In a land that worships the sun, the Brazilian bikini is cut down to the bare minimum for maximum exposure, in every sense of the word.

Take the average tiny American string bikini, cut off that extra two-inches of excess fabric around the edges, and you’ll have a working idea of what a Brazilian bikini is all about. These suits are cut far more daringly than many women in the Northern Hemisphere might usually consider wearing, even in sunny California.

The Brazilian bottom piece is cut very high on the hips, and barely has enough Lycra to fully cover the pelvic bone, but when it comes to really daring, it’s the rear that shows how serious Brazilians are about tanning.

* A Tanga will leave about a half-moon exposed on either side of the suit’s outer seams.
* The Asa Delta is even more revealing, being slightly wider than it’s close Northern cousin, the thong.
* The Fio Dental is comparable to a strategically placed piece of dental floss.