With hundreds of bikini styles out there, knowing which is best for you can feel like an overwhelming task. A good place to start is to consider elements such as the coverage you’re after (something cheeky or more modest?), the fabric (crochet looks gorgeous while basking in the afternoon sun but isn’t so practical for catching waves at your local beach!), and the colour scheme (are you looking for a staple basic or a standout print?).
To help you on your journey to building the perfect bikini, we’ve put together a quick guide on bikini bottom types, styles and cuts to kickstart your search.
Minimal Coverage
Minimal coverage often means string sides, high cut legs and a cheekier back such as the classic Brazilian bikini bottom. This style is perfect for long afternoons spent basking in the sun on a secluded beach or days relaxing around the pool, sipping on a fresh juice, and catching up with friends. One of our favourite minimal coverage styles is the tie side bikini bottom, as it can be easily adjusted to perfectly fit your figure and worn higher on the hips to elongate your legs. The tie side bikini bottom looks stunning when paired with the classic triangle bikini top for an overall minimalistic look.
Medium Coverage
Medium coverage offers a little more than cheekier Brazilian and tie side styles, meaning they’re ideal for splashing in the waves, exploring picturesque coastlines and late afternoons spent skimming across the sparkling blue ocean on a boat. Styles that offer a medium coverage include hipster, which sit lower on your hips and usually have a thicker waistband, and the classic bikini bottom we all know and love, featuring the same thicker waistband but with a higher cut. Medium coverage bottoms pair well with most bikini top styles, from simple bandeaus to vintage inspired balconettes.
Fuller Coverage
If you’re looking to combine comfort, wearability and style, fuller coverage bottoms are for you. Retro inspired high waisted bottoms and bikini shorts are two of our favourite styles in this category, offering a flattering finish and keeping you comfortable white you surf and swim all summer long. For a stylish yet practical look that’s ideal for a season of water sports, pair bikini shorts with a cropped long sleeve rash vest – creating not only a stylish and put together finish but protecting you from the sun’s rays, so you can enjoy a summer of water sports.
Once you’ve found your ideal level of coverage, from cheeky Brazilian to low rise hipster or practical yet stylish bikini shorts, it’s time to move on to the fabric and colour scheme. Thicker, textured fabrics give the most flattering finish whilst those with more stretch and quick drying features are the perfect pick for summers spent in the surf. Opt for staple basics such as black or white and mix and match them with your favourite bikini tops or add some colour to your bikini collection and delve into bold prints, standout hues and showstopping patterns.