion of looking longer and will make your torso look shorter. Conversely, a low-leg cut bikini bottom will make your legs look a tad shorter but will lengthen your torso.

You should never feel pressured to change the look of a certain part of your body, but if you want to emphasize your long legs with a high-leg cut or give your hips some added coverage with a low-leg cut, you can choose your bikini bottoms respectively.

High vs. Mid vs. Low Rise

The most common option when choosing a bikini bottom is high or low rise. This generally refers to where the waistline of the bottom sits on your tummy. A high-waisted bikini bottom will rise above your belly button and generally sit along the natural curve of your waist.

Low-rise bikini bottoms, on the other hand, will sit well below your belly button. Lastly, a mid-rise bikini bottom will most likely sit right under your belly button, offering a nice in-between option.

While we are sometimes persuaded to believe that only certain types of bodies can wear low-rise bikini bottoms, we are here to bust that myth for you. When choosing your bikini bottoms and considering the rise, you should only consider what makes you the most confident and what matches your bikini top the best.

Additionally, you might want to consider your beach day activities before buying your bikini bottom. A high-waisted bottom might make you feel more secure when you are jumping in the waves or running around with your kids. A low-rise bottom, however, is perfect for sunbathing and slow walks on the beach.

Our Favorites

We strive to design swimsuits that work with every style and body shape. So, while you won’t have a problem finding a bikini bottom that matches your exact needs in our entire collection, here are some of our favorite picks.

The Molokai Bottom

The Molokai Bottom has everything you could possibly want in a bikini bottom. The high-rise waistline sits right at your belly button and comfortably covers your lower tummy and hips. The low-leg cut sits nicely on your upper thighs and will keep you feeling secured. Lastly, the full bottom coverage has a vintage-inspired look that is equally charming and practical.

When it comes to the Molokai Bottom, the star of the show is the removable belt. With fabric that matches the color of the bikini bottom and a gold metal detail, these bottoms are beachy chic and will soon become your favorite pair of bottoms.

90s High-Waisted Bottom

For a fun throwback, pick up the 90s High-Waisted Bottom for your next beach vacation. This vintage cut is totally flattering and is designed to highlight your natural curves.

Evoking the styles of the late 80s and 90s, the high-rise waistline will accentuate your waist, and the high leg cut will emphasize your legs and hips. And as if the rise and leg cut weren’t flattering enough, you’ll find cheeky bottom coverage on the back that shows off the curves of your bum.

This suit comes in an impressive assortment of colors and patterns, so you will be able to easily pick a pair that matches your favorite bikini top.

Classic Bikini Bottom

It’s easy to get swept up in the most recent swimwear styles and fill your closet with trendy pieces. However, everyone needs a few classic pieces to rely on when nothing else is working.

Our Bikini Bottom is a classic for a reason, as it is our most versatile option. The medium bottom coverage will work for almost any occasion, and the low-rise waistline will hug your lower tummy and will never go out of style. Lastly, the medium leg cut will flatter both your torso and your legs.

This style comes in thirteen colors and eight patterns, so you can pick a few options to mix and match with your other printed pieces.

The Waikiki Bottom

For a more sultry look, try out our Waikiki Bottom. Sitting low on your tummy and hugging your hips in the best way, you’re guaranteed to feel confident slipping these bottoms on. The cheeky bottom coverage adds another flirty element, and the medium leg cut flatters every part of your thighs and hips.

Lastly, this bikini bottom features side ties that can be done to fit your body perfectly, giving you a custom fit. The gold hardware on the end of the ties adds a trendy and stylish element without overpowering the gorgeous silhouette.

Your Best Bottoms

If you have been scrolling through endless pages of suits, not sure what to look for or not knowing what will look best, be sure to remember the key elements of a bikini bottom. Find out what kind of back coverage, waistline, and leg cut you prefer, and the rest will be much easier.

Additionally, if you need a one-stop-shop that has every style and fit of bikini bottoms that are equally stylish and practical, look no further than our beach-ready collections at Andie Swim.

Sources:

A History of Women’s Swimwear | Fashion Institute of Technology

7 Ways to Mix Prints Like a Pro | InStyle

What the beach does to your brain | MBC News

Bikini Bottom Styles: The Ultimate Guide 
– Andie Swim (2024)

FAQs

Do the girls on Love Island wear their bikini tops upside down? ›

It's unclear exactly where this trend began, although many believe it took off thanks to the reality show Love Island. Once one contestant started wearing her bikini top upside down, many other women on the show followed suit. Before long, influencers and celebrities began sporting this saucy look.

What bikini bottoms are good for flat bum? ›

High waisted bikini bottoms are retro looking and elegant and can provide more support. Depending on the construction and material of the high-waisted bottom, it can provide a lift to a small or flat bum. High-waisted bikini bottoms can have different coverage types, from full to Brazilian, high-leg or lower cut.

