Women's swim bottoms, briefs and thongs
The women's swimwear bottoms sold separately are chosen based on coverage: classic brief, high-cut to elongate the leg, high-waisted to support the belly, minimalist thong or swim shorts for sports. Among the brands available: Banana Moon, Freya, Protest and Fantasie.
A high-waisted bottom supports the belly and gives a retro look to a two-piece.
Which bikini bottom should you choose?
The women's swimsuit bottom is classic, gives good coverage, and suits all body shapes. The high-cut brief, sitting high on the hips, elongates the leg. The high-waisted bottom holds in the tummy. The thong and string reduce tan lines. The swim shorts provide coverage for surfing and sports.
Which bottom suits your shape?
For defined hips, a side-cut brief. For a rounded tummy, a high-waisted or shaping brief. For narrow hips, a brief that ties on the sides or has ruffles adds volume.
How to find the right size?
Choose your usual brief size; it should fit snugly dry, as it will loosen when wet. It shouldn't dig into the hips or sag at the crotch. A brief with ties adjusts perfectly.
Bikini bottoms for sports
For surfing, paddle boarding, or beach volleyball, a covering bottom that won't slide down, or a pair of swim shorts, stays in place in the waves and during movement.
Tie briefs or classic briefs?
The tie briefs adjust on the hips and fit between two sizes; the classic brief, with elastic, stays put better in the water.
How to care for a bikini bottom?
Rinse it after each swim, hand wash in cold water, and lay it flat to dry in the shade to preserve the elastane and colour.
What bikini bottom brands are available?
These swimsuit brands are listed on the page.
- Banana Moon, a French brand, is known for its Californian style swimsuits.
- Freya, a British brand under the Wacoal Europe group, offers its collections in separate tops and bottoms.
- Protest, a Dutch brand founded by snowboarders, outfits for water sports.
- Fantasie, part of the Wacoal Europe group, specialises in swimsuits for fuller busts.
What tops to match?
The matching tops are listed on the page of bikini tops, and the whole selection can be found on the page of swimwear.
When to find discounted bikini bottoms?
Summer sales coincide with peak swimming season: the perfect time to match a new bottom with a top you've already bought. In off-season, look for a discounted swimsuit during Black Friday or winter sales.
In November, discounts are listed on the page of women's clothing for Black Friday; during sales, on the page of women's clothing sales; at other times, on the page of Promotions. Fast shipping and best price guaranteed.
Frequently asked questions
Brief or thong: which to choose?
The brief gives coverage and comfort; the thong, with a higher cut at the back, limits tan lines. The choice mainly depends on your comfort level on the beach.
Does a high-waisted bottom give a flat tummy effect?
It holds in the tummy and smooths the silhouette, especially in thick or shaping material. The effect depends on the quality of the elastane.
How can you prevent a bikini bottom from becoming see-through?
Choose a lined bottom, especially in light colours, and rinse it after each swim. Chlorine thins the fabric over time.
Can you wear a bikini bottom as shorts?
A pair of swim shorts, yes, at the beach or in town during summer. A bikini brief can be worn under a sarong or a skirt.
How to choose the size of the bottom independently from the top?
Measure your hip circumference and compare it to the brand’s size guide. Buying separately avoids a compromise between two sizes.
