The top of a bikini gets all the attention, but it's the bottom that decides how the whole silhouette reads — how long your legs look, how defined your waist appears, how confident you feel walking to the water. There are really only five cuts to understand, and once you know what each one does, choosing becomes simple. Here is the whole picture, calmly.
Classic: the reliable line
The classic brief offers full coverage at the back and a moderate leg line. It's the cut that feels most secure — nothing shifts, nothing needs adjusting — which makes it perfect for actual swimming, beach games with kids, and anyone who simply prefers calm over daring. Its one quiet drawback: full coverage visually shortens the leg slightly. If that bothers you, look at a slightly higher leg line within the classic family.
Medium coverage: the golden middle
Medium-cut bottoms cover more than a Brazilian but less than a classic — roughly two-thirds coverage at the back. This is the cut we'd hand to anyone who says “I don't know, something normal but pretty.” It flatters practically every figure, balances comfort with a longer-leg effect, and works from the city pool to a Greek island without a second thought. Our medium-fit bikinis live exactly here.
Brazilian: the leg-lengthener
The Brazilian cut covers about half the back with a boldly raised leg line — and that geometry is precisely what makes legs look longer and the silhouette more sculpted. It suits far more figures than its reputation suggests: on curvy hips it emphasises shape beautifully, on athletic figures it adds softness. If you're Brazilian-curious but not thong-ready, this is the step to take; we wrote a whole guide to the Brazilian cut, and our Brazilian collection shows the range.
Thong: minimal lines, maximum sun
The thong is less about showing and more about what it doesn't leave behind: tan lines. For dedicated sun-seekers it's the practical choice, not the provocative one — which is why our tanning bikinis favour minimal coverage and delicate ties. It asks for a little confidence and repays it with the cleanest tan and the lightest feeling of all. If it's your first thong, choose one with adjustable side ties — you control exactly how it sits.
High-rise: the waist-maker
High-waisted bottoms rise above the navel, and something almost architectural happens: the waist appears at its narrowest point, the tummy is gently held, and the whole look turns a little vintage, a little editorial. It's the most flattering cut for anyone who wants smoothing without a one-piece, and it pairs beautifully with smaller tops. Explore the shape in our high-rise bikinis.
Matching bottom to top
A quiet styling rule: balance. A minimal bottom sits naturally with a delicate top; a high-rise bottom loves a balconette or a structured top; and if you mix prints, keep one half solid. Fit matters more than fashion here — our bikini top guide and size guide will make sure both halves feel made for you. And remember that bottoms should be snug but never digging: if it leaves deep marks, size up — in good fabric, the silhouette stays clean either way.
Choosing yours
Ask yourself two questions: how much sun do you want, and how much hold do you want? The answers point straight to your cut — classic or medium for calm and coverage, Brazilian or thong for sun and length, high-rise for shape and vintage elegance. Then browse our two-piece collection in premium Italian fabric and pick the pair that answers both.
