High-Cut Swimsuits: Leg Line, Fit and How to Choose

“High-cut” is one of the most used words in swimwear and one of the most misunderstood. It describes the side of the leg, not the back.

What does high-cut mean?

Every one-piece has a leg opening that runs from the inner thigh up and around the hip. On a standard suit that line crosses near the top of the thigh. On a high-cut suit it rises towards the hip bone, so more of the leg is visible from the front and side. The result is a longer, more vertical line from foot to waist.

The high leg became a defining feature of competition-inspired swimwear, which is why LEOHEX uses it across its competitive-style one-pieces.

Leg height and rear coverage are separate

When comparing two high-cut suits, look at all four rows. Two suits with the same leg height can feel and look very different from behind.

Who suits a high-cut swimsuit?

A high leg suits anyone who wants to lengthen the leg line or create a sporty, athletic silhouette. It can also balance a long torso visually, because more of the leg is shown. What matters most for comfort is that the suit is long enough in the body: a suit that is too short in the torso pulls the leg openings even higher and adds pressure at the shoulder and crotch.

How to size a high-cut one-piece

For one-piece styles, the torso loop is usually the deciding measurement. Start at one shoulder, pass the tape through the legs and return to the same shoulder. Compare it with the product’s size information along with bust and hips.

Three ways to wear the high leg

• Clean and classic: a single-colour suit such as the Solid Gloss Competitive-Style High-Cut Swimsuit lets the leg line do the work.
• Contrast panels: side panels follow the leg opening and exaggerate it, as on the Arc Contrast High-Cut Swimsuit.
• Full coverage on top: pair a high leg with long sleeves and a high neck, as on the Define Seam Long Sleeve High-Cut Swimsuit. See how to style long-sleeve high-cut swimsuits.