Classic bikini bottoms, Brazilian, shorty, thong or high-waisted, plain or patterned, sold separately from the top: to choose the coverage that suits you without relying on the size of the top.
Selling the swimwear bottom separately allows you to choose your coverage and size without relying on the top. This is the only way to address the common issue of having hip and bust measurements that differ by two sizes, and it avoids having to buy a whole set when just one piece wears out.
The swimwear bottom classic brief normally covers the backside, with medium-width sides: it’s the most versatile. The Brazilian cut is more revealing at the back and on the hips, which visually elongates the leg. The shorty covers the upper thigh and is the most stable for sports or to prevent chafing. The thong reduces the back coverage even more. Finally, the swimwear bottom high-waisted goes above the navel and combines two sought-after effects, covering the belly and elongating the leg.
Its popularity isn't just due to fashion. By raising the waistline, it creates a high point that visually lengthens the legs while smoothing out the tummy without compression. It’s suitable for both silhouettes that want coverage and those looking to elongate their shape. Make sure the waistband is wide and lined: a thin band rolls down as soon as you hit the water and negates the effect.
Take your hip measurement, never your clothing size. A bottom that’s too small rides up between the buttocks when wet, as the fabric stretches and then contracts. A bottom that's too big will sag as you come out of the water. If you're unsure, go up a size on the more revealing cuts, which have a smaller contact area, and stick to your usual size with a shorty or high-waisted model.