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When it comes to swimwear, we love a cute suit. But swimsuits aren't always smooth sailing. They can ride up, cause thigh chafing, or expose parts of our bodies we'd rather keep covered. If these problems sound familiar, bikini shorts just might change your life (or, at the very least, your summer)! High waisted bikini shorts accentuate your curves and provide extra coverage for areas you may not want to show off. They're also less likely to ride up and can prevent thighs from rubbing together.
We researched the best high waisted bikini shorts on the market and narrowed down a list of our top 10. Our number one pick? The Tournesol Women's Swim Shorts. These bikini shorts have a classic silhouette, with side ruching and ties that add stretch and style. We like that they're simple enough to be paired with a patterned top but still have enough detail to keep a monochrome outfit interesting. Read on for our other picks!
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Table of Contents
When shopping online for high waisted bikini shorts, keep in mind where you plan to wear them. Whether you're swimming for sport, having a day at the beach, or lounging by the pool, the type of activity you plan to do will determine what type of bikini shorts work best.
As you'll see, different materials, patterns, and designs make each pair of bikini shorts unique, and uniquely suited for different scenarios.
High waisted bikini shorts come in a couple of different materials with their own pros and cons. Because bikini shorts are made to get wet, natural fibers like cotton are a no-go. Natural fibers lose their shape when wet, hold a lot of water, and take a long time to dry.
Most bikini shorts are a blend of synthetic materials like polyester, nylon, and spandex (also called lyrca or elastane). These materials are stretchy, tough, and resistant to shrinkage. They also dry quickly and don't lose their shape when wet.
Nylon blends are common in fashion swimwear due to their super soft feel and satiny sheen. To create this material, nylon is blended with spandex for extra stretch. You'll commonly see blends that are around 80% nylon and 20% spandex. The more spandex, the stretchier the suit.
There are a few downsides to nylon blends. They're not as colorfast as polyester blends and tend to degrade more quickly under sunlight. This is important if you want bikini shorts that are patterned or brightly colored. They're also more likely to pill after repeated use.
And they're typically made using pre-consumer material; in other words, they're not recycled, which means they're not the most eco-friendly option. However, nylon blends do have softness and comfort on their side.
Polyester blends are common in competitive and athletic swimwear thanks to their strength. Similar to nylon blends, they're often blended with spandex for more stretch. Polyester blends are chlorine and UV-resistant and less likely to pill than nylon blends. They also hold color better than nylon and are quicker to dry.
Polyester has come a long way since its itchy 1980s iterations. It's now made to feel very soft. However, it's still not as smooth and silky as nylon.
For the eco-conscious, polyester is the best pick. You can often find polyester that's made with post-consumer recycled materials, even up to 100%. If the shorts are made with recycled materials, the manufacturer will list this in the product details.
High waisted bikini shorts come in a variety of fits and lengths. Pick the one that works best for your lifestyle and body type.
Bikini shorts with a relaxed fit are a more modest choice and give your outfit a casual, athletic style. Some people find this fit to be more comfortable. Looser leg openings offer greater mobility and are less likely to ride up.
However, loose fabric does tend to balloon out when filled with water. The extra fabric can also absorb more water, which can mean more weight and a potentially longer drying time. If you prefer a relaxed fit, make sure to look for bikini shorts that are quick drying. Some even have a water-repellent coating.
While some people prefer to wear looser shorts on top of regular bikini bottoms, others just want one item that does it all. If you don't want to double up, be sure to look for a pair of bikini shorts with a built-in lining to keep you comfortable and secure.
High waisted bikini shorts that are tighter and more form-fitting can show more of your body shape. These shorts have more of a fashionable vibe, and often come with cute details like ruching or ties.
With fitted shorts, there's no extra fabric to soak up water or create drag when swimming. However, some people find that form-fitting shorts are more likely to ride up.
Bikini shorts come in nearly any length you can imagine, from barely-there coverage to knee-length. Longer shorts can prevent chafing, either between your thighs or between your legs and other surfaces, making them great for activities that involve a lot of movement. They also provide more protection from UV rays and cold water.
Shorter shorts allow more of your leg to be exposed (great for avoiding weird tan lines!) and have a more classic swimsuit feel. Both shorter and longer shorts can come with cute and stylish details, like colorful trim or lace insets. Ultimately, the ideal length of your bikini shorts is the length that you feel most comfortable in!
One of the more difficult things about purchasing clothing online is that you can't try things on before you buy them. It's so sad when you receive a piece of clothing you've been looking forward to wearing only to find it doesn't fit!
Instead of relying on labels like small, medium, and large, look for a size chart with measurements in inches. Sizing labels can vary depending on the country or even the brand of the item. And every body is different. Using measurements for your bust, hips, and waist is the most reliable way to determine which size is best for you.
