Somewhere in the mid to late 2010s, the bikini bottom went through a metamorphosis, leaving behind its traditionally full-coverage cut for a G-string-style alternative.
In what felt like overnight, it became impossible to find a bikini bottom that didn’t describe itself as ‘cheeky’, ‘Brazilian’ or ‘French’ with a determination to reveal your entirety of your behind to the beach.
While there’s nothing wrong with wearing this type of bikini style, which can certainly be fun, empowering and sexy on those who actually like the style, it didn’t feel like the rest of us had a choice about the dimensions of our swimwear coverage.
Bikini bottoms are of course, already prone to riding up into a wedgie-like experience when you’re swimming, walking and doing anything other than lying flat on the beach. With the tinier-bikini cuts, the walk from your towel to the water can became almost unbearable. Of course, that’s not to mention the awkwardness of these bikinis at pool-side family gatherings or beach trips with your in-laws.
Being in my early 20s at the time these bikinis came into fashion, I, perhaps, should have been part of the target demographic. Yet, I’ve still felt more comfortable sunbathing topless than I have wearing a thong bikini.
Perhaps then, its not even about the lack of coverage but how the cut flatters (or in my case, doesn’t) certain body types.
But barely-there, dental floss bikinis haven’t always been the epitome of hot.
From Halle Berry’s orange Die Another Day bikini to Angelina Jolie’s black bikini in Lara Croft to Denise Richard’s blue swimsuit in Wild Things, some of the most iconic swimwear scenes in films haven’t had a G-string in sight.
But alas, the tides are finally beginning to turn and the full-coverage bikini bottom is coming back into our lives and beaches.
Over in the Northern Hemisphere, where summer is in full swing, our favourite A-listers and fashion girls are wearing everything from classic ‘bikini’ briefs to swim shorts and swim skirts.
The swim shorts and skirts have popped up in a number of celebrity swimwear edits including Kylie Jenner’s KHY, Matilda Derf’s Djerf Avenue and Maryam Nassir Zadeh X J Crew collaboration, while brands like Miu Miu have embraced full-coverage bikini bottoms on the Spring/Summer 2024 runway.
French model and fashion influencer Jeanne Damas has recently appeared on the cover of L’Officiel Riviera in a bikini and pair of boyleg swim shorts, making it clear that the trend has officially hit the Mediterranean.
All we can hope is that the trend makes it to our own shores in time for Australia summer.
To get ready for the season, see all of our full coverage bikini bottom edits below.
The Best Full-Coverage Bikini Bottoms To Buy In 2024
01
Zimmermann Alight Ribbed Bandeau Bikini
from $266 (Was $295) at FarFetch
This chic white ribbed bandeau bikini comes with full-coverage boyleg style bottoms with a belted waist and buckle detailing.
Key features:
- Ivory white
- Stretch-design
- Ribbed knit
- Belted waist
- Decorative buckle
02
Faithfull Bianca Bikini Bottoms Soil
from $115 at Faithfull The Brand
With a retro-inspired silhouette with a high-rise waist, full coverage and asymmetric gathering, this chocolate brown bikini set is flattering for all figures.
Key features:
- Brown
- Certified recycled nylon
- High-rise waist
- Full Coverage
- Gathering at side
03
Seafolly Ciao Bella Check High Leg Ruched Side Pant in Azure
from $99.95 at Myer
These cute blue checked full coverage bikini bottoms bring an Italian vibe to your beachside days.
Key Features:
- Azure blue
- High Leg
- Checked pattern
- Ruched side
- Full coverage
04
Kavala Collective Misool Swim Shorts
from $99 at The Iconic
Whether you’re swimming laps in the pool or hitting the waves with your surfboard, these whimsical swim shorts will make sure you’re in comfort and style.
Key Features:
- Mid-rise style
- Boyshorts
- Swim fabric
- Floral pattern
- Can use for exercise
05
Blackbough Swim Maeve Wrap Skirt
from $18 (Was $60) at The Iconic
If you can’t give up the itty-bitty bikini bottom but you’re after a little coverage for now and then, this clever wrap swim skirt simply slides on over your bather bottoms.
Key Features:
- Recycled nylon fabrication
- Low-rise
- Side slit
- Mini length
06
Plain Brief Classic
$115 at C.Design
With medium coverage, to keep things modest while still showing off a little cheek, these classic briefs can be worn low or lifted onto the hip.
Key Features:
- Double self-lined
- Eco-sustainable techno-fabric
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