Coverage & Silhouette Guide

Minimal vs moderate vs full coverage

Minimal coverage

• Creates a lifted look and shows more skin.
• Often elongates the leg line.
• Common styles: cheeky, Brazilian, tie-side, and bottoms with a center seam.

Moderate coverage

• Balances comfort and shape.
• Common styles: hipster, tab-side, banded hipster.

Full coverage

• Offers additional ease and structure.
• Common styles: high waist, clean skirted, shirred skirted, boy short.

A quick guide:

• If you want a smoother waistline: choose a banded bikini bottom.
• If you want more midsection coverage: choose a high waist bottom.
• If you want a longer leg line: choose a high-leg cut.
• If you want adjustable tension: choose a tie-side bottom.
• If you want a lifted look: choose a bottom with a center seam.
• If you want a sporty silhouette: choose a boy short.
• If you want feminine coverage: choose a skirted bottom (upper-thigh length is often the most flattering).

Choose the coverage that makes you feel comfortable and confident. If you're unsure, try a couple of silhouettes across coverage levels—many shoppers are surprised by what they end up loving.

Banded bikini bottoms sit softly on the midsection and can help reduce the appearance of digging at the waist. High waist bottoms cover more of the midsection and are also trending with a modern retro feel. Rather than sizing up for coverage, choose a silhouette designed to provide it. Skirted bottoms are a feminine swim look that offers additional coverage and visual balance. For the most flattering proportion, a skirted bottom should hit the upper portion of the thigh. Pair darker bottoms with brighter or more detailed tops to draw the eye upward.

Look for waistband constructions that lay softly and evenly on the midsection. Banded hipster bottoms are a classic choice because the thicker waistband sits softly and doesn't pinch. High waist options can also be great for coverage and smoothing.

• Low rise: sits below the natural waist; can visually lengthen a shorter torso.
• Mid rise: balanced coverage; a versatile everyday choice.
• High rise: sits at or above the natural waist; offers additional midsection coverage with a retro-inspired feel.

• High leg: elongates legs and creates a lifted look; shows more skin.
• Classic: more conservative coverage through the hip; a timeless line.

Side coverage impacts leg length and the appearance of the hips. Thicker tie-sides add curve and dimension, while higher-cut sides lengthen the leg line. Adjustable ties can customize tension. Non-tie sides sit flat and comfortably for smooth, clean lines.

There is no "right" amount of coverage—only what feels right for you. Confidence often comes from a waistband that lays smoothly, a leg opening that feels secure, and coverage that supports your movement.

• For movement-heavy days, many shoppers prefer moderate or full coverage for a more secure feel.
• Banded waistbands and flat sides can feel especially stable.
• If you choose tie-sides, double-check tension and knot security.