I had a vision. A vision to create a wonderful, inspiring, and
enlightening post for my blog. A post full of women from all walks of
life, of all shapes and sizes, wearing bikinis. I believe all bodies are
beautiful and you should never be ashamed or feel you should hide your
imperfections for any reason. As the greatest sex goddess of our time,
Marilyn Monroe said, “Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and
it's better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring.”
The amazing, stunning women in this post have offered to help me show the world that you can wear a bikini at any size. All 101 of them have shared a photo in their sassy bikinis and have offered up their thoughts on wearing a bikini. That's right, I said 101 truly astonishing, body positive, bikini loving babes!!
Please get comfortable, sit back and enjoy your time with these fabulous women. They are all killing it!! I thank them all for taking the time to be a part of my vision.
Keep Calm and Bikini at Any Size!!!!!
Stina
"Every body is a magnificent canvas on which to create. Wearing a bikini I just show a little more of my canvas. My art is beautiful, creative and perfectly me! A masterpiece. I have included my youngest daughters Lydia (6) and Lumi (5) at the end of this post. They have loved seeing all the "pretty" girls in bikinis. They think their mom is gorgeous in hers.To them a bikini is about functionality and pretty prints. They are much to young to have started worrying about imperfections. I strive to always be a positive role model; to teach them both that all bodies are good bodies and beauty is found in imperfection."
Sarah
"I used to hate holidays because I'd have to wear swimwear, I used to go
in full clothing to swim, but then I realized that you just have to
accept how you are and embrace it, so I don't worry about it anymore, I
loved wearing
a bikini and tanning haha ;D
Plus at the end of the day it's you who worries about your body
more then other people, and if other people don't worry about how your
body looks, why should you?"
Tawnee
"This year was the first year I felt comfortable and confident in a bathing suit... it's also the first year I ever owned a bikini. This is definitely not a coincidence. Wearing my fatkini shows how far I've come in my journey to love myself and my body, it makes me proud to see how far I've come and what an absolute fat babe I am."
Kobi
"This fatkini was the first "brave" purchase I made, as I began my
travels down the path of body positivity and personal acceptance. Thanks
to a lifetime of conditioning I still don't feel 100% comfortable in
it, but I ADORE the feeling of actively defying society's imposed
standards. Every time I put the suit on, I push my tits out and hold my
head
high, and I relish the feeling that I am every day moving closer to
genuinely feeling as brave as I act."
Kenzie
"I intend to make a statement with my fat body. I like to make people
uncomfortable. I hope they rethink their beauty ideals and re-asses how
they view fat people."
Rachel
"This summer, I felt the air, the sun, and the sand on
my midriff for the first time- and it was an eye-opening experience. To
me, wearing a bikini is an act of radical self love. My
virgin midriff got a little sunburn and it hurt so good."
Batty
"This is literally the first time I wore a bikini. It was
on a drag cruise. I was a little worried before I put it on, but I felt
fabulous and comfortable all day!"
Cataclysm
"This bikini by Pink Moon Prophecy makes me feel Haute in this AZ heat."
Maiya
"The idea of limiting myself to certain types, styles, and patterns of
bathing suits simply because of the shape and size of my body is absurd.
I wear what I want and that includes bikinis! I look great, I feel
great. So what's the problem?"
Raquel
"I'm almost 25 and this has been the first summer since I was 13
that I could confidently wear a bikini after being told I was 'flat
chested' and 'pudgy' in grade 8. I don't have amazing curves but I
embrace what I do have. I love the skin I'm in. (The tattoos helped
me to overcome my confidence issues)"
Amber
"I remember about two years ago, approaching a photographer wanting to do something really dramatic. Have a photo of myself taken in a one piece bathing suit. She thought it was a great idea, but i never replied to her to make a booking, I was too afraid for anyone to see my thighs. Then I started seeing people like Tess Munster and Meagan Kerr rocking bathing suits and loving themselves. I began to realize that I didn't have a problem with my body. I am 100% Vegan, I have smooth skin and I LOVE my butt. I exercise and take care of myself. This is who I am and I was brainwashed just like everybody else to hate my body. To censor my body and be ashamed. Screw that, putting this bikini on for a lot of people wouldn't be a big deal, but for me, it was a representation of me taking my life back. From everyone who had made me feel like I wasn't worthy of it, its a representation of my love of myself and of the sea. No one can take that from me anymore."
