Brazilian Bikini: Definition, Styles & More

What is a Brazilian bikini?

A Brazilian bikini is two-piece women’s swimsuit featuring high-cut leg openings that expose most of the buttocks. This style is characterized by a low-rise bottom piece with narrow strips of fabric covering only a minimal part of the rear end.

The small triangular front section provides just enough coverage to contain outer pubic areas while the back features a thong or G-string silhouette exposing the gluteal cleft. This intentional reduction of rear fabric distinguishes Brazilian bikini bottoms from other skimpy cuts.

The defining characteristic of the Brazilian bikini bottom is that it exposes maximum cheek coverage in the back. The fabric forms a V-shaped thong that shows off the wearer’s full derrière and extends high on each hip, making the rear more visible than any other mainstream swimsuit style. Other key attributes include:

• Thin triangle or string back – The backside is a small triangle shape or thin side-tie string design.
• High cut on hips – The fabric extends very high on each hip bone, nearly to the waistline.
• Front V-shape – The front is a wide V with feminine ruching and draping.
• Minimal seat coverage – The seat region is mostly uncovered, which enhances cheek exposure.
• High side cut legs – Leg openings cut high and narrow on the outer hips

By baring nearly the full buttocks, the Brazilian suit creates a daring, sultry look designed to showcase and celebrate the female rear. The extreme cut also elongates and slims the appearance of the legs.

Table Summary of Key Brazilian Bikini Features

Origin & history of Brazilian bikinis

The first extremely reduced bikini bottom emerged in the 1970s from beaches of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, giving rise to the style’s naming. As trends shifted toward smaller suits that showed more skin, brands released lower rises and tinier bottoms. Eventually the thong bikini, an evolution of the traditional string bikini, hit runways. Its popularity as a sexy swimsuit increased internationally throughout the 1980s and 1990s.

The defining Brazilian cuts appeared in womenswear collections of the early 2000s, influenced by racy looks coming out of South America. Designers played with naked styles including tangas and reduced microkini bottoms that turned heads. By the mid-2000s, Brazilian bikini bottoms officially saturated mainstream markets. Athleisure and activewear brands also began offering sporty Brazilian cut bottoms made of performance fabrics.

Types of Brazilian bikinis

Some variations on the classic Brazilian bikini include:

• Thong-style bikini bottoms – No fabric triangles, just side-tie strings or a slender back strip.
• Tanga style bikini bottoms – Wide strip of fabric fully separates the cheeks.
• Scrunch-back bikini bottoms – Ruched folds of fabric partially cover the backside.
• Cut-out/cheeky bikini bottoms – Geometric cutouts on the rear add stylish peek-a-boo flashes of skin.
• Open-back bottoms with horizontal strap across top of glutes
• Caged and lattice-work bottoms showing much skin

Common colors and prints for Brazilian bikinis are bright solids, animal prints, and florals that boldly accentuate the revealing cut. Black and red hues are popular for a sultry effect. Jewel tones like cobalt blue or emerald green make the minimal suit pop. Metallic golds/silvers or neon shades attract attention.

Brazilian bikini bottoms intentionally display most of the rear for an uninhibited, provocative look. The daring style provides minimal coverage and maximum tan lines. For modesty, the front V maintains coverage over the groin and front pelvic region. Some wearers may feel self-conscious or exposed at first in a swimsuit cut designed to attract notice. But fans appreciate the cut’s confidence-boosting power and liberating spirit.

How should a Brazilian Bikini fit?

A properly fitted Brazilian bikini bottom should provide both comfort and security while framing the backside in an aesthetically pleasing way. The leg and waist openings specifically should lay flat against the skin, hugging contours seamlessly.

The front triangle patch should fully cover outer pubic zones, with all pubic hairs and tissues contained. Stray hairs peeking out indicates too small a pouch. The waistband should encircle the hips securely without digging while allowing normal breathing.

In back, the slim strips of fabric traverse across the highest curve of the buttocks, aligned to follow the gluteal cleft. The rear bands should sit flush on the rump without bunching or pulling which leads to discomfort. For tie-side bottoms, balanced tension on the straps prevents loose sagging.

In general, an ideal fit should include:

• Back triangle centered – The back triangle or string should be positioned directly centered between the buttocks without pulling or excessive tightness.
• Cheeks fully exposed – The fullness of both cheeks is revealed without any cupping or squeezed appearance.
• Thong lays flat – The thong strip should lay smoothly without digging in, rolling, or creating VPL lines.
• Hip points aligned – The high cut leg edges extend symmetrically on both outer hips.
• Front V aligned – When viewed from the front, the V shape appears centered without twisting or shifting to one side.

Since Brazilian bottoms provide almost no cheek coverage, the wearer must feel confident showcasing her backside. Without adequate confidence in flaunting rear curves, this swimsuit loses its sultry appeal.

