We LOVE swimsuit season. Sunny days, beach trips, dips in the pool. We wait all year for this — fantasizing about the first day hot enough to whip out our swimsuits and hit the sand. What we don’t love as much?
Finding the right swimsuit.
There are so many fun patterns, colors and silhouettes — there’s something to match everyone’s style. But the hardest part about shopping for a new suit is always the fit.
Especially when it comes to bottoms.
There are so many things to consider when you’re looking for bikini bottoms. Aside from the fun parts like the style — there’s the rise, the details, and of course, the coverage.
Finding coverage you’re comfortable with is arguably the most important and most difficult part about bathing suit shopping. Do you prefer full coverage, or maybe cheeky coverage? How about moderate? What does it all even mean? And how can you be sure you’ll like it, especially if you’re shopping online?
While obviously, anyone can wear any bottoms, it’s really more about the vibe you’re going for, your comfort level and what you’ll be doing while you’re wearing your bikini. Maybe you don’t want a super revealing bottom for your family vacation, or maybe you’re trying to soak up as much sun as possible and you want less fabric in the way. There are so many styles on both ends of the spectrum and everywhere in between.
To help you find your preferred fit, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite styles in each coverage type, with a little extra info to help you understand what you’ll get with each bottom silhouette.
HELP, DELIVERED
Which Swim Bottoms Are Right For Me?
By: Caitlin Madden
Get cheeky or go full coverage…
Cheeky Coverage
If you’re looking for the least coverage, cheeky is your girl. Thong, tanga and cheeky styles will give you minimal coverage with their backside-baring cuts. Ideal for an island getaway and soaking up the sun, cheeky styles typically have a curved silhouette to flatter your natural shape. Styles like this will leave you with less intense tan lines, but they may not be the best option if you’re hoping to take a dip in the ocean. They’re a perfect choice for lounging on the beach or by the pool, and are definitely on the daring side for bottoms silhouettes.
Moderate Coverage
Right down the middle, we have moderate coverage.This is pretty much the Goldilocks of bikini bottoms—not too little, not too much—the coverage is just right. Moderate coverage bottoms are a safe bet for any location, activity, and audience. They give you a little bit of cheek exposure but aren’t wedgie-inducing, and they’re not too covered up if that’s not your thing. Moderate coverage is a classic style with a great all-around fit and it's perfect for all body types.
Full Coverage
If you want your whole bottom covered, these are the styles for you. Full coverage is the least skin-exposing option that will keep your cheeks secure and fits similarly to bikini-style undies. Full coverage is a great option for active beach days — whether you’re taking a walk, splashing through the waves or even surfing. It’s a comfortable option that allows you freedom of movement without having to worry about exposing skin if you don’t want to. These bottoms are what some may call family-vacation-friendly.
Swim Shorts
Want a little bit more coverage? Or at least the illusion of more coverage? Swim shorts can give more all around coverage, especially in the front. Some styles offer moderate or cheeky back fits too, but overall they feel more secure. These shortie styles feel super sporty and have a bit of a vintage vibe. They’re perfect for beach activities like volleyball and games. These styles are often modeled after a boy short undie silhouette, but can also come in longer inseams to cover more leg.
Low Waisted
Let’s talk about rise for a second. Pretty much all of these bottom styles can be paired with different rises: low-rise, mid-rise, and high-rise. While a high-rise, full-coverage style will give you the most coverage you can get, any bottoms coverage paired with a low-rise waist will feel significantly more skimpy. These styles will sit at the hips below the belly button, offering little coverage to your midsection, which may or may not be your thing. Luckily, there are endless styles of cuts and rises you can pair to find your perfect fit.
“It’s really more about the vibe you’re going for, your comfort level and what you’ll be doing while you’re wearing your bikini.”
Now that you’re armed with all the info, hopefully this bikini shopping season will be a breeze. There are always going to be so many styles to choose from, but you know yourself best. It’s all about what you’re going to feel good in.
Some days that might be full coverage, some days it might be cheeky. You don’t actually have to choose, you can have it all. And lucky for you, we actually do have it all. From low-rise swim shorts to high-cut cheeky styles and even one-pieces, take a look at all of them, fill your cart, find a matching top and get set for beach days, poolside hangs and island getaways aplenty.
Know what you’re leaning toward? Check out all of our swim and find your perfect, summer-ready suit.
Some days that might be full coverage, some days it might be cheeky. You don’t actually have to choose, you can have it all. And lucky for you, we actually do have it all. From low-rise swim shorts to high-cut cheeky styles and even one-pieces, take a look at all of them, fill your cart, find a matching top and get set for beach days, poolside hangs and island getaways aplenty.
Know what you’re leaning toward? Check out all of our swim and find your perfect, summer-ready suit.
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