Walk onto any beach in Rio and you'll notice it straight away: the bikinis are smaller, brighter and worn with total confidence by everyone, whatever their age or body. Brazilian beachwear has its own vocabulary, and once you know a few words, shopping for a bikini in Rio (or making your own) gets a lot easier.
Here's a simple guide to the cuts you'll see on the sand.
Bottoms
Fio dental
Literally "dental floss." The famous Brazilian thong bottom, with a tiny triangle at the back. It's the most daring cut and the one most people picture when they think of a Brazilian bikini. On Rio's beaches it's completely normal, and nobody will look twice.
Asa delta
Named after the hang gliders that float down from Pedra Bonita onto São Conrado beach. The asa delta is a high-cut, V-shaped bottom with the sides pulled up high on the hips. It lengthens the legs, it's very flattering, and it's everywhere right now. If you're curious about Brazilian cuts but not ready for fio dental, start here.
Cavada
Cavada means "high-cut," and it describes any bottom cut high at the leg, with less coverage at the back than a typical European or American bikini. Most Brazilian bottoms are cavada to some degree. It's the everyday standard.
Lacinho
The tie-side bottom, with little bows (lacinhos) at the hips. It's adjustable and easy to wear, and you decide how high or low it sits.
Hot pant
A high-waisted bottom with a retro, 1950s feel. You'll see it less on Rio's beaches than in Europe, but it's a lovely option if you want more coverage and still look very chic.
Tops
Cortininha
"Little curtain." The classic triangle top on a string, where the triangles slide along the cord so you can adjust the coverage. It's the most Brazilian top there is, and it works for almost everyone.
Tomara que caia
A strapless bandeau top. The name means "I hope it falls," which tells you a lot about Brazilian humor. Great for an even tan with no strap lines.
Top cropped
A sporty, cropped top with more coverage, often in ribbed fabric. Perfect for beach volleyball, stand-up paddle or a long active day out.
Fabrics and Details
Look out for canelado (ribbed fabric, very popular right now), shiny lurex, and bold, saturated colors next to soft neutrals like cream and sand. Small details make a bikini feel personal: metal rings, beads, shells and charms on the ties.
The Marquinha: Rio's Tan-Line Obsession
In Rio, a tan line isn't a mistake, it's the goal. The marquinha (little mark) is a sharp, defined bikini tan line, and some women even create it with tape on rooftop tanning terraces. You don't need to go that far, but don't be surprised if someone compliments yours. Wear sunscreen anyway: the Rio sun is strong.
How to Choose Yours
- Buy tops and bottoms separately. In Brazil it's normal to mix sizes and even styles. Take the top that fits your chest and the bottom that fits your hips.
- Size up if you're unsure. Brazilian sizes tend to run small compared to European or American ones.
- Go one step braver than at home. Nobody is judging. If you normally wear full coverage, try a cavada or an asa delta and see how it feels.
- Bring a canga. It's the thin sarong Cariocas sit on instead of a towel. It dries in minutes and doubles as a skirt.
One thing to know: going topless isn't part of beach culture in Rio. The bikinis are small, but they stay on.
Or Make Your Own
The best Brazilian bikini is the one nobody else has. At the make-your-own bikini workshop at Carioca Bikini Co in Botafogo, you choose your pieces and colors, then customize them with prints, beads and charms. No sewing experience needed: you assemble and decorate, and you leave with a bikini made by you, in Rio. Wear it straight to the beach.
Fio dental or hot pant, cortininha or bandeau, there's no wrong answer on a Rio beach. Pick what makes you feel good, add a little color, and wear it like a Carioca.
— Mel
