Can I talk about how wearing a two-piece plus-size swimsuit changed my life? You will answer that man started with fear. For plus size women, the fear of wearing a bikini causes great anxiety. Because society has taught that only a slim hourglass shape is “perfect” for a two-piece swimsuit.
Criticism, self-doubt, internalized fat phobia, and lack of options that provide structure or support are all reasons I’ve heard from women avoiding bikinis.
With all these factors working against us, would you believe me when I said that wearing a two-piece plus-size swimsuit for the first time was a total confidence boost?
The first time I wore a two-piece plus-size swimsuit
I remember very vividly the day the first two pieces arrived in the mail. It was a hot pink number made for attention! My bikini was part of GabiFresh’s first collection “Swimsuits for All”. I had seen her collections on social media and TCF and was in awe of how amazing everyone there looked. I was excited, but I was also nervous.
What if people think I look stupid? What if I was destined for life in just a one-piece swimsuit with his oversized t-shirt on top??
I remember standing in front of the mirror and trying on each item with my eyes closed. When I finished tying the tie around the neck of my top, I took a deep breath… And I opened my eyes!
When I opened my eyes, my mouth was open! It doesn’t look bad, it’s just the opposite. I loved Swimsuits were high-waisted, just enough to show the waistline. The material was firm and stretchy, and it held my stomach firmly.
I felt like a retro Barbie in a two-piece plus size swimsuit
Standing in front of the mirror made me feel like a retro Barbie. I was ready to go to the beach. Two weeks passed and I was at the beach with my friends. Anxiety arose again while researching the claimed location.
Being alone in front of a mirror isn’t like being exposed on a public beach. Once I found a small section and sat down in an oversized t-shirt and bikini underneath, the magic happened.
Looking around the beach, I wasn’t the only curvy woman wearing a two-piece. I had a few and they were all great. None of these women had a cover up. And I felt so silly wearing a T-shirt. I undressed and smiled. I never imagined that the simple act of overcoming my fear of bikinis would boost my confidence so much.
Wearing a two-piece plus-size swimsuit has allowed me to focus on what I love about my body instead of fighting myself. I felt a new appreciation for my body, which has been with me until today.
Some may stare. Some may even come up to you and compliment you on how great you look. You cannot control the opinions of others.
The only way to combat negative input is to put your opinion first. Over the years, I have learned that confidence is primarily about ignoring the world and believing in yourself. I felt so empowered to be part of a movement of plump women creating space where there was nothing.
You don’t know who you’re inspiring by just being yourself.