Rose
"When I'm in my bikini I feel different, but in a good way. I feel like I
am uniquely me, all my similarities and differences out in the open,
and that by acknowledging these differences and then setting them aside,
I let people see who I am. I feel powerful and beautiful!"
Southern Delight Barbie
"When I wear a bikini I feel very confident, I have no body shame whatsoever when it comes to showing off my curves, and I even feel sexy and I learned at the end of the day, bikinis aren't meant for size 0's anymore!!"
Kyley
"Wearing a bikini makes me feel fearless and sexy. I never thought I'd be a beach bunny, but look at me now!"
DeAnna
"Being comfortable in your own body is the ultimate freedom."
Laylia and Samara
Laylia: "I love to mix and match the colours and styles of the tops &
bottoms. It's like I have a million bikinis instead of 3! They are
also good to wear fishing because there's not a lot of material to get
fish guts or worm slime all over."
Samara: "My bikini makes me feel pretty and it's more comfortable. It's also awesome
for swimming because no weeds go down your top and get stuck on you
belly like in a one piece."
Rebecca
"My
bikini doesn't make me feel anything in particular or special.. just as
I wouldn't suppose a "normal" size person is overjoyed to throw one on.
It's practical & comfortable for playing with the kids, and
that's the message I want them to understand. Being comfortable!"
Maecy
" I love my bikini body so my girls learn that everyone is beautiful"
Sarah
"When I went to the beach with my friend, she asked me if I felt brave or
liberated wearing my bikini. And I did a little bit. It's kind of this
weird little thrill, like when I do something I'm not really supposed to
do. But mainly, I feel really, really cute in it. That's the word
that's foremost on my mind when I wear my bikini. I am cute with my big,
round belly and sunglasses and everything. I am cute, and it's
wonderful."
Madi
"To wear a bikini is to show how I feel about myself, not how I look or how other people feel about me."
Lolly
"I don't own a full bikini but that does not mean I won't be rocking my
beach body this summer! This is a photo by Katie Soze I did a few years
ago and it helped me love my body in all its fat lumpy bumpy glory.
Learning to love my body has brought me so much peace in the war against my fat. We are now best of friends. "
Beverly
"I have never worn a bikini before and was nervous. Being surround by
hundreds of other gals eased that. I felt soo empowered and sexy in
this. I got another for this year!"
Erin
"The minute I came out wearing this suit everyone told me how cute it was. It makes me feel funky and young, like I used to feel in high school. It helps me get my confidence back."
Corrina
"Being
a bigger girl for years I used to hide my body under unflattering board
shorts; this year I got past it and wore a tankini to the beach. The
world didn't end, there were no nasty comments, and I even got attention
from some cute strangers Way cuter and more comfortable than any board shorts I've owned!!"
Rebecca
"Wearing a fatkini makes me feel like
there is hope. That as a fat woman I am allowed to be seen, to take up
space, to dress however I please. That being fat is not a sentence to be
ashamed and miserable and that we, as fat women,
can celebrate our lives and the bodies we're in. Knowing that a bikini
body and my body are one in the same..is so incredibly freeing,
empowering, and life altering in the best of ways."
Robin
"This year I've started wearing a bikini for me, not for what anyone else
thinks about me in it. I have trouble even saying the word "bikini"
when talking about myself because I've always thought of it as something
skinny girls wear. I'm not skinny so mine must not be a true bikini.
But it is. And the point is that I'm trying to change how I perceive
myself."
Heidi
"Putting on this bikini made me feel confident and beautiful. My body
isn't a secret, being fat isn't a revelation. What this bikini did for
me was to reinforce the notion that every body is a good body - even
mine!"
Lauren
"Screw what other people think I should wear. I got a bikini body by putting on a bikini. I look great, and my tits look A+."
Gypsy Danger
"Love Yourself"
Danielle
"There's nothing more beautiful then feeling beautiful."
