Brazilian Swimwear Guide: The Cut, the Brands and How to Choose
Brazilian swimwear is designed in a country where the beach is part of daily life, and it shows: sculpted cuts, confident coverage, and craftsmanship that holds up to sun, salt and a full day of wear. Here is what sets it apart, how the famous Brazilian cut actually fits, and the luxury Brazilian swimwear brands worth buying.
What is Brazilian swimwear?
"Brazilian swimwear" describes both where a suit is made and how it is cut. Brazilian brands design for long days outdoors, so suits are made to stay in place, dry quickly and look as good at a beach lunch as they do in the water. Many are finished by hand, with crochet, hardware, beading or ruching added after the suit is sewn.
The Brazilian cut, explained
The defining feature is the bottom. A Brazilian-cut bikini bottom sits between a full-coverage brief and a thong: it covers roughly half of the seat and is cut higher on the hip, which lengthens the leg. A "cheeky" bottom is similar, with slightly more coverage. If you are new to the cut, a high-waisted Brazilian bottom or a one-piece with a Brazilian back is the easiest way in.
- Brazilian bikini: moderate rear coverage, high leg, often with side ties or rings.
- High-waisted Brazilian: sits at or above the navel at the front, Brazilian cut at the back.
- Brazilian one-piece: full front, high-cut leg and a reduced-coverage back.
Luxury Brazilian swimwear brands
Adriana Degreas
One of the world's leading luxury beachwear brands. Adriana Degreas is known for sculptural one-pieces, halterneck suits with chain details, solid colors in unexpected shades and matching cover-ups that work as dresses. The quality and fit justify the price, and the suits are designed to be worn for years. Shop Adriana Degreas swimwear.
Água de Coco
Água de Coco draws on Brazil's natural textures and landscapes, with prints, artisanal detail and coordinated ready-to-wear so the swimsuit, cover-up and dress all match. A great choice if you want a full vacation look from one label. Shop Água de Coco swimwear.
AMMI
AMMI's hand-woven crochet, made in Brazil, extends to beachwear and cover-ups. These are statement pieces: textured, fringed and impossible to mistake for anything else. Shop AMMI.
How to choose a Brazilian swimsuit
- Decide on coverage first. If you usually wear full-coverage bottoms, try a high-waisted or one-piece style before a classic Brazilian bikini.
- Check the size guide, not your usual size. Brazilian brands often run smaller than U.S. swim brands. When in doubt, size up in the bottom.
- Buy the cover-up with the suit. Brazilian collections are designed as sets, and a matching kaftan or skirt doubles your outfits.
- Look at the details. Hardware, lining weight and hand finishing are what separate luxury swimwear from fast fashion.
Shop by style: designer bikinis, one-piece swimsuits and kaftans and cover-ups, or see every style in our swim and resort wear edit.
How to care for luxury swimwear
Rinse in cool fresh water after every wear, especially after chlorine or salt water. Hand wash with a mild detergent, never wring, and dry flat in the shade. Keep crochet and embellished pieces away from rough surfaces like pool edges and wooden loungers.
What is a Brazilian bikini?
A Brazilian bikini has a bottom cut higher on the hip with about half the rear coverage of a standard brief. It sits between a full-coverage bottom and a thong and is designed to lengthen the leg and reduce tan lines.
What is the difference between a Brazilian and a cheeky bikini?
The two are close. A cheeky bottom usually offers slightly more rear coverage than a Brazilian bottom, while a Brazilian cut is a little higher on the hip and smaller at the back.
What are the best luxury Brazilian swimwear brands?
Adriana Degreas and Água de Coco are two of the best-known luxury Brazilian swimwear brands. Adriana Degreas is known for sculptural one-pieces and hardware details; Água de Coco for prints, artisanal finishes and coordinated resort sets.
Does Brazilian swimwear run small?
Often, yes. Brazilian swimwear is typically cut with less coverage and can fit smaller than U.S. sizing, so use each product's size guide and consider sizing up in bottoms if you are between sizes.