I have a fat body. Not the kind of smooth airbrushed fat body that you see advertising swimwear, I have a fat body with cellulite, rolls and plenty of jiggly bits. I hid my body when I went to the beach, under boardshorts and t-shirts. I forgot the joys of the sun on my skin and the water on my body. Until a few years ago, when I said “eff that, I want to enjoy the water like I used to!” and ditched the boardies and tee in favour of a bathing suit. Then a tankini. Then a bikini. And now I have about ten swimsuits in varying forms.
If you’re trying to step outside your comfort zone and feel confident in a new swimsuit, whether it is a one piece, a tankini or a bikini, here are a couple of tips…
Find a swimsuit that makes you look and feel great: If you have a large bust, find something that gives you a decent amount of support. If you want something that covers certain parts of you, like your midriff or your upper thighs, get something that covers that part. Get something in a colour or pattern that you really like. My latest swimsuit special has loads of options already and I am adding to it regularly, so hopefully it will help to point you in the right direction.
Start small: Put your swimsuit on in your bedroom. Just hang out in it, by yourself. Get used to how it feels on your skin. You don’t have to stare at yourself in the mirror or take selfies (although you can do both if you really want to!), just get comfortable in your swimwear. Maybe read some body positive blogs in this time.
Now, you have a swimsuit you like and you feel comfortable in your swimwear … but there is probably going to come a time when you have to wear it in public, outside the safety of your bedroom. This is the part where you just have to do it.
Sometimes I like to sit on the beach for a bit before I head into the water. If this sounds like you, invest in some kind of swimsuit cover up (like my kimono), and put it on. I usually wear my togs under a dress, then whip the dress off when I get to the beach and put the kimono on. It will help to protect your skin from the sun and it will keep you covered until you’re ready to reveal how great you look in your bathing suit.
Take note of the other people at the beach or the pool. They are enjoying themselves, swimming and playing, all with different kinds of bodies. They are not looking at you and your body, they are just doing their thing. They may even have their own reservations about baring their bodies at the beach or pool, even if they are fit, toned and tanned! My point is that you can’t sit there and worry about what other people might think of you – you just have to live your life. They don’t care if you miss out on swimming with your kids or splashing about with your friends… but you sure will. Don’t let yourself miss out on another moment!
Come on girls, it’s time to go swimming. I am now the proud owner of the Gisela Ramirez bathing suit that I have been coveting since I shot Cassie wearing it a couple of years ago, and I’m not going to waste a second of this summer second guessing how fantastic I look and feel. I hope I see you at the beach soon!
Meagan wears:
Bondage Bathers from Gisela Ramirez
Sara Printed Kimono from EziBuy
Fiammato Missoni x Havaianas
Photos by Doug Peters / Ambient Light Photography
Hurray for fat babes at the beach!
10 SWIMSUITS?! You are my QUEEN!! You look beautiful, and radiant, and like you’re having so much fun. This makes my heart sing <3
Haha I’m a bit out of control – I almost bought another one today!
Great advice Meagan and so true!
You look great too! Confidence is such a great accessory!!
Thanks for the fresh reminder. I haven’t even been to the beach this summer yet, but I’m unsure of what I’ll wear when I do. I felt so confident last summer and this year I’m having to deal with old demons all over again! I love when you said, “They don’t care if you miss out on swimming with your kids or splashing about with your friends… but you sure will.” Word.
I love this post – practical and wise. Also have serious bathers envy.
those are super cool bathers! I love how happy and relaxed you are, confidence shines through.
*applause*
Like everyone else, I have hang-ups and reservations about my body, but as she gets older, NOTHING will stop me from leaping in the water to play with my girl.
What are the bikinis like for actually swimming rather than just splashing around? I swim laps and have always worn a one piece (and I’m size 28 with small shoulders so when I find one I wear it forever!) but I keep looking at those bikinis and wondering…
Which bikinis do you mean?
If that bathing suit needs a second home. Well, I’d be happy to foster-to-adopt 😉
Noted! Although it may be too big for you – it is too big on me. I am pretty tempted to buy another in a smaller size…
You can still buy these? I’ve been coveting one of these for years!
fantastic post Meagan! It is so true that so many fit and thin people are worried how they look in thier swimmers. We jsut need to get over it at some point and have fun in the water!
Right? Society really does heap a lot of body issues on people. It will be a great day when everyone feels comfortable in their own skin!