Brazilian Bikinis for Beach Season: How to Choose the Right Cut and Fit

A brazilian bikini delivers coverage, support, and that iconic lifted fit when you choose the right style for your body type and how you'll actually wear it.

Updated 26 Aug 2026 4 min read 7 sections

CA-RIO-CA Sunga Brazilian bikini — Brazilian bikini$109.95Image from the merchant

The best Brazilian bikini for beach season is the one whose bottom cut matches how you spend the day, sized from your own measurements rather than your usual US size, in a nylon and spandex fabric with a lining. Get those three things right and the lifted fit, comfort and durability tend to follow. Below we explain the cuts, the fabrics, sizing and care, and where the Brazilian bikini from CA-RIO-CA fits in.

What makes a Brazilian bikini different

The defining feature is the cut. Compared with a standard bikini, the bottom sits higher on the hips and shows more of the back, while the front stays sleek. The top is usually smaller and more sculpted, so it balances the bottom instead of competing with it.

The style comes from Brazilian beach culture, where proportion matters as much as pattern. Shops that specialise in Brazilian beachwear, such as Buzios NYC, sell bikinis and sungas side by side for that reason: both are cut to move with you through a long day on the sand.

Brazilian bikini bottom styles and fit

The bottom is where the real choice lies. You will mostly see three cuts:

Cheeky: the least coverage at the back and the highest on the hip. A good match for tanning and for anyone comfortable with a minimal look.
Moderate coverage: sits between cheeky and full. It suits most body types and feels more secure when you swim or play.
High-waisted: sits at or above the natural waist, with more belly coverage and a retro look. It often flatters pear-shaped figures.

Placement matters as much as the cut. A bottom that sits too low tends to ride up when you move, and one that sits too high can dig in at the sides. Think about whether you will mostly swim, lounge or do both, and choose the cut that stays put for that.

Materials that hold up to salt, sun and chlorine

Fabric decides how long a bikini lasts. When you read a product listing, look for:

Nylon and spandex blends: the common swimwear standard. They stretch, recover their shape and dry quickly.
Recycled polyester blends: increasingly common, with similar handling and a smaller environmental footprint.
A full lining: it stops the fabric turning see-through when wet and helps colours last.

Sun, salt and chlorine all break down stretch fibres. Chlorine is the harshest of the three, so if you swim in pools often, chlorine resistance on the label is worth paying attention to, and rinsing after every swim matters even more.

Sizing and how to measure

Brazilian swimwear often runs smaller than US sizing, and brands differ from each other. We suggest measuring before you order:

Top band: directly under your bust, keeping the tape level.
Top cup: around the fullest part of your bust.
Bottom waist: at your natural waist.
Bottom hips: around the fullest part of your hips.

Compare those numbers with the brand’s own size chart instead of ordering your usual size. Too small and the bikini feels tight and rides up. Too large and it will not give the support and coverage you are paying for. If you sit between two sizes, the chart and the return policy are your best guides.

Completing your beach look

CA-RIO-CA Sunga Brazilian canga — Brazilian canga$69.95Image from the merchant

CA-RIO-CA also sells beach accessories that pair with a bikini. The Brazilian canga is the classic partner: a light wrap you can wear as a skirt, a sarong or a shoulder cover, or spread out as a towel. The Leblon sunglasses add sun protection, and the sterling silver sideways cross necklace works on the beach and off it.

For a fuller beach bag, the red beach ball is there for casual play, and the keychain lanyard keeps keys close without carrying a bag. If you are shopping for a partner too, the store’s men’s range includes the Galao sunga swim shorts and the CA-RIO-CA logo swim brief.

Where to buy and what to expect

CA-RIO-CA Sunga carries Brazilian swimwear in a range of fits and colours, and stock tends to rotate with the seasons, so popular prints can sell out. Before you order, see the current CA-RIO-CA Sunga discount code.

If you order from abroad, allow for shipping time before a trip and read the return policy before checkout, since swimwear often has stricter return rules than other clothing. Swimwear wears faster than most clothes because stretch, sun, water and chlorine all work on it at once, so a well-made piece with good care is the better value over time.

Care tips to extend your Brazilian bikini’s life

Rinse your bikini in fresh water as soon as you can after wearing it, whether you swam in the sea, a pool or just sat in the sun. Hand wash in cool water with a mild detergent, then lay it flat to dry in the shade. Do not wring or twist it, and keep it out of the dryer.

Store it only once it is completely dry, because damp swimwear invites mildew. If you swim every day on holiday, rotating two bikinis lets each one dry fully between wears, which is kinder to the elastic.

Questions

What size Brazilian bikini should I order if I usually wear a medium?

Do not assume medium. Brazilian swimwear often runs smaller than US sizing, so measure your bust, waist and hips and compare them with the brand's own size chart. If you fall between sizes, check the return policy before you order.

Can I wear a Brazilian bikini for tanning?

Yes. Cheeky bottoms and smaller tops leave less fabric on the skin, so they suit tanning better than fuller cuts. Use sunscreen on the newly exposed areas, since they burn easily.

How do I stop a Brazilian bikini bottom from riding up when I swim?

Fit is the main factor. A bottom that is too large shifts when you move. The side seams should sit close to your hip bones and the waistband should lie flat without gaps. A moderate coverage cut also tends to stay put better than a cheeky one during active swimming.

What is the difference between a Brazilian bikini top and a standard top?

A Brazilian top is usually smaller and more sculpted and sits higher on the chest. It is designed to balance the cut of the Brazilian bottom and give a streamlined look.

Do I need a special detergent for Brazilian swimwear?

No. A mild detergent and cool water are enough. Avoid bleach and fabric softener, which break down spandex and nylon. Rinsing in fresh water straight after wearing matters more than the detergent you choose.