If you're stuck between sizes, take a look at some of the reviews. Reviewers will often leave helpful notes about the fit, like if it runs small or if the leg openings are too loose.
While most of the bikini shorts we found come in basic colors like black, navy, and green, there's no lack of cute details to add interest and help highlight your best features.
Ruching is a technique that adds detail by gathering the fabric in parallel lines. On bikini shorts, you may see ruching up the sides of the legs with ties at the bottom to help control the amount of gather. You may also see ruching across the front of the shorts.
Ruched sides can help elongate the legs and the tie detail looks super cute! You can even adjust the length of the shorts by scrunching the sides up higher or letting the fabric lay smooth. This technique does add some volume, however, so avoid it if you're worried about drawing attention to your hips.
You may think that ruching across the front of bikini shorts would look unflattering, and it does use more fabric. However, this technique creates a soft, drapey look on top that can actually hide volume underneath. Ruched front bikini shorts are also great for pregnant women, as the gather provides more stretch in the tummy area.
If you like the comfort and support of shorts but still want to show a little more skin, bikini shorts with cutouts are a great option. Some shorts will feature a lace panel or overlay, which creates a flirty, feminine vibe.
Other shorts create cutouts using lace-up sides for a look that's a little more risqué. This style has the added bonus of being super versatile because you can use the laces to adjust the tightness of the leg opening.
Plain bikini shorts are great, but why not jazz them up with a pop of color? This can add a bit of excitement to an otherwise plain outfit. You might see colorful trim around the waistband, leg openings, and up the sides of the shorts. Not only does it look cute, but the trim will outline your shape, and the vertical lines help create the illusion of length.
You can also find shorts that use color blocking to create optical illusions. Color blocking is a technique that uses panels of color to draw the eye in certain directions. You may see shorts with blocks of color down the sides or in curved lines around the back. This can make your legs look longer, your thighs look thinner, and your booty pop!
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Price | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Tournesol Women's Swim Shorts | $17.99 Low Mid | Adjustable Ruched Sides With Cute Ties | ||
2 | Sociala Women's Swim Shorts | $24.99 High Mid | Athletic Boyshorts for the Girl on the Go | ||
3 | beautyin Women's Boardshort | $18.99 Mid | Longer Length for Added Coverage | ||
4 | Attraco Womens Plus Size Swim Shorts | $21.99 High Mid | Plus-Size and Polka-Dotted High Waist Shorts | ||
5 | Firpearl Women's Swim Shorts | $17.99 Low Mid | Relaxed Fit for Maximum Mobility | ||
6 | Firpearl Women's Ultra High Waisted Bikini Bottom | $18.99 Mid | Retro Style for Any Body Shape | ||
7 | Lecieldusoir Women's Swim Shorts | $16.99 Low Mid | Lace-Up Sides are Fashionable and Functional | ||
8 | Sociala Women's Plus Size Swim Shorts | $22.99 High Mid | Solid Basics for Bigger Figures | ||
9 | Lands' End Women's 5" Quick Dry Elastic Waist Board Shorts | $59.95 High | Board Shorts That Cover All the Bases | ||
10 | Tournesol Women's Swim Shorts | $17.98 Low Mid | Crocheted Overlay for a Feminine Touch |
These bikini shorts are simple and stylish, making them easy to pair with almost anything. The ruched side details are not only cute, but they also allow you to adjust the length of the shorts to your preference. The full lining provides coverage and comfort, so you can wear them all day long.
There are a few different color options and they all keep it simple--no loud patterns here. If you're not a fan of the ruching, this style is also available without it. A few reviewers wished that the waistband came up higher. While these bikini shorts are high waisted, they may not be best for those looking for a sky-high rise.
However, aside from that, most reviewers found these shorts to be super soft and comfortable, with just the right amount of stretch. They said they provided great coverage and boosted their confidence.
Tight bikini shorts tend to scream "swimwear," but these looser fit shorts give off more of a sporty vibe. They have a drawstring closure and a wide elastic waistband that won't roll down. Slits on the sides of the legs and contrast stitching add cute detail. And there's even a back pocket!
While this particular style does not have a lining, other styles by this brand do. Be sure to read the product details!
Some reviewers found that this style ran small, while others thought the fit was nice and flattering. Online sizing can sometimes be a gamble, but your best bet is to look for a size chart that matches the sizes to specific measurements.
These are the longest bikini shorts of the bunch, coming down to mid-thigh. Their length provides extra compression and protection against the much-dreaded thigh chafe. And because they're longer, they're less likely to ride up. They also have a built-in lining that helps prevent irritation.
If elastic waistbands aren't your thing and you prefer something more adjustable, these shorts also come in a drawstring waistband style. Color-wise, they have green, gray, black, and navy, as well as different options for shorts with a pop of color.
