‘Bikini Body’… what does it even mean?
With people jetting off on their summer holidays and swimming pools and beaches in sight, how do you feel about getting your swimwear out? Have you been endlessly working out at the gym to try and make your body fit into that bathing suit? Have you been watching what you eat in case you don’t have the perfect ‘bikini body’? Has it given you anxiety or are you excited for the beautiful freedom when you finally get in the water?
Situations like this can often lead to us feeling anxious over some of the biggest joys in life, like time away with family and friends. But I’m here to tell you that these body ‘ideals’ are all a big lie! You DON’T have to look a certain way to be able to go in the water or sunathe on the beach. Your body does not need to fit into anything. In fact quite the opposite. Your swimwear should fit YOUR body. Not the other way around. We’ve had it wrong for too long. I shared a recent experience with you all on socials but felt it deserved a longer post and discussion.
I’m heading on holiday in September and fell in love with a bikini set I saw online. I wanted to invest in a timeless style that I can wear this time and for future holidays to come. But when it came to ordering it, I found myself freeze. Could I wear a bikini? How would I look in it? Would people judge me? Would I feel comfortable?
So many questions came flooding into my mind. And then from the corner of my eye I glimpsed my vision board. I made it at the end of 2024 and there prominently displayed was a picture of J Lo in that famous Versace green dress that she wore to the 42nd Grammy Awards. I remember selecting that image because of its badass, bold and fierce energy! And the bikini I fell in love with was literally the swimwear version of this dress. So I took it as a sign, left my insecurities behind and ordered the damn bikini!
Real Bodies
For so long we’ve been fed this idea that as we approach the summer months we need to get ‘bikini body’ or ‘beach body’ ready. But this concept feels so dated, etched in body shaming and forcing women to once again feel like they have to shrink themselves to fit into an unrealistic image of the female body. It feels like there is no escape no matter what season you are in and I think it’s about time we change this.
Rarely do we see the same reiterated for men and their beach body. But why does our body have to fit the bikini? Well it doesn’t. It’s something we’ve once again been conditioned to think is real. Real bodies deserve reality. And the reality is that everybody’s body will look different. And that’s the beauty of individuality. These unrealistic expectations are encouraging us to try and all look the same, fit the same aesthetic and who is it even for?
Real bodies deserve to be seen in all of their beauty. Our bodies will be influenced by a whole host of different things like hormones, where you are at in your cycle, childbirth, perimenopause, menopause and not to mention the genetics with which we physically have presence on this planet. Why does it have to come down the aesthetic look. Our body is so much more than that. It gives us space within the world, the opportunity to be seen and felt. And if we all try to look the same, surely we are just denying this true authenticity of our very form.
So if you are packing for your summer holiday I encourage you to wear the swimsuit, pack the bikini and don’t second guess yourself. When we carry the confidence internally, it becomes irrelevant what other people think because that energy shines further and wider.
Swimwear Variations
And for those not even interested in a bikini, what are the options? For some people they may feel too exposed, maybe uncomfortable or just simply prefer the aesthetic of a swimsuit which you get in so many variations. From bandeaus to cut out styles, the options with swimsuits are endless and can often give a beautiful silhouette. Some of my favourite swimsuits have been those with sexy cut outs or beautiful patterns or low backs that give me the freedom of expression with comfort too.
From plunging necklines, tummy control support or longer top tankinis, there are styles available for every preference and body style. And with that the range of swim accessories from sarongs and kaftans, especially pieces that have cultural nuances, that can pair perfectly with swimwear to ensure you are still showing your true identity.
When I wear that bikini on my holiday, I won’t look like J Lo because my body is so different. But its the power that I felt and saw through her outfit that made it so special. And thats what I will be channeling when I wear it.
Whether you have a summer holiday booked or maybe one planned for later in the year I encourage you to see your body beyond the aesthetic. And to dress it in a way, whether on the beach, by the pool or in your summer clothes, that feels true and honest to you. I promise it will feel liberating.
If you are looking to understand your body and its aesthetic in more depth and how you can begin to express your personal style and identity I would love to chat to you to see how I can support you in that journey!
