LOU | Swimwear, Bras & Activewear For Small

Why Bikini Bottoms Gap at the Back (And How to Fix)

Why Bikini Bottoms Gap at the Back (And How to Fix)

By LOU | Swimwear, Bras & Activewear For Small | Published: 2026-10-21

Category: Tips & Care

A gap at the back of your bikini bottoms usually means the fit is off. Here's how to diagnose the cause and adjust or swap for a better fit.

Quick answer

A gap at the back of your bikini bottoms usually means the waistband is too loose, the cut doesn't match your hip shape, or the fabric has stretched. The fix depends on the cause—sometimes a simple adjustment works, other times you need a different size or style.

Why gaps happen

Bikini bottoms gap at the back for a few common reasons. The waistband might be too large for your frame, causing fabric to sag away from your body. The cut may also be designed for a different hip shape—for example, a straight-cut bottom on a curvier hip can leave a gap at the lower back. Fabric that has lost elasticity over time or after repeated washing can also fail to hug your curves.

The style of the bottom matters too. Higher-waisted or cheeky cuts fit differently than full-coverage or side-tie styles. If the back seam sits too high or too low for your body, you'll see a gap even when the front fits well.

When to adjust vs. when to replace

If the gap is small and the bottoms feel secure otherwise, a quick fix like tightening side ties or adjusting the rise may work. But if the gap is large or the fabric is stretched out, no amount of adjustment will create a snug fit. In that case, it's time to look for a different size or a style that matches your shape.

Clearance items can be a smart way to try a new cut at a lower price, but check the return policy and size chart carefully—especially if you're trying a style you haven't worn before.

Diagnose and fix the gap

  • Symptom: You see a visible gap between the back of the bikini bottom and your skin, usually near the waistband or lower back. The front fits fine.
  • Likely cause: The waistband is too loose for your frame, the cut doesn't match your hip shape, or the fabric has lost elasticity. If the bottoms have side ties, they may simply be untied or too loose. Check whether the gap is small or large. A small gap may be fixable; a large gap usually means the size or style is wrong.
  • Corrective action: If the bottoms have adjustable side ties, tighten them evenly. If they don't, try pulling the waistband up slightly or adjusting the rise. For a small gap from stretched fabric, washing in cold water and air drying may help restore some elasticity. After adjusting, walk around and sit down to see if the gap returns. If it does, the fit is not right for your body.
  • When to stop and choose another option: If adjusting doesn't close the gap, or if the fabric is permanently stretched, the bottoms are too large for you. Try a smaller size or a different cut—such as a higher-waisted style or a bottom with side ties for more adjustability. A well-fitting bottom should feel snug without pinching and stay in place when you move.

Bikini bottoms that may help

  • HANNAH Bottoms [Clearance]: 1.5cm higher-waisted than the Tori bottoms with cheeky coverage and a high-cut leg. Seamless finish so no pinching or digging. The higher waist and seamless edge can help keep the back in place if your gap comes from a low-rise cut or elastic that digs in.
    HANNAH Bottoms [Clearance]
    HANNAH Bottoms [Clearance]
  • MARIA Bottoms [Clearance]: Medium coverage with a high-cut leg and adjustable side-tie strings. Broderie trim detail. Adjustable side ties let you tighten the fit at the hips, which can close a small gap without needing a different size.
    MARIA Bottoms [Clearance]
    MARIA Bottoms [Clearance]

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