My Plus Size Beach Body

Now, what does this have to do with wearing a swimsuit? It may come as a shock to some people, and for the others, you may be nodding your head right now as you know exactly what I am about to say. Every time I step out in a swimsuit, people stare. From the time I was in the 8th grade, and a camp counselor told me that I couldn’t wear a swimsuit without a T-shirt because they “didn’t want the boys’ minds to wander (because of my curves),” to last summer, wearing a one piece with some denim shorts over them while I was downtown and someone shouting from their car for me to “put some clothes on.” People are going to be people. And honestly, I don’t really care what they think. I know that if someone decides to belittle me because I wear a swimsuit to the beach or the pool—like everyone else—they have some deep rooted insecurities and problems that have nothing to do with me or my body. Therefore, I usually disregard these people.

But when women, most of whom are plus size like me, tell me that they are afraid to wear a swimsuit to the beach or the pool because of this very reason, I completely understand. I truly believe that EVERYONE—NO MATTER THEIR BODY TYPE—has insecurities about wearing a swimsuit in public…even the women who may seem so confident. Being practically naked in public is scary, and it forces you to be extremely vulnerable. Fat women aren’t the only people who think twice about putting on swimwear. So what do I tell women when they ask me how I have built up the confidence to wear a swimsuit out in public? I tell them that everyone on the beach is in the same place they are. They, too, are worried about their bodies, and they are probably constantly thinking, “I hope no one is judging me.” While I may seem like the most confident person ever, I have insecurities, and boy oh boy are there days where my insecurities get the best of me. Do I feel like the most confident woman ever in a swimsuit? No, not always. But you want to know how I get there? I tell myself that we are all in the same boat. And what fun is it to spend your day out in the sun comparing yourself to others and worrying if someone is noticing your stretch marks? It’s not fun at all. So I put on a swimsuit that makes me feel like a goddess. I don’t check to see if anyone is looking at me? I’m proud as hell of myself for embracing my body and showing it off. I smile, I play volleyball, I run into the water, I look for shells, I lay out with my favorite music on, and I may read a book.

For every person that may look at me and say, “Wow, she really has no business wearing a two-piece swimsuit…” there is someone who looks at me and says, “Because she wore it, I am going to wear it.”

And I am so cool with that!

BABY STEPS…if you need to take them…that is perfectly fine! If you have never worn a swimsuit before, start researching some brands that make swimwear in your size and swimsuits that you think look great. Order a couple of different styles to learn which one you like best. When you find your suit, it’s time to show the world! But, if you’re a little uneasy, wear what makes you comfortable. Sometimes, I will opt for a flow maxi dress swim cover up, or a crochet dress that shows my swimsuit, but also covers my booty and belly. As you warm up to your surroundings, peel off your layers, and check in with yourself. It’s all about how you feel and what YOU want to wear!

Now, if it’s not your first time here, and you know me…you know that I have been very vocal about my search for the perfect swimsuit. And while I had a very strong “SUNS OUT BUNS OUT” stance at the beginning of spring, I have broadened my swimsuit desires to include one pieces like the Snake Bite Cut Out Swimsuit I am wearing in these photos from Fashion Nova Curve. I ordered a bunch of swimsuits from Fashion Nova, and I will be sharing them with you all to give you some swimspo/swimspiration! If you want to stock up on swim from Fashion Nova, too, use the code “NATINTHECITY” for 20% off!