Jaimee
"Wearing a bikini makes me feel empowered. I'm
absolutely proud of my body, but obviously must cover up for work - I
work as a voice teacher and as a church musician. By the pool, I can
lounge in my bikini and enjoy being comfortable in my own skin. For so
many years I restricted myself to a one-piece or a baggy T-shirt, so my
belly is enjoying getting some sun these days!"
Jennifer
"I always find beauty in things that are odd and imperfect. They are much more interesting." -Marc Jacobs"
Chelsea
"I feel more like myself in a bikini then in anything else. I feel sexy and proud of my curves. Werq!"
Julia
"Wearing a bikini makes me feel like everyone can see
all of me. It makes me feel a little insecure and conscious of my body
and what I look like. I may be skinny, but my body is not my favourite
thing."
Amber
"After all of the years I spent being self conscious
and afraid to wear certain things, wearing a bikini is a beautiful and
empowering feeling. Showing off the body I have makes me feel great!"
Maggie
"Wearing a bikini makes me feel defiantly beautiful."
Misty
"Wearing a bikini make me feel beautiful and normal just like everyone else."
Colette
"I wear bikinis cause I can, so screw it"
Bryanna
"Being in a bikini makes me feel beautiful. I am no
different than the next beautiful woman, no matter the size, but I think
every shape is gorgeous! I love the skin I'm in and I'm not afraid to
show it!"
Brittany
"Wearing a bikini makes me feel empowered! I am proud of being a woman and I choose to show off my curves no matter my size."
Busy
"I'm not sure if I can articulate this well, but it feels like I've snuck
into the VIP section. It was something so forbidden, mainly by myself,
that wearing one now feels rebellious. Who knew a little Lycra could
make me feel like this?! Haha!"
Emily
"When I'm wearing this bikini, I feel sexy, confident, and better than
any other girl on the beach. I honor every inch of my curves and thank
God for them!" :)
Megan
"The clothes I wear reflect who I know myself to be; being true to yourself is the only way to go through life."
Alessandra
"Being a bikini babe means owning a bikini. And I mean 'owning'
literally and figuratively; Girl, OWN it! This is my second summer
wearing a two-piece, but it's first time I've been confident enough to
be next to my beautiful friend Jeni (on the left) and take a photo
together. This photo means so much to me. I would've rather died than
be seen next to a thin girl two years ago.
Neither of us is more or less sexy than the other. We are just two beautiful women who love our bodies... finally!"
Ashley
"It's been years since I bought a bathing suit, so when I found one I loved I snagged it up right away. I love the way I feel in it. I feel so sexy and free. It shows off everything and I love that about it: from my breasts to my tummy to my thighs, I feel beautiful."
Kristy
"Wearing a bikini empowers me. It allows to me see parts of my body that
aren't normally on display and to be at one with myself and be
comfortable in my own skin. I love bikini season as it feels so good to
feel the sun on the body parts I normally shy away from showing; my
arms, my legs and my stomach. I honestly feel beautiful, strong and
confident when I'm wearing a bikini which, to me, is the most empowering
aspect of all"
Georgianna
"You define beauty, it doesn't define you."
Ali
"Growing up as a chubby girl turned fat woman, I was always told that
bikinis were NOT for me. When I saw the "fatkini" trend on sites like
Tumblr, I became intrigued. Could I actually wear a bikini on my fat
body? If these gorgeous fat babes were, why couldn't I? I ordered my
first one, and I was SO nervous to try it on once it arrived only days
later. It was actually a freeing experience. I felt like a rebel. I felt
like I was giving a big "fuck you" to all of those that told me what I
wasn't allowed to wear on my fat body. This is the body that I have, and
I'm going to wear whatever I want - and I look and feel damn good doing
so!"
Kami
"I love wearing a bikini because it makes me feel free, sexy, and confident!"
Bea
"I have been chubby all of my life. I had been hiding myself in baggy clothes up until a couple of years ago, when I decided I am worthy of enjoying my life at whatever size I may be, and my health and happiness come first. I started wearing sleeveless tops and dresses a couple summers ago, and had wanted to get a bikini but kept thinking it was too much. Well, I saw one on forever 21's plus section and decided to just go for it. It arrived and fit PERFECTLY, even though I'm a 24! As soon as I put it on I took pictures and sent it to my friends and family, because I'd never felt so adorable and free. It's a very liberating choice, wearing a bikini, and I'm only upset that it took so long to get here.
