Cheeky and Brazilian are two of the most popular bikini bottom cuts, and two of the most confusing. Both show more than a classic bottom, both give a lifted look, and many shops use the names as if they meant the same thing. They don’t. The difference is mostly at the back, and it changes how covered you feel, how the bottom stays in place and how it looks on your shape.
This guide explains the difference between cheeky and Brazilian bikini bottoms, how they compare with thong and full-coverage cuts, how to stop them digging in or riding up, and how to choose the right one for your body and your plans.
Quick answer: Cheeky bikini bottoms cover the upper part of the bottom and show the lower curve, with a scooped back. Brazilian bottoms are smaller, with a narrow V-shaped back that shows most of the bottom, but still more coverage than a thong. If you want a lifted look with more coverage, choose cheeky. If you want fewer tan lines and a more daring cut, choose Brazilian. Sizing and coverage vary by brand, so always check the product photos from the back.
What is a cheeky bikini bottom?
A cheeky bottom has a back panel that is cut higher than a classic bottom, so it covers the upper part of the bottom and shows the lower curve. The back usually has a soft scoop or slight gather that lifts and shapes. Cheeky bottoms are a middle ground: they feel more covered than a Brazilian, but give a more flattering shape than a full brief.
The front of a cheeky bottom can be low-rise, mid-rise or V-shaped, and the sides can be thin straps, wide bands or ties.
What is a Brazilian bikini bottom?
A Brazilian bottom has a smaller back panel that narrows into a V. It shows most of the bottom while still covering the center, which is what separates it from a thong. Brazilian cuts usually have a higher leg line as well, so they lengthen the legs and leave fewer tan lines on the hips.
Cheeky vs Brazilian: the key differences
| Cheeky | Brazilian | |
|---|---|---|
| Back coverage | Covers the upper part of the bottom, shows the lower curve | Narrow V shape, shows most of the bottom |
| Back shape | Scooped or gathered, often with a slight ruche | V-shaped, tapering to a narrow center |
| Leg line | Moderate to high | High |
| Look | Lifted and rounded | Bold, legs look longer |
| Tan lines | Fewer than a classic bottom | Minimal |
| Feels like | A step up from a classic bottom | A step down from a thong |
| Best for | Trying a less-covered cut for the first time, all-day wear | Tanning, beach holidays, a daring look |
Good to know: there is no industry standard for these names. One brand’s Brazilian can be another brand’s cheeky, and “super cheeky” or “almost cheeky” cuts sit in between. Judge a bottom by the back-view photo and the description of the back, not only by the name.
How they compare with other bikini bottom cuts
From least to most coverage:
- Thong: a narrow strip at the back.
- Brazilian: a small V-shaped back.
- Cheeky: covers the upper part, shows the lower curve.
- Moderate or classic: covers most of the bottom.
- Full coverage: covers the whole bottom.
- Boyshort and high-waisted: the most covered at the back, waist or thighs.
For a full guide to every cut, see our types of bikinis guide.
Coverage is more than the back
Two bottoms with the same back cut can feel very different. Before you buy, look at four details:
- Back: how much of the bottom the panel covers (the cheeky vs Brazilian question).
- Front: how wide and how high the front panel is. A low, narrow front shows more; a wider or V-front panel covers more. If you want more front coverage, look for a mid-rise or a wider front panel.
- Rise: low-rise sits on the hips, mid-rise just below the belly button, high-waisted at or above it.
- Sides: thin straps show more hip and can dig in; wider bands and ties sit flatter.
Why bottoms dig in or ride up, and how to fix it
Bottoms that cut into the hips or creep up into a wedgie are one of the most common complaints about less-covered cuts. The cause is usually the fit, not the cut itself.
| Problem | Likely cause | What to try |
|---|---|---|
| Sides dig into the hips | Size too small, or sides too thin | Size up, or choose wider side bands or adjustable ties |
| Back rides up into a wedgie | Back panel too small for your seat, or the leg line too high | Try a cheeky instead of a Brazilian, or a moderate back with a high leg |
| Bottom slides down when you swim | Waist too loose or low-rise | Size down, choose a mid-rise, or double-knot tie sides |
| Front shows more than you want | Narrow or low front panel | Choose a mid-rise, V-front or wider front panel |
| Bottom feels fine standing, rides up when sitting | Back panel too short | Size up the bottom only, or choose more back coverage |
Tie-side bottoms are the easiest to fix yourself because you can loosen or tighten each side. Our string bikini guide explains how to tie them so they sit flat and stay put.
Which cut suits your shape?
