With the summer vacation season now in full swing, is now the best time to start bikini shopping? After all, buying a swimsuit can seem a bit daunting, so you want to give yourself plenty of time to find the perfect beachwear for you.
We’re talking about something that’s stylish yet supportive, flatters your figure whether you have a large or small bust, and makes you feel super confident in the process. Big ask? Don’t worry, we’ve got your back.
There are so many different designs and fits of bikini bottoms out there, so we’ve rounded up the different styles of bikini bottoms you can buy right now. The first step to finding your perfect bikini set is to think about what style of bottom you like best. We’re not kidding when we say we’ve covered every style, from high-leg to full-coverage briefs to micro thong styles (the bikini favored by celebrities). Yes, this is the ultimate bikini bottom shopping guide.
Whether you’re heading out on vacation in the next few weeks or just looking for an outfit to soak up the sun on your balcony, cool, comfortable bikini bottoms (and matching tops, for that matter) are a summer essential. Let’s get started…
Hey Harper
Before we get started, we want to let you know that bikini bottom designs have a lot in common. For example, some combine multiple categories into one style, such as high-cut cheeky styles and low-rise swim shorts. We’ve tried to make it as simple as possible, so take these helpful tips instead of necessarily hard and fast rules. Are you ready?
Tie Side
This popular bikini bottom style is instantly recognizable from the strips of fabric used to tie and secure the kini on either side of the body. Some have very small string ties while others have thicker, more sustainable ties that fit medium to low on the hips. They also offer medium to little coverage on the buttocks and the bottoms are most commonly paired with a matching knotted triangle top.
That day, Rio Bottom
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Mango Leopard Bikini Bottoms
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& Other Stories Bow Detail BriefsM&S Tie Side Scallop BottomsBecksondergaard Bib Bikini Bottoms
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Peony Ruched Channel String Bikini Bottom
Classic Briefs
There’s a reason why so-called ‘classic briefs’ are classic: when you think of bikini bottoms, this is probably what comes to mind – namely, the same design as your trusty M&S knicker briefs. Somewhere between a sexy cut and boy shorts (but scroll down to shop both styles), classic bikini briefs sit comfortably mid-hip and offer plenty of coverage for your bum.
AllSaints Floral Briefs
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Credit: AllSaints & Other Stories Printed Briefs JD Williams Control Bikini Briefs
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Calzedonia high waist bottoms
high waist
With a retro 50s vibe, high-waisted bikini bottoms sit pretty high on the hips. Think high! And by “high,” we mean around belly button height, which is your natural waist height. They offer great bottom coverage and come in a variety of styles, from low cut to modern high-cut leg styles, depending on your preference.
Dora Larsen Phoebe Bottoms Credit: Dora Larsen Hush Heather Bottoms
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Credit: HushFarm Rio High Waist Bottoms H&M Bikini Bottoms
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New Look Palm Tree Bottoms
High Leg
The Kardashian-Jenner clan has brought the original ’80s Baywatch style back to the mainstream. Stay on trend by looking for bikini bottoms with super high-rise side straps that sit above your hip bones and drop down in a U- or V-shape at the front to make your legs look longer. This will leave a little bit of butt on show, but you don’t have to go for a full thong style.
Seafolly Collective BottomsCredit: SeafollyTriangl Mica NayaritCredit: TrianglHey Harper Bondi Bikini
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Credit: Hey HarperAway That Day Florence Bottom Credit: Away That DayCalzedonia V-cut bikini bottom
Cheeky
This is the ultimate bikini bottom for those who want to tan their cheeks as much as their tummy. It comes in a variety of bottom cuts, from Brazilian to full thong styles, but this style is sometimes called a “tanga” bottom. Either way, it’s minimal coverage and complete exposure. Yes, this sexy bottom does exactly what it says on the tin.
ONEONE Jesse Bottoms Credits: Free People Out From Under Floral Bottoms
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Credit: Urban OutfittersSKIMS Swim Thong
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Panache Brazilian Bottoms Credit: Panache Frankies Bikini Micro Bottoms Away That Day Fiji Bottoms
Low Rise / Hipster
Now, let’s get to the point. I said this was the definitive guide to every bikini bottom style, and I mean it. But there’s not a huge difference between low-rise and hipster bottoms, so we’ve lumped the two together.
As you’ve probably guessed, the names of each style are pretty self-explanatory. And as you might have guessed, low waist sits low on the waist, either above or below the hip bones. What about hipsters? Hipsters tend to straddle the line between medium and low rise, but their main feature is that they hug the hips with a thicker band. Plus, they don’t completely cover your bum. It’s all in the details.
FP x Toast Ruffled Bikini BottomsJets Lien Hipster BottomsNew Look Low Rise BottomsCos Scuba Bikini Briefs
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Bluebella Lucerne Brief Credit: BluebellaMonsoon Ring Detail Bottoms
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Credit: Monsoon
Swimsuit shorts & skirts
If you’re looking for full coverage bottoms that cover not only your bum but also your bikini line, swim shorts or swimming skirts are your best bet. Great for sports or even on a surfboard, bikini shorts are designed to stay in place and keep you comfortable in the water. If you want to look less sporty, swim skirts double as a swimsuit and beach cover-up. Kill two birds with one stone!
Inner Relm Confidence ShortsIt’s Now Cool Duo Shortie Credit: Free PeopleFigleaves Bikini Skirt Credit: Simply BeVuori Dune Shorty
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Credit: VuoriPour Moi Skirted BriefsCredit: Pour MoiRelated ArticlesRelated Articles
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Alexandria Dale is a digital fashion writer for Cosmopolitan and Women’s Health UK. She covers everything from celebrity hot looks to the latest fashion news and loves nothing more than finding high street dummies for must-have designer items. As well as discovering new brands, she’s also passionate about sustainable fashion and setting trends that are actually worth investing in. She has six years’ experience in fashion journalism, having worked for both digital and print publications such as Glamour and Ok!.
Maddie Alford is the Fashion Editor for Cosmopolitan UK and Women’s Health UK, responsible for fashion content across online and print publications. Maddie specializes in shopping galleries and first-person reviews of the best fashion buys, from jeans and jewellery to wedding dresses, gym wear and winter coats. She also writes editorials about pop culture, viral fashion, travel journalism, fitness and the relationship between the LGBTQ+ community and style. Maddie is also a fashion stylist and has worked on over 100 shoots for Hearst, including photoshoots starring Rae, Niall Horan and Lena Dunham. Previously, Maddie worked in fashion PR and e-commerce, including stints at ELLE US and UK, Net-a-Porter, InStyle and Time Out New York. After graduating with a BA in Journalism, Maddie has 10 years of experience in the fashion industry in both London and New York City. She is passionate about second-hand shopping, inclusive fashion, running on Regent’s Canal and finding London’s coziest pubs.
Jess Edwards is editor of Cosmopolitan.com/UK and oversees all things digital.
