If you have been searching for Brazilian scrunch bikini bottoms, you have probably noticed that the word "scrunch" gets used for a few different details: a gathered seam down the back, ruching along the sides, or an adjustable ruched front and back. They all do the same basic job: gathering the fabric so it lifts, shapes and contours instead of lying flat. This guide explains how each style works and how to choose the right one, using the scrunch and ruched bottoms in the Babakini collection as examples.
What is a Brazilian scrunch bikini bottom?
A scrunch bikini bottom has fabric that is gathered (ruched) along a seam. When you put it on, the gathers create soft folds that hug and define your curves. In Brazilian swimwear, scrunch details are usually paired with a high leg cut and cheeky or minimal back coverage. The result is a body-hugging, leg-lengthening look.
At Babakini, our scrunch and ruched bottoms are designed and made in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. You can shop them in our bikini bottoms collection.
Three ways scrunch and ruching show up
1. The scrunched back seam
The Copacabana Scrunched Bottom is the classic version. It has a clean, straight-across waistband and a high leg cut, and the scrunched back seam lifts and shapes for a cheeky finish. It is made from a ribbed stretch fabric that adds subtle texture, it is fully lined, and it has seamless edges for a smooth, dig-free fit.
- Coverage: cheeky
- Fit advice: fits true to size. Size up if you want a little more coverage.
- Colors: Black, Ivory, Mocha and Rust, in sizes XS to XL (see the size chart)
2. Adjustable ruching front and back
The Copacabana Sculpted Ruched Bottom takes the idea further. A wider seamless band sits high on the hips to make the legs look longer, and the ruched front and back are adjustable, so you can wear it anywhere from minimal to cheeky coverage. It also has a scrunched back seam for a contour-enhancing lift.
- Coverage: minimal back coverage, designed for a bold beach look
- Fit advice: stick to your usual size. Size up if you prefer more coverage or a looser feel.
3. Ruched sides
If you want gathered detail with a softer, more minimalist look, try the Ruched Side Bikini Bottom from the Jardins de Sal collection. Delicate ruching at the sides shapes the silhouette, a slim waistband sits comfortably on the hips, and both the front and back are adjustable, so you can choose your coverage. Each piece is handmade by our artisans in Rio de Janeiro.
- Fit advice: fits true to size. If you are between sizes, size up for extra comfort.
- Colors: Floral Garden Print, Desert Rose, Golden Sun, Olive Grove and Ocean Blue
How to choose your scrunch bottom
- Decide on coverage first. For a cheeky look with a clean front, choose the Scrunched Bottom. For the most adjustable fit, from minimal to cheeky, choose the Sculpted Ruched Bottom. For adjustable front and back coverage with ruching at the sides, choose the Ruched Side Bikini Bottom.
- Think about where it sits. The Copacabana styles sit high on the hips with a high leg cut, which makes the legs look longer. The Ruched Side Bottom's slim waistband sits comfortably on the hips.
- Check your size. Measure yourself and compare against our size chart. Most of our scrunch styles fit true to size, and sizing up gives you a bit more coverage.
- Look at the fabric. The Copacabana bottoms are made from a ribbed fabric (76.54% polyamide and 23.46% elastane) that is rated UPF 50+ and OEKO-TEX certified. The Jardins de Sal fabric (88.6% polyamide and 11.4% elastane) has UV50+ protection and is made with Lycra® Xtra Life™ technology for resistance to chlorine, sweat, sunscreen, creams and body oils.
What to pair with a scrunch bottom
All Babakini tops and bottoms are sold separately, so you can mix and match your set and your size. To stay within the same collection, pair the Copacabana bottoms with the U-Link Strapless Bandeau Top or the U-Link Strapped Bandeau Top. To match a Ruched Side Bottom, choose a top in the same color from Jardins de Sal, such as the Triangle Bikini Top or the Underwire Ruched Bikini Top. You can browse every option in our bikini tops collection.
Caring for scrunch and ruched swimwear
Gathered seams keep their shape best with gentle care. Hand wash only, avoid bleach, tumble drying, dry cleaning and ironing, and line dry.
Trying it on
Not sure which size to pick? Check our size chart before you order. Babakini offers free shipping on all US orders and 30-day returns on unworn items with tags and the hygiene liner intact; sale items are final sale. For hygiene reasons, try swimwear on over your undergarments. See our shipping and returns policy for details.
Ready to find yours? Shop the Copacabana collection or browse all Brazilian bikini bottoms.
