Cheeky Swimwear: Flirty Styles & Confidence-Boosting Fit
There's a certain feeling you get when you put on a bikini that just works. You know the one. You catch yourself in the mirror, do a little spin, and think — okay, yes, this is the one. That's the energy we're going for with cheeky swimwear, and honestly? It's the energy we built this brand around.
Cheeky bikini bottoms have become a summer staple for good reason. They're flirty, they're fun, and they have this effortless way of making you feel like the main character at the beach. If you've been curious about the cheeky swimwear trend or you're ready to add a new favourite pair to your collection, you're in the right place.
What Is Cheeky Swimwear?
Let's clear this up because there's a whole spectrum of bikini bottom cuts out there, and "cheeky" sits in a sweet spot all its own.
Cheeky bottoms offer moderate coverage in the back — more than a thong, less than full coverage. Think a slightly higher leg cut and a little peek of skin that feels confident rather than over-the-top. The sides are often thinner (sometimes adjustable ties), which does two wonderful things: it minimizes tan lines and gives you the flexibility to customize your fit.
Compare that to full-coverage bottoms, which sit lower on the hip and offer more back coverage, or thong styles, which leave basically everything on display. Cheeky is the sweet middle ground — a little bold, a lot of fun, totally wearable.
Why Choose Cheeky Bikinis?
Honestly, once you try a cheeky bottom, it's hard to go back. Here's why so many people reach for them all summer long.
They're incredibly flattering. The higher leg cut elongates the leg, and the moderate back coverage draws the eye in all the right ways. Cheeky styles have a way of making every body feel confident, which is exactly the point.
They minimize tan lines. If you love sunbathing (same), thinner sides and a higher cut mean less fabric between you and those golden hours. Your tan will thank you.
They're the definition of beach-party energy. There's a playfulness to cheeky swimwear that full-coverage styles just can't match. They say "I'm here to have a great time" without saying a word.
And here's the thing we always come back to at Tequila Swim: confidence is the best thing you can wear. The right bikini bottom isn't about a specific body type or a size on a tag. It's about finding a cut that makes you feel amazing in your own skin. Cheeky bottoms do that for a lot of people. Maybe they'll do it for you too.
Cheeky Swimwear Trends for 2026
If you've been scrolling beach content lately, you already know cheeky styles are everywhere this summer. Here's what's trending right now.
Tropical & Fruit Prints
Bold prints are having a major moment and we are absolutely here for it. Watermelons, strawberries, pineapples, florals in saturated colours — the more playful the print, the better. Our cheeky bikini bottoms come in some of our most-loved fruity and gingham prints, and they photograph beautifully at the pool or on the sand.
Pastel Colourways
Not everyone wants to go bold (totally valid), and soft pastels are giving us everything. Creamy whites, dusty pinks, baby blues — these shades feel elegant and easy to mix and match with different tops.
High-Leg Cuts
The high-leg silhouette is back in a big way. It flatters, it elongates, and it pairs perfectly with a cheeky-cut back. If you haven't tried a high-leg cheeky yet, consider this your sign.
Reversible Designs
More value, more fun. Reversible cheeky bottoms give you essentially two bikinis in one, and we're big fans. Wear the print side on Monday, flip to the solid on Tuesday. Summer solved.
Sustainable Fabrics
More and more cheeky styles are being made with recycled and quick-dry fabrics, which is something we prioritize at Tequila Swim. Looking good and making a slightly better choice for the planet? We can get behind that.
How to Choose the Right Cheeky Fit
Fit is everything with cheeky swimwear. A little attention here goes a long way.
Size up if you're between sizes. A cheeky bottom that's too snug through the hip will dig in and be uncomfortable all day. If you're on the border, go up. You want the fit to feel secure without pulling.
Look for adjustable ties. Our tie-side cheeky bottoms are popular for a reason — you can cinch them tighter or loosen them up depending on how you're feeling that day. It's the most customizable fit you can get in a bikini bottom. Check out our size guide if you want help figuring out your perfect starting point.
