Butterfly Bikini Bottom: Fit, Coverage and Styling Guide

By Marlies Dekkers Lingerie & Swimwear | Published: 2026-11-04

Category: Product Reviews

Learn how to tie, wear, and care for the Butterfly bikini bottom. Get practical tips on fit, coverage, and styling for this adjustable tie-side tanga.

Quick answer

Tie the Butterfly bikini bottom snugly at your hips, adjusting the knots for a secure, minimal-coverage fit. Treat it as a low-rise tanga that sits on your hips, not your waist, and hand wash it after each wear to protect the recycled microfiber.

Why adjustable ties change the fit conversation

Most bikini bottoms rely on a fixed waistband and a size chart. The Butterfly bottom uses tie-side knots, so you control the tension at both hips. That means the same size can feel looser or tighter depending on how you tie it—and it can accommodate small fluctuations in your body throughout the day.

The trade-off is that ties require a moment of extra care: if you knot them too loosely, the bottom can shift in the water; too tight, and the sides may dig in. The knots also create small bumps under some cover-ups, which is worth considering if you plan to wear it under a fitted dress.

Coverage expectations: what minimal really means

This is a tanga cut with minimal back coverage—most of the buttocks are exposed—while the front and groin are covered. If you prefer more coverage, this style may not be your first choice. But if you want a sleek, curve-hugging look for sunbathing or a beach party, the minimal cut reduces tan lines and feels light.

Because the fabric is deep-black recycled microfiber, it has a smooth, slightly compressive feel that stays put when tied correctly. The lack of a wide waistband means there’s no rolling or digging at the waist, but it also means the fit depends entirely on the side ties.

Sizing without a traditional waistband

The Butterfly bottom is sized by color and size, but without a fixed waistband, your usual bikini size is a starting point rather than a rule. If you’re between sizes, consider your preferred tension: a smaller size may feel snugger with less fabric to adjust, while a larger size gives more room to tie loosely.

One common mistake is choosing a size based on your pants size alone. Instead, think about how much adjustability you want and whether you prefer the knots to sit exactly on your hip bones. If you have a longer torso, you may find the ties sit lower than expected—that’s normal for this low-rise design.

How to wear and care for the Butterfly bikini bottom

Step 1: Position the front panel: Hold the bottom with the front panel centered over your groin and the ties resting on your hips. The top edge should sit at or just below your hip bones—not at your natural waist. Check in a mirror that the front coverage feels comfortable and symmetrical before tying.
Step 2: Tie the first knot: Pull one side tie snugly and make a simple double knot. Start with moderate tension—you can always tighten later. Avoid over-tightening on the first try, as the microfiber has some stretch. The knot should feel secure but not compress your skin; you should be able to slide a finger under the tie.
Step 3: Tie the second knot and balance tension: Repeat on the other side, matching the tension of the first knot. Step back and check that the back panel sits centered and the sides are level. Adjust by retying one side if needed. Uneven knots are the most common cause of twisting; compare both sides in a mirror.
Step 4: Test movement: Squat, twist, and walk a few steps. The bottom should stay in place without riding up or pulling. If it shifts, tighten the knots slightly—but avoid overtightening, which can cause the fabric to dig in. Do this test before swimming; ties can loosen in water, so a snug (but comfortable) knot is safer.
Step 5: After wear, hand wash cold: Rinse in cool water with a mild detergent, gently squeeze out excess water (don’t wring), and lay flat to dry in the shade. Avoid machine washing and tumble drying to protect the recycled microfiber and the shape of the ties. Turn the bottom inside out and fasten the knots loosely before washing to prevent tangling.

Product facts

Butterfly bikini bottom: Made from deep-black recycled microfiber with adjustable tie-side knots. The ties let you customize the fit at the hips, while the microfiber provides a smooth, form-fitting feel that highlights curves.
Butterfly bikini bottom