When I was a teenager, my friends and I would frequent the water parks and beaches, and I always sported a two piece bikini. Granted, I was a lot smaller back then, but still heavier than all of my friends. The point is, I have never shied away from being in a swimsuit in public. Sure, I may have felt a little insecure standing next to my skinny friends, but nonetheless, I shrugged my shoulders and rocked a swimsuit.
Five-ish years and 80 pounds later, it was difficult to find swimsuits that were made for my plus size, curvy body. And it was getting harder and harder to go to a pool or the beach feeling confident and sexy.
I think the most common thing that most brands get wrong about plus size women is that they think we aren’t proud of our bodies and that we don’t want to show them off. Personally, I am always looking for clothes that hug every curve, and you’ll never see me turn down the opportunity to wear a two piece bikini. But a lot of swimwear retailers that sell plus size swimsuits only offer modest one pieces, tankinis with shorts or skorts, and a bikini ONLY if it comes with high-waisted bottoms.
But I want to wear what my skinny friends wear, even when it comes to swimwear. And Swimsuits For All understands that.
From their partnerships with blogger Gabi Fresh Swimsuits For All and plus model Ashley Graham, their swim offerings have provided women of all shapes and sizes with edgy, sexy, and modern swimwear choices that any woman can feel proud and beautiful in. While I usually opt for a two piece bikini, this Boss Underwire one piece with lace up sides and an eyelash bra makes me feel even sexier than my usual swimwear choice.
Every summer I make a pledge to embrace my body to the fullest. I tell myself, “Don’t opt for the pair of jeans when you can rock a mini skirt, don’t hide your stomach when you can sport a cute crop top, and most importantly, wear whatever the hell you want to the beach.” I have seen women (skinny and plus size) feel self conscious about wearing a swimsuit out in public because they think people will judge them. I’m here to tell you that no one cares what you are wearing. And if they do, and go as far as to say something to you, THEY HAVE THE PROBLEM, not you! Everyone has some sort of insecurity no matter how small, tall, short, curvy, skinny, or full figured they are. By stepping out in a swimsuit confidently, you never know who you could inspire to embrace their body, too.
It’s time to stop hiding. So will you join me in embracing your body and rocking that swimsuit you have always been dreaming of? You’ve got this!