Pros and cons of Brazilian bikinis

Pros

• Shows off curves: The high-cut leg and scooped rear put the wearer’s rear assets on display. For women wishing to flaunt their peachy derriere, this cut provides that cheeky exposure.
• Creative tan lines: Tan lines form in the shape of the swimsuit, so minimal Brazilian bottoms mean tan lines mirroring only thin strips of fabric. Many view this as sexy.
• Unrestricted movement: Less fabric makes the bottoms lightweight. The exposed cheeks and high-cut leg openings allow free range of motion for athletic activities like beach volleyball.
• Fast drying: With less surface area, Brazilian bikini bottoms often made of quick-drying fabrics rarely stay wet long. This enables wearing them even after swimming.
• Oozes sex appeal: This daring silhouette has an inherent bombshell quality. The revealing cut implies body confidence and embracing one’s sensuality.

Cons

• Insufficient coverage: Those wanting more coverage, especially in front, may feel too exposed in a true Brazilian cut bottom. Pube lines or hair peeking out the sides is possible.
• Discomfort sitting: Sitting directly on chairs, pool ledge, etc. can feel uncomfortable with little fabric separating the cheeks. Adjusting and checking for coverage is required.
• Strenuous activity challenges: During rigorous activity like surfing, running, or watersliding, Brazilian bottoms can shift, wedge, ride up, or reveal too much of the vulva region, risking indecent exposure.
• Pool rules violations: Many waterparks, resorts, community pools prohibit overly-revealing swimwear. Bottoms covering less than 1/3 of the buttocks may be barred entry.
• Tan line woes: Tan lines can be considered unflattering by some depending on how little fabric there is. The reduced area covered often leaves noticeable demarcations.
• Limited retailers: More family-oriented vendors shy away from stocking the highly-revealing Brazilian cut. Finding mainstream options requires carefully sourcing brands.

Price ranges of Brazilian bikinis

Given their daring, minimalist design, Brazilian bikini bottoms skew towards the higher end of the swimsuit price spectrum. Made by specialized brands in premium technical fabrics, most quality Brazilian bottoms cost between $50 and $150. Mass retailers carry cheaper versions from $15 to $40. High-fashion designer Brazilian bikinis hit luxury price points upwards of $200.

Economy Brazilian Bikinis ($15 – $40):

• Made of budget nylon/spandex blend fabrics
• Limited size options and no bra cup sizing
• Produced by mass retailers like Target, Walmart, and Amazon Essentials
• Often sold as mix-and-match separates not coordinated sets
• Lack reinforced edging so prone to runs/snags
• Affordable but less supportive and durable

Mid-Range Brazilian Bikinis ($50 – $150):

• Leverage technical fabrics like Italian microfiber
• Offer bra cup sizing for better bust support
• Sold as coordinating swim separates or sets
• Reinforced edging resists damage during wear
• Provide quality construction and tailoring
• Great balance of affordability, function, and style

Designer Brazilian Bikinis ($150 – $500+):

• Use luxury technical fabrics with embellishments
• Unique hardware details like gold rings, buckles
• Offer exact bra cup sizing for custom bust fit
• Offer exclusive prints, patterns, colors each season
• Highest quality construction and tailoring
• Status symbols but offer no additional functionality

Should I wear Brazilian bikinis?

Comfort level

Brazilian bikini bottoms have very little fabric and are designed to show off the rear. The thin side straps sit high on the hips, exposing most of the butt. For women accustomed to more coverage, this can initially feel uncomfortable or embarrassing. It’s normal to need time adjusting to the feel of a Brazilian cut. Try styles with adjustable ties to find your ideal positioning and coverage.

Body shape considerations

Fuller figures with a rounded backside often suit Brazilian styles well, filling out the minimal fabric. Boyish, straight figures can appear exposed or overwhelmed. Pear shapes highlight their assets but may need adjustable ties for proper rear lift. Petites must ensure straps don’t cut too high on the leg. Watch that cheek curvature doesn’t create excessive gapping.

Skin tone

Lighter skin more readily shows every crease and curve with such little coverage. Darker tones more easily camouflage intimate areas and tan lines. Pubic hair can become visible on paler skin tones. Brazilians best flatter smooth, hair-free bottoms.

Occasions

Brazilian bikinis work at adults-only pools and beaches where revealing swimwear is acceptable. They suit photo shoots, dance competitions, bodybuilding shows, and events with a sexy dress code. But Brazilian cuts may be prohibited at family venues, water parks, and resorts with modesty policies. Save more daring styles for appropriate environments.

Alternatives

Try similar styles first to gauge your comfort, like low rise bottoms, thong bikinis, and cheeky cuts. Boyshort and hipster styles offer a touch more coverage while still showcasing curves. Adjustable ties allow customizing Brazilian bottoms for ideal positioning and security. Or pair a Brazilian with mini-skirts, sarongs, or opaque tights for temporary coverage.