Even if going into public in one is too much, I strongly encourage people just to try them on. And think of it practically: it's not that much skin showing. But it feels like a ton!
I could not be happier, and it's really made a huge impact on how I see myself and how I feel in a bikini, and in other more revealing pieces. I've never felt better."
Marged
"I've been hiding in one piece swimming suits trying not to be seen too
much on the beach all my life. I started hating going to the beach.
After starting my blog 3 years ago and reading body positive blogs I
eventually decided there were nice bikini suits for me as well and
discovered the beach again. It has totally changed the way I felt about
my body at the beach and I finally realized I now really don't care what
people think of my body, it is all about how I want to live my life and
what I want to do with it."
Ashlyn
"I feel empowered when I wear my fatkini. Maybe it's the rebel in me knowing that I'm making some people mad and uncomfortable all while helping some women feel more confident in their own skin. I'm a walking contradiction. A creature, that society and unrealistic beauty expectations has deemed unworthy and lesser, going against ignorance and pushing those boundaries. Or maybe I'm just a fat girl in a bikini. Either way, I'm f@<¥*n rocking it!"
Julia
"Wearing a bikini has been the most empowering and terrifying
experience ever. Knowing that this is the body that I've got, I decided
it was time to stop being afraid of it and start wearing things that I
adored. Once I made up my mind to brave it out, the coolest thing
happened. Because I knew that the things I was wearing looked like a
million bucks on the hanger, I felt like a million bucks with them on my
body. This GabiFresh bikini is no exception to the rule."
Shonise
"Summer isn't just for size 0 ; I can put on a Two-Piece Too "
Jessica
"I'm over 500lbs and a size 34/36. This past weekend was the first time I
rocked a bikini (in public)! Top is from swimsuits4all and bottoms are
woman within."
Anna
"Never in a million years did I think I'd ever see myself in a bikini.
When I took this photo I didn't really have to many intentions on
posting it publicly but after awhile I just said "Why the hell not?" I
was so blown away at the amount of live and support I got, not even just
from other luscious ladies but people who practically came out of the
wood works just to say how awesome I was and how much they loved the
fatkini. I was amazed, I felt amazing. It was such an empowering turn
out that I never expected."
Heather
"I made this out of a one piece suit that was too short for my long torso. I really love how it turned out. I've always been pretty confident about my body but this is definitely the sexiest I've ever felt in a bathing suit."
Mary
"Be happy! Be curvy! Wear a BIKINI!
Live like you're gorgeous (because you are) and carpe diem no matter what your size!"
Amie
"By wearing my bikini I am showing the world I am in love with the skin I am in! Beauty comes from within and I think that being happy and confident with who I am and my body is an important thing. I am not ashamed to love me and all my curves and rolls. I don't need to conform to what society thinks is appropriate,sexy and beautiful. I am beautiful and sexy even with all of my beautiful jiggle!"
Megan
"Being in my fatkini makes me feel fabulous,fierce and sexy"
Miss Dottie Squish
"As a person who likes to be in front of the camera, I
feel empowered to know that even though I am curvier and have a tummy I
will help encourage other women to accept their bodies and wear what
they would like."
Andi
"If you have to buy a bathing suit, but it for
yourself. Make it something you feel amazing in not what you think
other people will find acceptable."
Jenn
"Wearing my bikini gives me the opportunity to show off
my curves just like everyone else who wears one. Why should I cover my
body up just because I have more to show?"
Stephanie
"My body is beautiful and I am the ONLY one who needs to validate that"
Tabetha
"I feel sexy in my bikini Every BODY is gorgeous."
Jackie
"A bikini, to me, is many things. It's a form of
self expression, it's a tool of self love, it's a show of confidence,
and it's a big &%$# you to anyone who thinks only a certain body
type deserves to be seen in a bikini.
While I adore my ever
growing bikini collection for how it shows off my body, and my
confidence, I know that confidence and self love can be wrapped in a one
piece as well. Wear whatever makes you happiest to the beach, pool, or
anywhere else, but if you've been waiting for "some day" to wear a
bikini, *today is that day*!