Some reviewers found the material to be a little thin for their tastes and noted that the lining does not cover the back. However, other reviewers liked the material because it wasn't restrictive like other bikini shorts. Ultimately, most reviewers found the fit and length to be on point.
If you're plus size, it can be hard to find options. But don't worry, these bikini shorts have you covered (literally)! 18% spandex gives them the perfect amount of stretch, and a wide waistband helps provide tummy control. These shorts also have built-in briefs for extra comfort and security.
Aside from the oh-so-adorable polka dots, these shorts come in all black or black with colored trim. If you like a longer length, there's also a non-ruched version that provides a little more coverage.
A few reviewers had issues with the fit, but for the most part, these shorts got rave reviews in the length and comfort departments. Many buyers said they struggle to find shorts that are long enough, but these are perfect. They also approved of the built-in lining.
These relaxed-fit bikini shorts keep it simple. With a minimal elastic waistband and a built-in mesh triangle brief, they cover all of the bases without going overboard.
The loose leg lets you kick about freely, and the quick-drying material means you can go from beach to barbecue in no time. These bikini shorts come in muted tones of black, gray, navy, and army green.
Some reviewers didn't like how these shorts trapped air and ballooned out when they went in the water, although that's hard to avoid with looser shorts. Some of them didn't love the material. Others praised the lining for being lightweight but secure and said the fit was exactly what they were looking for.
Serve pinup vibes at the pool with these retro-style ruched-front bikini shorts. The ultra-high rise brings in the waist and the soft drapey folds can minimize volume in the tummy while adding extra stretch. Because of the forgiving front, this is a great option for pregnant women. They also feature a soft mesh lining for comfort and security.
These shorts come in neutral colors (black, gray, and navy) so you can pair them with anything.
Some reviewers on the shorter side found that these bikini shorts came up too high on them, although for others that was a plus. Note that these do tend to sit just below the bust. Many other reviewers loved the flattering cut and said these shorts provided just the right amount of coverage for their tummy and tops of thighs.
Not only do the lace-up sides of these bikini shorts add a sexy side detail, but they also let you adjust the size of the leg opening. The four-way stretch means these shorts will hug your curves and stay put. These shorts also come with a full lining and a wide waistband for extra comfort.
If you like the lace-up detail, you can choose between black or navy. These shorts also come in a ruched version, which is just as cute but has more coverage. The ruched style comes in army green, blue, and navy.
Some reviewers found that these ran a little small. However, most of them loved these shorts, giving them high scores in comfort and quality. Many of them also enjoyed the flexibility of the lace-up sides, allowing them to show as much or as little skin as they desired.
Sometimes simple is best, and that's definitely the case with these bikini shorts. They feature an elastic waistband and a built-in bikini bottom lining to keep you secure while swimming or sunning.
The 6-inch inseam provides extra coverage for the tops of your thighs, which can help prevent chafing. We love the cute seahorse detail, but these bikini shorts also come in plain black or black with side ruching.
Some reviewers weren't fans of the lining, saying that it was ill-fitting or caused panty lines. However, other reviewers loved the overall fit of these shorts. Many with larger thighs praised the leg openings for being nicely fitted and not too tight.
These board short-style bottoms are cute and casual. To ensure that you're fully secure, they feature a wide elastic waistband and a built-in nylon/spandex panty. A water-repellent finish means they're quick-drying. And they even have pockets!
These bikini shorts come in the largest range of sizes that we found. In addition, there are plenty of fun patterns to choose from to make your outfit pop.
A couple of reviewers noted that the material was a bit thicker and crinklier than they expected. However, most reviewers found the material to be high-quality and quick to dry, making them great for all kinds of activities, including swimming, hiking, and kayaking.
These super cute shorts feature a stretchy bikini bottom overlaid with crocheted lace. The wide waistband provides tummy coverage, while a drawstring lets you adjust the fit.
The legs feature a small slit on the sides, allowing for maximum mobility. These shorts come in both black and navy, with a non-lace option for those who prefer a more minimal look.
Some reviewers found that the lace was too tight or too loose on their legs for their liking. Others, though, thought the fit perfectly highlighted their assets and received compliments on the style. Reviewers also mentioned that these bottoms are quick-drying and are great in the water and out.
It's time for some sun and surf! But do you have everything you need to enjoy your trip to the beach, pool or swimming hole? Check out these other great products!
No. 1: Tournesol|Women's Swim Shorts
No. 2: Sociala|Women's Swim Shorts
No. 3: beautyin|Women's Boardshort
No. 4: Attraco|Womens Plus Size Swim Shorts
No. 5: Firpearl|Women's Swim Shorts
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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