For every body type, there's a flattering bikini bottom to match. To find the best types of bikini bottoms for your shape as you choose your next sexy designer bikini, determine if you have a pear, apple, hourglass, or athletic build. By finding the swimsuit bottom that best suits your body shape and personal style, you’ll feel confident and ready to rock your swimwear. In this guide, we’ll walk you through 6 types of swimsuit bottoms and the body types that they best flatter. In addition to knowing the best bikini for your body type, it's important to take accurate body measurements first to find the perfect bikini bottom that suits you best.

To find bikini bottoms or bikini styles that fit flawlessly, it’s essential to measure your waist and hips accurately. Start by measuring around the narrowest part of your waist, then measure around the fullest part of your hips with your feet together. These measurements will guide you to a bikini bottom size that sits comfortably and highlights your natural shape. Once you have your measurements, refer to the swimsuit size guide to find your perfect fit.

Whether you're looking for a cheeky fit, full coverage, or a classic cut, finding the right size ensures your bikini bottoms will fit like a glove, giving you the confidence to flaunt your style on any beach or poolside adventure.

An apple body type is defined as having a wider midsection with an undefined waist and narrower hips, and a flatter bottom. High-waisted bikini bottoms work well for tummy control for a comfortable slimming effect. Here's what it does:

• Accentuates the waist and creates a more defined hourglass silhouette.

• Offers comfortable coverage, smoothing the midsection.

• Creates an elongating effect on the legs, enhancing the overall shape.

Best Bikini Tops - High-waisted bottoms work well with bandeau bikini tops or off-the-shoulder tops, which draw attention to the shoulders and upper body. For a bit more lift, plunge and scoop-neck bikini tops add shape and balance to the overall look.

An hourglass figure is fuller on the top and bottom with a defined middle. Cheeky bikini bottoms are ideal for hourglass shapes, offering minimal coverage that emphasizes natural curves while creating a subtly sexy look. These are bikini bottoms that don’t cut into hips and have minimal material. Here's how they flatter hourglass figures:

• Highlights the hips and rear, enhancing curves without adding bulk.

• Provides a balanced look that complements the natural proportions of an hourglass figure.

• Adds a playful, flirty touch to swimwear, ideal for a confident style.

Full coverage bikini bottoms are a flattering choice for pear-shaped body types, offering support and balance by providing more material around the hips and rear. This style helps create a sleek look and emphasizes the natural waist. Here's what it does:

• Covers wider hips comfortably, creating a smooth silhouette.

• Balances proportions by minimizing the appearance of the rear.

• Sits securely on the body, preventing shifting or bunching.

Full to moderate-coverage swimwear bottoms with a high cut on the legs is an optimal choice to elongate the legs, give more bum coverage, and minimize the rear and waist. Make sure the fit lays flat against the rear without any bunching or sagging.

Examples of full-coverage bikini bottom styles you can choose from include:

• Classic brief bottoms

• Swim Shorts

• Skirted bottoms

• Hipster bottoms with full coverage

• High-waisted full-coverage bottoms

Best Bikini Tops - Pair full coverage bottoms with a halter top or ruffled bikini top to draw attention upward and balance the proportions. This combination highlights the upper body, creating a balanced silhouette and adding volume to the bust.

For hourglass and petite figures, tie-side bikini bottoms are a fantastic choice due to their adjustable fit and flattering style. It highlights curves without adding bulk, creating a balanced look that enhances the body’s natural lines. Here's how it can benefit you:

• Adjustable ties allow for a secure, comfortable fit around the hips.

• Adds volume and visual interest, especially flattering for petite figures.

• Emphasizes a narrow waist, perfect for highlighting hourglass proportions.

Best Bikini Tops - Pair tie-side bottoms with a classic triangle bikini top for an effortlessly balanced look that flatters hourglass shapes. For petite figures, a halter top or padded bandeau top can add subtle lift and shape to enhance the overall silhouette.

Best Bikini Tops - Brazilian bottoms pair beautifully with a sports bra-style top or crop top for a sleek, athletic look that complements toned shoulders and arms. For a touch of femininity, a ruffled top or push-up bikini top can add volume to the upper body, creating a balanced look with the minimal bottom style.

Low-rise or hipster bikini bottoms are ideal for athletic and petite body types, sitting comfortably on the hips to create a laid-back, stylish look. This classic cut emphasizes the hips, adding curves to a straighter frame and lengthening the torso for petite body types. Here's what this style does:

• Sits comfortably on the hips, adding definition to athletic frames.

• Elongates the torso, creating a balanced appearance for petite figures.

• Provides a versatile look that suits both casual and chic beach styles.

Best Bikini Tops - Low-rise bottoms pair well with sports bra-style tops or crop tops for athletic builds, providing a secure and chic look that complements the natural lines of the body. For petite body types, a bandeau, or push-up bikini top can add volume and create a flattering balance with the low-rise style.

Although there are generally four main body shapes, unique measurements, and personal style preferences make every body unique. As you explore our collection, consider the areas you’d like to highlight or minimize to find the most flattering designs.

• Colors and Prints - Dark colors like black or navy create a slimming effect, ideal for full-coverage bikini bottoms, while bright prints add vibrancy to Brazilian styles.

• Special Features -High-waisted bottoms offer tummy control, while tie-side designs allow for adjustable coverage.

Body shapes and style preferences can also change from season to season. While you may have a go-to fit, branching out to new cuts and styles opens up exciting options. 

What is the difference between Brazilian and Cheeky bottoms?

Brazilian bottoms offer minimal coverage with a high-cut back that shows off more of the glutes, while cheeky bottoms provide slightly more coverage, focusing on a flirty, moderate look. Both are designed to highlight curves playfully.

How should a swimsuit bottom fit?

A swimsuit bottom should fit snugly without digging in or leaving marks. It should stay in place while providing the comfort and support needed for movement.

Do swimsuit bottoms stretch?

Yes, swimsuit bottoms typically stretch slightly over time, especially when made from quality fabrics that provide a comfortable fit. However, they should still maintain their shape.

What to do if your swimsuit bottoms are too big?

If your swimsuit bottoms are too big, consider tying them tighter (for adjustable styles) or using double-sided fashion tape to keep them in place. For a permanent fix, a tailor can make adjustments for a better fit.

When exploring ViX Paula Hermanny’s best selling bikinis, keep your unique measurements and style preferences in mind. Each body is beautifully different, so think about the areas you’d like to highlight and those you may want to downplay. That’s the beauty of choosing luxury designer swimwear from us — finding pieces that make you feel confident and empowered.

For added inspiration, discover the best swimsuits for a short torso or the best swimsuits for a small bust. Our curated collection offers versatile options to suit any shape, letting you experiment with cuts and styles that fit your current look. From timeless swimsuits to the best beachwear finds, ViX Paula Hermanny has the perfect pieces to elevate your beach and resort wardrobe.