You've seen it on every beach photo and every swimwear brand's homepage, but nobody gives a straight answer about what actually makes a bikini "Brazilian." Here's what it means.
A Brazilian cut bikini bottom has a higher leg opening than a classic bikini bottom and less back coverage — typically 30 to 50% of the rear is uncovered. The leg opening sits further up on the hip, which makes the legs look longer. There are no pads, no extra structure. The idea is simplicity.
The style came out of Brazil in the 1970s. Women started trimming their swimsuit straps to avoid tan lines during Carnival season, and the cut caught on because it genuinely works. Brazilian beaches operate on different logic — coverage is minimal, confidence is expected, and a well-fitting bottom matters more than a large one.
There are different degrees of Brazilian cut. Tanga-style bottoms are the most minimal. What most brands now call "cheeky" is the middle ground — a high leg cut with slightly more back coverage. Side tie strings, which show up in most Brazilian styles, let you adjust how the bottom sits without being locked into one fit.
The cut flatters more body types than it looks like it would on a hanger. The high leg line visually extends the leg. The reduced back coverage eliminates bulk and creates a cleaner silhouette. That's the reason it's been the standard on Brazilian beaches for fifty years — not just aesthetics, but proportion.
At Melancia, our bottoms are Brazilian cut. The high leg line also means a cleaner, more even tan. If you're new to the style and unsure about sizing, sizing up by one gives you the same leg line with a bit more coverage in the back.