It’s that time of year again, swimsuit season is around the corner! Fret not, this article does not promise to magically change your body so that you can fit into any swimsuit in any store. That it is not possible, but we can find options that make you feel good and make the process of finding a suit that fits your body easier. There are many types of bodies and therefore, many types of swimsuits. So, no need to feel the dread of getting into your swimsuit this year! There are so many amazing options for all body types with these body-inclusive swimwear brands:
Image courtesy of Summersalt
Summersalt
This business uses recycled material to make their swimsuits and they are veteran-owned. But the best part is that they have swimsuits in a variety of sizes from XS-2X. They also have a size and style finder quiz to help you find the best suit for your body type. What I also love about this website, if you scroll through each individual swimsuit style, you will see the exact suit on models of different, ages, ethnicities, and body size/types. This is helpful in giving buyers a sense if this particular swimsuit is right for them.
Image courtesy of TomBoy X
TomBoy X
This Seattle-based company boasts they are eco-friendly, sustainable, woman-owned, and pay their employees living wages. They offer gender-neutral swimsuit styles for those who want to “break out of the itty bitty bikini mold” in sizes ranging from XS-4X. What I love about this company are their gender-neutral, fun, and playful prints. You can also pay off your suit in 4 interest-free installments if that works better for your budget.
Hackwith Design House
This Minnesota-based company boasts made-to-order swimwear in modest color and style combinations. They offer swimsuits in sizes XS-+4.5. All swimsuits are made in the USA and they do not make the swimsuits until you order them in order to reduce waste as much as possible. Similar to Tomboy X, they offer a payment plan for maximum affordability.
Londre
With an initial greeting of “Hello beautiful” and each swimsuit made from 6 recycled plastic bottles, what is not to love about Londre? Their style guide offers a numerical guide based on a person’s measurements, but also utilizes models of varying sizes to show what these swimsuits look like on people with different body shapes, sizes, and heights. The downfall of this company is that while they do offer sizes from XS-5XL, it is on a minimal number of swimsuits. The majority of their swimsuits are offered in sizes XS-XL.
Jessica Rey
These swimsuits are made with 100% recycled material and they are made in Los Angeles, which is where the company is located. All swimsuits are UPF 50+. They also have maternity and nursing options. Sizes range from XS-1X. They offer a size finder on their homepage which asks questions about body type and shape and then offers suggestions sent via email.
Image courtesy of Old Navy
Old Navy
A familiar brand with
Torrid
Do you have anxiety about ‘swimsuit season’?
If you are feeling anxious about being ‘swimsuit ready’ remember that any body is a summer, swimsuit body once you put a swimsuit on your body. After you’ve looked up these body inclusive swimwear brands, check out these strategies to help feel more comfortable this season:
Be kind to yourself. Allow yourself to really feel and experience what is happening in your body when you think about rejoining society. Know when the time is right for you and don’t beat yourself up if you need more time. This last year has been tough, give yourself credit for making it through.
Take gradual steps in getting back out there, instead of rushing back into it. Maybe make a contract with yourself that you will go out one time per week until you are feeling comfortable. Once you feel your anxiety begin to subside a little, you can move it to two times per week until you are feeling comfortable being back in public on a regular basis.
Seek out the help of a professional. Talking about your feelings with someone who is trained to help may be just what you need to take those first steps back out into the world. Sometimes it can be difficult to sort through exactly what we are feeling and know what to do with those feelings.
Follow your instincts. Maybe frequenting outdoor venues feels best to you. Maybe frequenting places that allow room for space, have high ceilings, and are airy feels best. There is no right or wrong way to come back from isolation. Do what feels right for you.
This article was written by dietetic intern, Brooke Cockson. Brooke is an undergraduate student at Keiser University studying Dietetics and Nutrition and a graduate student at Colorado State University studying Organizational Leadership with an emphasis on Population Health. After suffering from disordered eating for most of her adolescence and a good portion of her 20’s, she was introduced to Intuitive Eating, which saved her life and her sanity. Now, she is spending her time learning all about anti-diet culture, Health at Every Size and Body Trust because she does not want her daughter to go through what she went through. In her spare time (ha ha!) she scuba dives, paddle boards, kayaks, roller blades with her daughter and writes. She is planning her future private practice with a fellow anti-diet culture, soon to be registered dietitian.