You're a super babe no matter what you have on; never stop believing that."
Melanie
"This was the first time I wore a bikini on a very crowded beach a few
days ago, I’ve worn it swimming a few times but never in such a public
place. Absolutely nothing happened apart from I had a good time in the
freezing cold north sea with my fiends, nobody stared or laughed or
pointed and even if they did I was having too good a time to notice! It
felt really freeing to not care about the opinions of strangers
anymore."
Kassy
"I may suffer from severe depression, anxiety and an eating disorder that cripple me on a day to day basis. But, when I put this fatkini on, it's what helps me call myself beautiful!"
Breyana
"There's so much freedom in wearing what you want, no matter your size."
Marlee
"I have never been comfortable in bathing suits, even when I was smaller
years ago. I saw how nice these retro looking bikinis were and thought
maybe I'd try them out. I love them so much! They actually make me feel
sexy and confident and beautiful. At first I was afraid to be seen in
them but my friends all told me I found the perfect suits for my body
type. They have helped me feel a lot better about myself and as I
continue to wear them I feel a lot more love for my body than I ever
did."
Asta
"This was the first time for me wearing a bikini / fatkini and it made
me feel fabulous! I didn't just feel OK like that, I even felt sexy and
good enough to go to the beach with it and have fun, being relaxed
without worrying about any rolls or something!
I think it is super important to give people ( no matter the size
because even thin girls are having issues with their bodies) the
strength and security they need, pushing and supporting those projects
like yours"
Kyle
"It was totally nerve-wracking walking in front of so many people in a bikini, but I ended up loving it."
Hollie
"Wearing this fatkini makes me feel powerful, my confidence wins over my shame and it shows my demons I'm not afraid of them anymore"
Miss Kate
"I love this photo of myself. It's when I fully started to embrace
every single facet of myself as a human being. I saw an amazing Fat
Burlesque troupe called Va Va Boombah at the start of last year (that
I'm a part of now!) and seeing those babes, healthy, confident and so
sexy on stage... I realized that my body looks like that, therefore I am
sexy and valid too. I've also started my own plus-size label and the
last thing I think any woman should do is hide. There is nothing sexier
or more empowering than a woman with confidence - at any size!!"
Jamie
"A bikini was basically my last "I can't possibly..." clothing item and I
was sick of being afraid of it. I decided this year was the year was
the year I'd let go of my inhibitions.
I feel so beautiful, and more confident and liberated, than I have ever felt in my life".
Noelle
"As far as wearing a two piece. This was my first time ever.
As far as how I felt? Two words. Fucking fabulous."
Melissa
"Finally overcoming the fear of people seeing the contours of my body. It feels great not to be limited. And to be able to wear something beautiful."
Rita
"I
have to admit I'm a sun worshiper, so a bikini is what I wear to get as
much of it as possible. It makes me feel good, and that's all that
matters. If people don't like what I'm wearing, it's not going to ruin
my day, if the weather changes and I have to go inside, that's a
different story!"
Avalon
"Wearing a bikini makes me feel great... If you've got it flaunt it sista!"
Whitney
"Wearing
a bikini makes me feel powerful, that I'm the one in charge. Nobody can
take that away from me because I'm a confident and beautiful person; no
matter what size."
Bre
"I
was elated when plus sized women began stepping forward and wearing
daring clothing like bikinis and crop tops. I've loved the vintage style
of a high-waisted bikini for years now, but I could never bring myself
to slip into one, much less step out in one. I was so inspired by the
body positivity movement and plus sized models like Tess Munster. I
decided it was my time to be that girl. The first day at the beach, I
was awkward and kept adjusting. My love handles didn't seen to contain
themselves, and I was getting nervous. The next thing I knew, I got tons
of compliments. I'm starting to be a little more confident in a little
bit less everyday."
Karen
"Bikini
or not, it's just skin. What you should really want to show off is who
YOU are - fabulous and fat, vulnerable and vivacious! The whole
package, inside and out, is what makes you beautiful."
Makayla
"In my bikini I feel empowered, I feel sexy. Which is something that
women of a certain size don't always feel entitled to feel. But it's OK
to love how you look, to feel just as hot as any other woman!!"
