From Camis to Cheekys: Different Bikini Styles Explained

Got a go-to bikini style you're always sporting? Stick to the same cut whether you’re lounging, paddle-boarding or hitting up a pool party? Then it may be time you gave your swimwear wardrobe a new season shake-up. 

Fact: a girl can never have too much swimwear. So forget digging out last year’s two-piece and give your holiday look a high-fashion upgrade. From cheeky bottoms made for poolside posing to cami tops to take you from beach to bar, having different styles to choose from can help you make the most of all your summer plans.  

So are you ready to be the best-dressed babe on the beach? Then grab some after-sun, girlfriend, because with these hot styles you are going to look scorching...

Not as daring as a thong, more revealing than a classic, all the best-dressed bums on the beach will be wearing cheeky bikini bottoms this year. This super cute shape is so hot that a cheeky’s graced the buns of everyone from the Kardashians to our favourite fashion influencers. And it’s easy to see why. With a flirty V-shaped cut at the back, they show a bit of cheek (hence the name!) which helps make your legs look longer.   

Why you’ll love them: If you normally favour full-coverage, this may seem like one style that’s out of your reach. But trust us, ladies, a cheeky bikini is uber flattering on every body shape, from juicy apples to booty-licious pears. They work a bit like a push-up bra for your butt, with a streamlining, toning effect that gives a peachy look.  

We suggest: Embrace the lighter look and show your cheeky side with the Azure Tie Side Brief. 

Another trend brought to us by the Kardashian clan, high leg bikini bottoms really came to the UK’s attention when they strutted their sexy stuff in the Love Island villa. But while celebs may favour the super-high rise look, you don’t have to wear yours pulled up high enough to graze a rib. These days there’s a high cut style to suit everyone - you can even go high-waist and high leg for two hot looks in one.  

Why you’ll love them: High cut bikini bottoms sit on your hip bone which elongates the natural line of your legs, giving you extra inches in the legs department. By sitting on your mid-section, your silhouette looks instantly slimmer, and some styles even let you choose where the waistband sits depending on how brave you’re feeling.  

We suggest: The Sahara High Leg Tab V-Shape Bikini Brief does all of the legwork for you. It gives you all the support whilst making your legs look longer. With clean lines, the V-shape front and high leg look will streamline your lower body to perfection. Match with the Sahara Removable Padded Non-Wired Halter Bikini Top for a boho feel of all-over crochet. With double halter ties make this a triangle style everyone can wear.

Wide and secure, the cami bikini looks like a crop top, and was at the very forefront of the athleisure trend. Loved by volleyball players and surfers, the sporty look has been given a high-fashion makeover thanks to cute additions like mesh panels, that makes them perfect for glam getaways.  

Why you’ll love them: Offering medium coverage and lots of support (especially if you buy an underwired option) the cami does double-duty on beach holidays. Dress it up with elegant beach trousers or down with shorts for a look you can wear from beach to bar.  

Try one of these cami bikinis: If you think a cami top won’t give you the lift and shape you need, the ultra-glam Space High Neck Underwired Cami Bikini Top will make you think again! Or if you favour a traditional sporty cami look, the Space Underwired Cami will keep you supported as you brave the waves. Match with the Space High Leg Bottom in dark red or black for a super flattering look.

When high-waisted bikinis had a fashion resurgence, women all over the world breathed a sigh of relief. The seriously sexy pin-up style is also seriously flattering on practically every body type - and shows no sign of dropping off the fashion radar anytime soon. Cut to sit near or on your belly button, they offer varying amounts of rear coverage, from full to cheeky we love how flattering high-waisted bikini bottoms are.

Why you’ll love them: When it comes to a flattering fit, high-waist bikini bottoms work like magic. With the addition of tummy and even hip control panels, there’s no bikini bottom more streamlining and comfortable.

Try one of these high waist bikinis: Make a style statement in the tropical print of the Paradiso Belted High-Waisted Control Bikini Brief. This gorgeous, flattering high-waisted shape will help sculpt your curves to give you a gorgeous silhouette. 

A tankini is essentially a bikini, but with a tank-top-like top providing versatile coverage. Pulled down, it offers just as much coverage as a traditional one-piece swimsuit. But many styles also come with ruched sides, give you the option to wear them more like a bikini.  

Why you’ll love them: When you want a versatile bikini you can totally relax in, a tankini is key. Want to get some sun? You can pull it up as high as you dare. Time to grab a drink at the beach bar? Pull it down on your hips and let it work its magic over your body. And with features such as built-in hidden underwire support to boost your shape, full coverage has never looked so flattering!  

Try one of these tankinis: The Santa Cruz Underwired Removeable Straps Bandeau Tankini Top gives a luxe look and has clever removable and adjustable straps that lets you wear it either as a bandeau or a tank. Or try the Palermo Underwired Non-Padded Tankini Top to inject some fun and style into your swimwear. This non-padded, underwired style with adjustable straps will keep you supported and giving you the right amount of coverage no matter where your day takes you.

Basically a strip of material that covers your bust, bandeaus were once considered a bit on the flimsy side when it came to support. But the luxe style has come a long way and, thanks to the addition of underwire and removable straps, fears you’ll flash everyone on the water slide are now a thing of the past!  

Why you’ll love them: If you love a sleek beach silhouette, a strapless bandeau bikini is perfect. Sexy and glam, you can wear them under clothes with a variety of necklines without it being seen. And tan lines? What tan lines?  

Try one of these bandeau bikinis: The Casablanca Underwired Removable Straps Scarf Bikini Top is a summer must-have. With removable straps this underwired bra looks amazing for a day around the pool or an evening of sunset drinks. Style with matching Casablanca Tie Side Bikini Brief for the ultimate holiday look. Or if you want a vibrant print, look no further than the Free Spirit Strapless Underwired Bikini Top. This bikini top is the on-trend shape your wardrobe's been craving! This bandeau crop top shape features hidden underwired cups to give you maximum support with a laid-back look. Featuring shirred fabric, this ultra-stretchy top will fit your curves to perfection.

Feeling inspired to try a new style? Shop our gorgeous bikinis now to give your swimwear wardrobe an update.