Wider side seams fix digging hips

Look for bottoms with at least a couple inches of fabric on the sides.

Narrow side seams (think 1/2 inch to 1 inch) dig in because all the tension concentrates on that thin strip. Wider seams—like a fuller coverage cut or a side-tie—distribute the pressure across more surface area. Same reason a thick seatbelt hurts less than a thin rope.

Tie-side bottoms are the best hack here. You control the tension, so you can dial it in so it stays put without strangling you. Avoid anything marketed as “Brazilian” or “high-cut” without checking the side width first. Those are the usual suspects.

A double layer of fabric also helps. If the single-layer spandex is already digging, it’s the cut, not your size.

Your hips don’t need to suffer for a tan.