Summer Never Looked This Good!
This summer, we are showing bellies, thighs, rolls, and everything in between, in our swimsuits and bikinis! Like everyone else who grew up fat, I remember dreading going to the beach and hating the summer.
I hated it because I knew it meant warmer weather, which meant I would be hot -which then meant I needed less clothing or to show more skin. I wasn’t the biggest fan of showing a lot of skin when I was younger because I attached exposing my fat body with the idea of shame.
Even though I grew out of that thinking at a pretty young age (at about 16 or 17), it still took me a while to feel comfortable wearing a swimsuit to the beach or even going to the beach altogether. I can’t remember how many high school beach day trips I missed because I did not want to expose parts of my body I believed to be ugly.
I can’t even begin to count how many fat children and adults I would see at the beach in t-shirts and swim bottoms or t-shirts over their one-piece swimsuits. And I, too, would be sitting there on the sand, building castles, or playing with beach toys wearing my t-shirt over my one-piece, afraid of what other people and peers would say about me and my body.
Some people might look at larger people on social media making big displays of plus size and fat people wearing swimsuits and think “why’re they making a big deal about something so small” but that’s just it; it’s not a small feat.
When I see fat people in public wearing swimsuits, bikinis, two pieces, and everything in between, I am still overjoyed by the radical acts of rebellion against a machine that profits from us hating ourselves. What a sight to see!
Now, as an adult because most of my childhood beach memories are filled with worries of shame & insecurity, I make sure to fill every beach day I have with joy.
My adult beach days are a movie, OKAY!?
From the makeup to my swimsuit, my bag, sandals, shades, music, etc. I plays no games. I like to think of those days, as giving a hug and a cradling to my younger self; the younger self that believed I didn’t deserve to be in a swimsuit.
In 2021, with so many new lines, designers, and outlets creating statement swimwear for plus size people, I want to shine a spotlight on these 10 influencers who are proving that every body is a bikini body.
These 10 Influencers are KILLIN IT and showing every body is a bikini body!
Kirsten shows us yellow is created for Black women in this 2 piece bikini by Shein. This bikini is fun and supports my message of plus size people not needing high-waisted bottoms for their swimwear to be valid.
Kirsten is GIVING!
RJanine1 stuns us in her 2 piece swimwear by FashionNovaCurve.
Miss Janine reminds us that this summer is going to get whatever body we have! All bodies are summer bodies, and this swimsuit is the definition of bringing the beach to you.
Charisma_Monroe aka Top Shelf BBW is DOING IT!! In this reel, she slays us with not one but 10 swimsuits looks all from Shein. Charisma assures that no matter the style, the cut, or the color, plus size people can serve it ALL on the beach or poolside.
10’s across the board!
Kellie Brown of itsmeKellieB rocks a white two-piece and statement red lip with shades as she enjoys life poolside with a dance and a smile. Like Kellie said, "you deserve"!
Anita of AnitaMatey_ is giving us bad and bougie in a black one-piece by Dia&Co. Paired with a red lip, sun hat, and shades, Anita reminds us that even swimsuits on fat women can be simple, classic, with a sprinkle of extra spice!
Simone creates art work in her red two piece as she brings sexy back. Fat girls can do sexy swimsuit beach looks and everything in between. Plus size people deserve sexy swimwear and Simone gives that reminder every time.
Karisma of Fat_Barbie showcases plus size swimwear but make it high fashion! Karisma demands attention in this beautifully patterned one piece with a statement purse and high heels. She runs the world and we’re taking her orders!
Summer body with ANY BODY! And that includes apple shapes too.
Stella of theStellaWilliams wears this two piece and stops traffic in this leopard print swim suit. Stella did what needed to be done.
Just know, it GAVE! The fat joy that radiates from Dexter in his two-piece Black leather and mesh swimsuit displays the style of swimsuits that fat people deserve. This is a beach moment, and honestly, how could we ever not stan?
And last but not least, my damn self! I KNOW THAT’S RIGHT. In this yellow two piece from Boohoo, gold shades, drink in hand, and smile on my face, Toni of FatBlackLuxury, demands to take up space, reclaim the waters as her own, and she commit to always make the beach a scene for herself.
Who are you following that’s giving the swimsuit content we all deserve? Please let us know all the plus size influencers reminding us every day that all bodies are good bodies and all bodies were created swimsuit ready!
I think you all look great and are owning it!
Thank you so much for this 😭