Quick answer

The best swimwear bottom for your body shape depends on where you want more coverage, more leg, or more adjustability. High leg briefs elongate legs, tie side styles let you customize fit, and string briefs offer minimal coverage with maximum tan lines. For a balanced look, match the bottom's visual weight to your hip and thigh proportions.

Know your proportions first

Before you shop, look at your hip width, thigh fullness, and torso length. A high leg cut can make shorter legs appear longer, while a fuller coverage side can balance wider hips. Tie side bottoms let you loosen or tighten the hip opening, which is helpful if your waist and hip measurements differ significantly. String styles sit lower on the hip and offer the least coverage, so they work best if you prefer a minimal look and have a straight or athletic hip line.

Match the bottom to your top

A bikini bottom should visually balance your top. If you wear a fuller coverage or padded top, a high leg or moderate coverage brief keeps the proportions even. With a triangle or bandeau top, a string or tie side bottom can create a cohesive, relaxed silhouette. Curvy Kate swimwear bottoms are designed to pair with their matching tops, but mixing prints and solids also works when you keep the visual weight similar.

Decision rules for choosing your swimwear bottom

  • High leg brief: Best if you want to elongate your legs or create a longer torso line. The higher cut draws the eye upward and works well with fuller coverage tops. Choose a high leg brief like the Siren Seas if leg length is your priority.
  • Tie side brief: Ideal when your waist and hip measurements differ, or you want control over how snug the bottom sits. You can tie tighter for a higher cut or looser for more coverage. The Holiday Check tie side is a flexible choice for adjustable fit.
  • String bikini brief: Offers minimal coverage and minimal tan lines. Works best for straight or athletic hip shapes and those who want a barely-there feel. The Sunset Palm string brief suits a low-coverage, adjustable look.

Swimwear bottom styles at a glance

  • Curvy Kate Holiday Check Tie-Side Bikini Brief Sunshine Yellow: The Curvy Kate Holiday Check Tie-Side Bikini Brief in Sunshine Yellow features adjustable tie sides for a customizable fit and a retro gingham print. Made from 52% Recycled Polyester, 42% Polyamide, 6% Elastane. Tie sides let you loosen or tighten the hip opening, so this style adapts to different waist-to-hip ratios. The stretch content gives gentle shaping without digging in.
  • Curvy Kate Siren Seas High Leg Bikini Brief Black: The Curvy Kate Siren Seas High Leg Bikini Brief in Black has a high cut leg, pale gold hardware, and a subtle shimmer. Made from 82% Recycled Polyamide, 18% Elastane. The high leg opening visually lengthens your legs and creates a streamlined silhouette. The higher elastane content offers good stretch recovery for all-day wear.
  • Curvy Kate Sunset Palm String Bikini Brief Palm Print: The Curvy Kate Sunset Palm String Bikini Brief features adjustable tie sides and a vibrant palm print. Made from 82% Recycled Polyamide, 18% CREORA® Highclo Elastane. String sides give the least coverage and the most tan line freedom. The high-recovery elastane helps the fabric stay snug even when wet.

Which style fits you?

Best for

  • Anyone who wants to visually lengthen their legs and prefers moderate coverage
  • Those with a defined waist who want adjustability in the hip opening
  • Shoppers who prioritize tan line freedom and minimal coverage

Not ideal for

  • If you prefer full coverage on the hip and thigh, avoid string or high leg styles
  • If you have a very straight waist-to-hip ratio, tie sides may not add the shaping you want