What is the difference between low cut and high cut bikini bottoms? ›

A high leg cut will generally give your legs the illusion of looking longer and will make your torso look shorter. Conversely, a low-leg cut bikini bottom will make your legs look a tad shorter but will lengthen your torso.

How do you know which bikini is right for you? ›

If you've got wide hips, try wearing a textured bikini top with flat-textured bottoms. If you've got a large bust, try wearing a solid-coloured bikini top and patterned bottoms. If you're tall or have long features, try wearing bikinis with big prints, like large florals or geometric shapes.

Do the girls have to wear thongs on Love Island? ›

The swimsuits, however, are sexier than ever: When the show was originally airing on CBS, he says, the contestants weren't allowed to wear thong bikinis. “We're bums out all the time now. It's Thong City in there, which we never could have done on the network.”

Why do Love Island girls wear sunglasses in bed? ›

"It's piercing," Jessica agreed. Maddy and Stella said that while "they're not supposed to," they wear sunglasses to keep the rays out of their eyes so they can keep sleeping. Not to mention the Islanders "have no idea what time it is" in the Villa, so night or day sunglasses are a must!

What style bikini bottoms are most flattering? ›

However, if you're looking for a universally flattering bikini bottom, Lima suggests “high-waisted bottoms, which accentuate the waist, and classic bottoms, offering full coverage while maintaining a timeless appeal.”

What bikini style is best for saggy breasts? ›

Firstly, underwire bikini tops are highly recommended for optimal support. They provide lift for the breasts and prevent further sagging, enhancing and lifting your bust. Our findings show that wide shoulder straps are another crucial feature to look for.

What bikini bottoms are most flattering for tummy? ›

Boden High-Waist Bikini Bottoms

These high-waist bottoms from Boden offer a classic and flattering silhouette, perfect for those looking to stay secure yet comfortable while they enjoy their time in the sun. The higher rise provides extra coverage, and while the fabric is compressive, it's not restrictive.

What is a French bikini bottom? ›

French cut bikini bottoms: French cut bikini bottoms have been trendy in the last year or so. These bottoms were the most popular style in the 1980s but enjoyed popularity. These bottoms feature an ultra high-rise hip revealing silhouette. The sides are placed above the hip bone to make the legs look longer.

Is it better for bikini bottoms to be tight or loose? ›

Whether you want to go for a barely there feel or something with fuller coverage, there are a number of styles out there to suit your style and taste. As a rule of thumb, your bikini bottoms should sit securely without riding up or being too tight against your groin.

Is it better to size up or down in bikini bottoms? ›

Think about the level of coverage and style you prefer. If you like a snug, body-hugging fit, sizing down slightly may work for you. However, if you prefer a more relaxed and comfortable fit, staying true to your size or sizing up might be better. If possible, it's always a good idea to try bikinis on in-store.

What color swimsuit is most flattering? ›

What Color of Swimsuit is Most Flattering? Black is the most flattering swimsuit color because it can slim and accentuate most bodies. Depending on the style and pattern, dark and bold hues can flatter the body. Pastel and earth tones are also generic yet flattering color choices for swimwear.

What swimwear is most flattering? ›

Opt for fuller coverage bikini tops with underwiring which will highlight your shoulders, arms and legs while supporting your full bust. Aim to create definition around the waist by pairing with high waist bikini bottoms, and for additional coverage around the mid-section, Tankini tops offer a fun and flattering style.

How to make bikini bottoms more flattering? ›

Less is more when it comes to bikini bottoms

Too much fabric makes your butt look wider. A high-leg cut creates the illusion of longer legs. Wear bikini bottoms not too low on the hips but pull them higher - it elongates the silhouette. Opt for horizontal stripes or colorful patterns if you want to widen your butt.

Do the girls on Love Island wear their own clothes? ›

As we all know, Islanders bring their own suitcases but they're not allowed to wear branded clothing. They are also given an allowance before entering the villa. In the first episode of season 5, the girls are all wearing bikinis from online brand I Saw It First, who is the main sponsor for 2019.

Who started the upside down bikini top? ›

In fact, supermodel Kendall Jenner first gave way to the idea of transforming a standard, string-tie triangle top in March 2020, when she laid on the beach in a Sommer Swim design with a memorable baroque print.

Do the girls wear fake tan on Love Island? ›

"I remember going in and one of my main things to take in with me was fake tan, but I have heard that they've banned fake tans," Higgins said. "And I said to myself, 'Thank God that I did it when it was allowed. ' But then I also think maybe it's banned from me ruining every single bedsheet in the villa.

Do the girls on Love Island get waxed? ›

You're not allowed to get waxes

Do contestants have waxers brought in to the villa? Absolutely not, according to Montana. While the women in her season requested wax strips to do it themselves, they 'all had bruising' and so resorted to shaving.

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