Consider your coverage preference. Cheeky styles range from "just a little peek" to "pretty bold." Read the product descriptions carefully and look at the back photos — most of us do our best research right there.
Buy separates. This is one of the best bikini tips we can offer. Buying your top and bottom separately means you can match sizes to your actual body rather than compromising on either. Our bikini tops and bottoms are designed to mix and match so you can always find your perfect combo.
Styling Your Cheeky Swimwear
The great thing about cheeky bottoms is how versatile they are. Here are a few ways to wear them beyond the beach towel.
With a bandeau top. A simple bandeau top lets the bottom do the talking. Especially great if you're going for a cohesive, elevated beach look.
With a triangle top. The classic combination. Triangle tops and cheeky bottoms have the same flirty, effortless energy and they were basically made for each other.
With a high-leg one-piece layered look. Yes, really. Wear a cheeky bottom under an open-back one-piece for a layered look at the pool bar. Fashion-forward and surprisingly easy to pull off.
With a cover-up. A breezy sarong or an oversized linen shirt thrown over cheeky bottoms is peak beach-to-bar dressing. Slip on some sandals and you're ready to go.
Mixing & Matching
This is where it gets fun. Our cheeky bottoms are designed to work with a variety of tops from our collection. The Ellie Cheeky Bottom in a tropical print pairs beautifully with a solid-colour top, while a solid Piper Scrunched Bottom works with basically any print top you own. Don't be afraid to play — that's kind of the whole point.
Cheeky Swimwear at Tequila Swim
We designed our cheeky styles with exactly one goal: to make you feel like the best version of yourself at the beach. Here are a couple of our favourites.
Ellie String Cheeky Bottom — Made with recycled fabric, adjustable tie sides, and available in our signature prints. This one consistently sells out first, so if you see it in your size, don't think too hard about it.
Piper Scrunched Bottom — A little extra texture, a little extra fun. The scrunch detail at the back is flattering on every body and gives the bottom a unique, fashion-forward look that photographs beautifully.
Both styles fit true to size with room to adjust, come in inclusive sizing up to XXL, and are made to last through many summers of adventures. Browse our full bottoms collection to see everything we have.
FAQs
Who can wear cheeky bikini bottoms? Anyone who likes flirty, fun swimwear. That's really it. Cheeky styles come in a huge range of sizes and cuts, and there's no "right" body type for them. If you like how they look, wear them.
How do I care for my cheeky bikini? Rinse your bottoms in cold fresh water immediately after wearing — especially after saltwater or chlorine. Hand wash gently with mild soap and lay flat to dry. Avoid wringing them out, which can stretch the fabric. Treat them well and they'll last.
Will cheeky bottoms stay in place at the beach? Yes, especially if you go with adjustable tie sides. You can cinch them exactly where you want and they'll stay put through swimming, volleyball, or whatever the day throws at you.
Are cheeky bottoms good for tanning? They're genuinely one of the best styles for minimizing tan lines, thanks to thin sides and higher leg cuts. Less fabric coverage = a more even tan.
How is cheeky different from Brazilian cut? Great question. Brazilian cut typically offers a little less coverage than cheeky — slightly more exposed in the back. Both are in the "flirty" family, but cheeky tends to be the more wearable, everyday option for most people.
Conclusion
Cheeky swimwear is more than just a bikini style. It's a whole mood. It's the confidence you feel walking down to the water knowing your suit fits perfectly. It's the playful print that gets compliments all afternoon. It's the kind of swimwear that makes you actually want to pack your beach bag and go.
We designed Tequila Swim's cheeky styles for exactly that feeling — because summer is short, and you deserve to spend it feeling your absolute best.
Ready to get cheeky? Shop our cheeky bikini bottoms and find your new summer favourite. New styles drop regularly, and trust us — you'll want to be first.
Have questions about fit or styling? Reach out to us on Instagram @tequilaswim — we love helping you find your perfect match.