Table of Contents
- What Is a Brazilian Bikini?
- What Is a String Bikini?
- The Core Differences Explained
- Coverage Comparison
- Body Type Considerations
- Tan Lines: Which Wins?
- Styling Each Look
- How to Choose Between Them
- FAQ
What Is a Brazilian Bikini?
The Brazilian bikini takes its name from the beach culture of Brazil, where minimal rear coverage has been the norm since the 1970s. A Brazilian bottom sits high on the hips, exposes a significant portion of the rear — typically 50–70% — and has a front panel that provides standard coverage. It occupies the space between a standard bikini bottom and a thong: more coverage than a thong, less than a traditional bikini.
The defining characteristic of the Brazilian cut is what happens at the rear. Unlike a thong, which uses a narrow strip of fabric, the Brazilian bottom uses a wider panel that covers the center of the rear while exposing the cheeks on either side. The result is a look that's definitively minimal without being fully exposed.
Brazilian bikinis typically sit high on the hip — often at or above the hip bone — which creates the elongated leg line that has made the style so popular internationally.
Our Women’s Brazilian Bikini Swimsuit Set and Women’s Brazilian Split Bikini Swimsuit are built on this classic Brazilian construction — high hip placement, partial rear exposure, and a clean side profile.
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What Is a String Bikini?
A string bikini is defined by its construction: ties (strings) serve the primary structural function. In a string bikini bottom, the sides are made of fabric ties rather than fixed panels. These ties sit at the hip and can be loosened or tightened to adjust how the bottom fits on your body.
The coverage level of a string bikini bottom varies depending on the specific cut — it can range from standard rear coverage to a more minimal Brazilian-influenced cut. What remains consistent is the adjustable side tie construction and the front panel, which is usually a fixed shape tied at the hips.
The string bikini's biggest advantage is flexibility. Because the sides tie rather than being fixed fabric, the suit can accommodate a wider range of hip sizes and shapes than a fixed-panel bottom.
For a detailed breakdown of how string tops and triangle tops compare in construction and style, see our guide on string bikini vs triangle bikini.
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The Core Differences Explained
The comparison between Brazilian and string bikinis is best understood along three dimensions: construction, coverage, and adjustability.
- Construction: A Brazilian bikini is defined by its cut — specifically, how the rear panel is shaped and how the sides are constructed. A string bikini is defined by how it's held together — by ties rather than fixed panels. These are different types of descriptors, which is why you can have a “Brazilian string bikini” — one that has both the Brazilian rear cut and side ties.
- Coverage: The Brazilian cut is specifically about rear coverage — it's always minimal. A string bikini's coverage depends entirely on the cut of the front and back panels; a string bikini can have full rear coverage or Brazilian-level exposure, depending on how the panels are shaped.
- Adjustability: String bikinis are inherently adjustable at the sides. Brazilian bikinis with fixed sides are not adjustable. Brazilian bikinis with tie sides (a very common hybrid) give you the adjustability of a string bikini with the Brazilian rear cut.
Coverage Comparison
- Brazilian bikini coverage: Front panel is standard. Rear coverage is partial — the fabric covers the center while exposing the outer cheeks. Side coverage is minimal, and the bottom sits high on the hip. This creates the signature elongated-leg silhouette.
- String bikini coverage: Depends on the specific cut. A standard string bikini bottom has full rear coverage with tie sides. A Brazilian-cut string bikini has partial rear coverage with tie sides. The ties themselves are very thin, which minimizes the visible tan line at the hip regardless of rear coverage level.
The practical implication: if you want a specific rear coverage level, the Brazilian cut defines that for you. If you want a specific side construction, the string style defines that. For the most common combination — minimal rear coverage with adjustable sides — a Brazilian string hybrid is your answer.
Body Type Considerations
Brazilian Bikini by Body Type
- Pear shape (wider hips/thighs): The Brazilian cut's high hip placement works well for pear shapes because the high-cut sides draw the eye upward, visually balancing wider proportions below.
- Athletic/straight figure: Brazilian cuts add the appearance of curves at the hip and rear. The exposure creates volume where there may not be much naturally.
- Curvy/full figure: Works well for those comfortable with the exposure level. The high waist placement and minimal side coverage elongate the figure. If you prefer more rear coverage, a standard string bottom or a high-waisted style may be more comfortable — see our high waisted bikini vs thong bikini guide for more on coverage options.
String Bikini by Body Type
- Between sizes: The string bikini's adjustable ties are most valuable if you fall between standard sizes at the hip. The ties let you customize the fit precisely.
- Mismatched top/bottom sizing: Very common — most women aren't the same size on top and bottom. A string bikini bottom bought as a separate lets you size independently.
- Petite frame: Thinner string ties create less visual interruption at the hip, which can help petite frames look more elongated.
