So you’re going on a beach vacation, and you have one fear: The dreaded bikini reveal. Even though you've been waiting all year for this vacation, when you go to pack, you cringe at the sight of your itsy bikinis. The body shaming needs to stop! Throw the bathing suit in your suitcase, and get excited to flaunt what you've got. So many of us are too nervous to wear a swimsuit, when we really have no reason to be. Read on to find out how to feel your best even in your smallest triangle tops!
1. Remember that you’re beautiful, no matter your shape or size
These days, the media fill our minds with messages that tell us our bodies are not good enough to be shown off, and that is so far from the truth. We should all be able to feel comfortable in a bathing suit, with all our perfect imperfections (to quote John Legend). Everyone’s personality is different and unique, and we don’t shame anyone for that; We praise them! So why don’t we do the same for our bodies?
2. Your body works hard all day just keeping you alive, so you should show it off
Each body has about 650 muscles, 206 bones, and 12 organ systems. These body parts all work together day in and day out to keep us alive and well. Rock the body you have and acknowledge every bit of it. Thank your body for what it is, and what it does, and don’t think you need to change it for other people.
3. How else are you going to achieve that sun-kissed glow?
Sometimes a slight touch from the sun can give you more confidence in the way you look and make you feel better about what you wear. Not only does a sun-kissed tan let you rock those white jeans that only come out for a few short months in the summer, but also will allow you to break out your darkest bronzer, and for you makeup fiends—allow you to go foundation free. The bronzed glow can only be achieved to perfection if you’re wearing a bathing suit, so break out the swimsuit and sunscreen before it’s too late!
4. Bathing suits are SO summer chic
From designer stores like Everything but Water to more affordable stores like Target, there are too many cute options to choose from. From sporty chic to sexy cutouts, there is something for everyone. No girl should be afraid to buy a super cute swimsuit, because it’s money well spent. And even if you don’t feel comfortable rocking a two-piece, there are tons of beautiful one-pieces to choose from!
5. There is no such thing as the “ideal” body
It is perfectly normal to have some fat on your body, and if you have barely any, that’s fine too. People often forget that slamming women for being “skinny” is no more acceptable than criticizing bodies by calling them overweight. The ideal body has changed over time, and we need to remember that there is no such thing as the ideal body. No matter your body shape, you should never be shamed for the body you have. Let’s just drop the criticisms and accept our own bodies for what they are—beautiful.
6. It’s ridiculously hot outside, so why would you want to be wearing more clothes?
When the temperatures start to rise, fabric gets more and more scarce. It only makes sense that the hotter it gets, the less amount of clothing people wear. This gives you a new excuse to wear minimal clothing, such as a bathing suit. The hot weather makes it perfectly acceptable to just lounge around in your one-piece or bikini, so whip out that magazine and get your sun daze on!
7. It’s an excuse to hit the pool or the beach with your best friends
Buying a new bathing suit not only gives you an excuse to shop but also gives you an excuse to hit the beach whenever the opportunity arises. One of the best parts of coming home from college is getting to hang out and catch up with all your best friends—and the beach is one of the best places to do it. So grab your swimsuit and your best friends, and hit the waterfront!
There is no need to fear the beach or the pool just because you have to wear a bathing suit! Learn to love your body, and celebrate all that it does for you. Collegiettes, it's time to put on your favorite bathing suit, grab your sunscreen, and make your way to the beach!