- Bigger bottom: cheeky cuts lift and frame curves without feeling exposed. A wider side band keeps them from digging in. If a Brazilian rides up, go one size up or back to cheeky.
- Long bottom: cheeky and Brazilian backs can sit lower than you expect on a long seat. A moderate back with a high-cut leg gives a similar lifted look with more coverage.
- Flatter bottom: a ruched or scrunched cheeky back adds shape and visual volume.
- Pear shape (wider hips): a high-cut leg elongates the legs and balances the hips. Choose a cheeky or moderate back in a solid or darker color, and draw the eye up with a brighter top.
- Soft tummy: look for a cheeky back with a mid-rise or high-waisted front. You get the lifted back with more coverage at the waist.
Which is better for your plans?
| Activity | Cheeky | Brazilian |
|---|---|---|
| Tanning | Good | Best, fewest tan lines |
| Swimming | Good if it fits snugly | Fine for casual swimming; may need adjusting |
| Surfing and water sports | Choose a snug fit or a moderate cut instead | Not ideal, a fuller cut stays in place better |
| Lounging and beach days | Comfortable all day | Comfortable if you are used to less coverage |
| Beach bar or lunch | Add a skirt or sarong | Add a skirt or sarong |
For a quick cover-up, see our bikini skirt guide or learn how to tie a sarong.
How to choose in four steps
- Pick your back coverage: cheeky if you want a lifted look with more coverage, Brazilian if you want less.
- Pick your rise: low-rise to show more torso, mid-rise for a balanced look, high-waisted to cover the tummy.
- Check the sides: wide bands or ties if strings tend to dig in.
- Check the size guide and back photo: if you are between sizes in a cheeky or Brazilian cut, size up for more coverage and comfort.
Want more coverage but not a granny brief?
If most bikinis feel too cheeky, you do not have to give up a modern look. Try a moderate or full back with a high-cut leg, a mid-rise bottom with a wider front panel, or a high-waisted bikini. A high leg keeps the shape fresh while the back and front stay covered.
Cheeky bikinis in our store
These sets come with cheeky bottoms:
- Ruched Drawstring Bikini: tie-side bottoms with a cheeky back and a textured ruched top, in brown or black.
- Mint Green Ribbed Bikini: cheeky bottoms with a V-front cut and color-block trim.
- Hot Pink Bikini with Neon Green Trim: low-rise cheeky bottoms with matching trim.
- Pink Floral Scoop Bralette Bikini: low-rise cheeky bottoms in the matching print.
- Zebra Print Twist Front Bikini: low-rise cheeky bottoms with a sleek line.
- Ditsy Floral Tie Front Bikini: cheeky bottoms in the same print.
Want even less coverage at the back? The O-Ring Halter Bikini comes with a high-cut thong bottom with O-ring details on the hips, in black or green.
Every product page has a size guide with a suggested weight range for each size.
How we put this guide together: this guide is based on the bikini bottoms we carry, the cut details on our product pages, and the questions shoppers ask most often in online swimwear communities, such as which cut shows less, why bottoms dig in or ride up, and where to find bottoms that are not too cheeky.
FAQ
What is the difference between cheeky and Brazilian bikini bottoms?
Cheeky bottoms cover the upper part of the bottom and show the lower curve, with a scooped back. Brazilian bottoms have a smaller, V-shaped back that shows most of the bottom. Brazilian is the less-covered of the two.
Is Brazilian more revealing than cheeky?
Yes. A Brazilian cut has less fabric at the back and usually a higher leg line, so it shows more than a cheeky cut. It still covers more than a thong.
Which bikini bottom shows less cheek?
Of the two, cheeky shows less. For even more coverage, choose a moderate, full-coverage or high-waisted bottom.
Why do my bikini bottoms cut into my hips?
Usually the size is too small or the side straps are too thin. Try one size up, or a style with wider side bands or adjustable ties.
How do I stop bikini bottoms from riding up?
Choose a back panel that suits your seat: if a Brazilian rides up, try a cheeky or a moderate back with a high-cut leg. Sizing up the bottom can also help.
Are cheeky bikini bottoms good for a big butt?
Yes. Cheeky cuts lift and frame curves while covering the upper part of the bottom. Choose wider sides so they sit flat and do not dig in.
Can you swim in a Brazilian bikini?
Yes, for casual swimming. For surfing or water sports, a snug cheeky or moderate cut stays in place better.
Where can I find bikini bottoms that are not too cheeky?
Look for moderate or full-coverage backs, mid-rise or high-waisted styles, and wider front panels. Check the back-view photo on the product page before you buy.