For a comprehensive body type guide covering all bikini styles, see our dedicated post on how to choose the right bikini for your body type.
Tan Lines: Which Wins?
- Brazilian bikini tan lines: The Brazilian cut leaves a tan line across the front panel edge, along the high hip sides, and a partial line at the rear where the fabric edge sits. Because the rear is mostly exposed, there's very little fabric creating tan lines at the rear. The overall tan pattern is much more even than a standard bikini bottom.
- String bikini tan lines: With standard-coverage string bottoms, you get the usual bikini bottom tan lines plus very thin lines where the ties sit. String bikinis overall leave thinner side tan lines than fixed-panel bottoms because the ties are narrower than a stitched side panel.
For the most even possible tan, the Brazilian cut wins because of the reduced rear coverage. A thong bottom wins outright for minimal tan lines overall — see our thong bikini guide if that’s your priority.
Styling Each Look
Styling the Brazilian Bikini
The Brazilian bottom has a very specific aesthetic — confident, body-aware, and vacation-ready. It pairs naturally with a triangle top or a string top that echoes the minimal philosophy of the bottom. A push-up or structured top creates a flattering contrast: bold and structured above, sleek and minimal below.
For cover-ups, a sarong tied low on the hip complements the Brazilian bottom's high placement. A wrap skirt that sits at the natural waist shows off the high-cut silhouette when you walk. Avoid cover-up shorts that sit at the same height as the bottom — you want contrast between the coverage of the cover-up and the suit itself.
Styling the String Bikini
String bikinis are the most editorial bottom style right now — the visible tie detail has become intentional fashion rather than just functional hardware. You'll often see the ties styled high on the hip with the knot sitting above a pair of low-rise shorts, or with the ties pulled through belt loops for a fashion-forward beach look.
String bikini bottoms pair with virtually any top because of their visual simplicity. The string bottom doesn't compete with bold tops — it supports them. This makes string bottoms excellent as the foundation piece in a mix-and-match bikini wardrobe.
For color and styling inspiration across bikini styles, see our posts on how to style a black bikini and white bikini outfit ideas.
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How to Choose Between Them
Choose a Brazilian bikini if:
- You want partial rear exposure and a high hip silhouette specifically
- You want more coverage than a thong but less than a standard bottom
- You want the elongated leg line that a high-cut placement creates
- You prefer a fixed-panel look rather than visible tie hardware
Choose a string bikini if:
- You want adjustability at the hip to fine-tune your fit
- You're between sizes or want flexibility across weight fluctuations
- You like the visible tie aesthetic as a styling element
- You want thinner hip tan lines than a fixed-panel bottom would leave
Consider a Brazilian string hybrid if:
- You want the Brazilian rear cut AND adjustable ties at the side
- You want maximum versatility in both coverage and fit
Browse the full Happari bikini collection to see both Brazilian and string styles, and visit our Ultimate Bikini Guide for the complete picture on all bikini styles.
FAQ
Is a Brazilian bikini the same as a thong?
No. A Brazilian bikini provides partial rear coverage — approximately 50–70% of the rear is exposed. A thong provides almost none. The Brazilian is a middle ground between standard and thong coverage.
Can I wear a Brazilian bikini if I'm not from Brazil or haven't been to the beach much?
Yes. The Brazilian cut is worn internationally by women of all backgrounds and experience levels. Start in a comfortable private setting if you're new to the style.
Do string bikinis stay on in water?
With properly tied knots, yes — for moderate water activity. Always double-knot before swimming. For very active water sports, a more secure style is a better choice.
Which is more popular — Brazilian or string?
Both are consistently popular. Brazilian cuts have grown significantly in recent years outside Brazil. String bikinis remain the top-selling bottom style globally because of their versatility.
Can I mix a Brazilian bottom with a non-Brazilian top?
Absolutely — in fact, mix-and-match is the recommended approach. Brazilian bottoms pair with any top style. The bottom defines the coverage level; the top is chosen independently for support, style, and aesthetic preference.
What's the best Brazilian bikini for a first-time buyer?
A Brazilian-cut bottom with side ties gives you the Brazilian rear coverage with the adjustability of a string bikini — ideal if you’re new to the style and want some flexibility. Our Women’s Brazilian Bikini Swimsuit Set is a strong starting point.
Final Thoughts
Brazilian bikinis and string bikinis are not competing styles — they're different tools with different strengths. The Brazilian cut defines your rear coverage level. The string construction defines how the sides fit and adjust. Together as a Brazilian string hybrid, they solve most of the fit and coverage challenges that bring women back to the fitting room year after year.
Explore the complete Happari bikini collection, and if you’re still working through which style fits your body best, our Ultimate Bikini Guide covers every style from micro to high-waisted in one place.