Shannon
"Wearing my fatkini makes me feel like a super colorful, badass, mega babe. I can conquer the world in a fatkini!"
Acacia
"For
a while I always covered my body thinking who would want to see this,
and as I got older I was like I do, I want to see myself and love
myself. Covering up made me so uncomfortable and uneasy with my body,
but now that I wear what I want and show my beautiful body off I'm so
confident and I love it."
Kia
"I feel beautiful, fierce and perfectly imperfect in this bikini! I love it!"
Adrianna
"I AM my struggle and I AM proud of this body. After all that it has
been through it deserves a beautiful and confident mind to carry it. And
that's what I am, beautiful and confident."
Lisa
"This is my first time wearing a bikini. Ever. I have never felt sexier than I do when I'm wearing all that confidence."
Brianna
"When I wear a bikini, specifically this one, I feel like I can conquer
the world. I want every woman to feel as confident and as beautiful as I
do. I want to inspire other women to go out of their comfort zones and
say, "F#@K Society!" Besides, I don't think a tiny body could handle all of this personality!"
AmyMae
"I've
never gotten to wear a bikini, not even as a kid. Doing this for myself
now, at this age, is a special kind of freedom. It is scary and
challenging to push yourself out of the comfort zone. But so worth it."
Kyla and Andi
"Kyla gave me this suit on her birthday. Usually I hate matching with
people, but I love matching with Kyla. She's the first person who gave
me the confidence to wear bikinis instead of covering up my body. I
started following her on Tumblr like four years ago and here we are now,
irl friends. I always thought Kyla was so cute in her bikinis and now I
feel cute when I wear them, too. Basically, Kyla and bikinis mean a lot
to me."
Rachael
"I never knew wearing less could make me think so much more of myself."
Alexandria
"Whenever asked why I wear a bikini my first answer is always "because everyone deserves to be a mermaid."
Laura
"This is the closest thing to a fatkini that I've
found so far--I'm still looking for one that shows a bit more skin. But I
love the floral print and the pink bows, and the little peep of tummy
it does show.
Ten years ago, I never could have imagined wearing a bikini, or
posting pictures of myself online wearing any kind of swimsuit. I am so
grateful to the fat acceptance movement, and the fatshion blog-o-sphere,
for normalizing bodies like mine."
Kami
"Wearing a bikini makes me feel sexy and free! It's not the body that makes the confidence it's the girl!"
Jamie
"Wearing this bikini empowered me to set my own standards and expectations of what I should or shouldn't wear, not society."
Kia
"I feel so free when I wear my fatkini. I'm too busy enjoying myself in the water to be self conscious about how I look."
Christine
"I feel like I truly own my voluptuous body when I wear my fatkini and
get to flaunt my bust and sexy curves in a way I used to be too ashamed
to."
Michelle
"Missed opportunities. How I wish I could talk to my younger self.
"Embrace yourself... You are fabulous." Still, the advantage of age is
the opportunity to encourage the next generation of woman to love and
treasure their bodies - empower them to celebrate and even show off
their inherent beauty. To them I say - you go through this life once -
Don't miss a single moment."
Lydia
"Wearing a bikini makes me want to go to the water and swim"
Lumi
"I wear a bikini to cool off in the summertime"
LEAPING LIZARDS YOU READ THE WHOLE THING!!!!!!!
101 BODY POSITIVE, BAD ASS, BEAUTIFULLY KILLING IT, CREATIVELY INSPIRING, BIKINI BABES!!!!!
Thank you for taking the time to creep and peep my blog. This post has truly been a labor of love. Creating it was worth every single second If I inspired just one woman to step into a two piece.
If you would like to check out my other bikini posts you can find them here and here.
My Switchblade Sister Bikini is from
In honor of my 101 Bikini Babes post, Candy Strike has graciously offered a 15% discount to anyone who places a swimsuit order from today until August 31st, 2014. They have some killer (pun intended) bikinis, so totally creep them! They carry sizes S-4X!! I have mad love for Candy Strike.
Coupon Code: CANDYLUVSPEEPSHOW01
No excuses -- go buy a suit you fierce, foxy, bikini babe!!!
Stina
xx