Lipedema Women: Wear that Swimsuit with Confidence!
Summertime is the best time to enjoy the water, so don't miss out!
Some women are sassy and don’t give a damn about how they look in a swimsuit. I admire those women because that’s not me.
However, as I get older, I worry less about what my body looks like in a bathing suit and think more about what is comfortable for me to enjoy the warm weather of summer.
Swimming is the best exercise for us, and, for me, being outside in the water is a joy I don’t take for granted here in the Pacific NW. So, a swimsuit is a must.
Now that summertime is in full swing, let’s talk about getting our bodies into swimsuits within our comfort zone and as a form of self-expression.
Don’t Hide Yourself!
I grew up in the 80s when body shaming was the standard. If you weren’t around in the 80s, understand when I say that body objectification was something women suffered from in silence. It was sooo wrong. Although body shaming still exists today, we have become more accepting of others compared to forty years ago.
Now that I live in a different world than when I was younger, I don’t have to try and adhere to an impossible beauty standard. My body is mine, and I am grateful that it functions for me (that wasn’t the case before my lipo surgeries).
Most people don't have a standard body shape. In fact, it's more common to have a unique body type. Since we're all existing as best we can, it's important to be kind and understanding toward one another.
The Most Flattering Bathing Suits for Curves
Instead of covering up, let's enhance our curvy figure. Here are some ideas:
Opt for swimsuits with a tummy control panel and styles that feature draping and ruching across the midsection.
Mix and match swim separates, like tankinis, bikini tops, and swim shorts. This way, you can choose different sizes for the top and bottom, ensuring a perfect fit for your body. It’s like customizing your swimsuit!
Swimdresses (like the one below) and swimsuit styles with built-in skirts are great options. They give your tummy, hips, and thighs a flattering silhouette. Choose a length that hits the slimmest part of your legs for the most flattering look.
If you feel like covering up your swimsuit, wear a stylish cover-up. Pairing a solid-colored bathing suit with a patterned cover-up can boost your confidence outside of the water.
Highlight your favorite features by using patterns to your advantage. For instance, a swimsuit with a bold print on the top and a solid color on the bottom can emphasize your upper body.
Prioritize comfort and quality with high-quality fabrics and make sure your swimsuit fits well without being too tight or loose.
Comfort is Key
Enjoying being in a swimsuit means feeling comfortable and confident. Comfort is very important to me, so I typically stick with what I know works for my body. This means I stick with a standard one-piece. I love color, so I’ll do bright colors or patterns.
Lately, I’m loving the skirt over shorts. The skirt gives a flirty look, while the shorts provide coverage. This style is called a swimdress! Pairing that with ruching or draping is my ideal.
Fashion is for Everyone
To me, fashion is part of expressing your personality. To dress in a way you feel like YOU is freeing.
If you look at the top photo, this model is what I’d call rockabilly. It’s her style. Your style might be boho, vintage, classic, artsy, preppy, or grunge. Expressing your style makes you feel more comfortable in your body. Finding a swimsuit that fits your style is a huge plus!
If you want to see fashion as a way of expressing yourself, check out Curvygirlbeth or Beth Rylaarsdam on Facebook. Beth did the fashion show at FDRS this year. Beth is a plus-size fashion model who promotes Lipedema Awareness and body acceptance. She shows how you can wear clothes that make you feel good about yourself.
Do you want to look cute and have fun? Check out this lipedema creator showing off the styles of summer bikinis. Her confidence is inspiring.
To watch more of her bubbly personality, here’s a behind the scenes of a swimsuit photo shoot:
My point is that we can wear whatever we want, whatever makes us feel beautiful, comfortable, and confident.
Happy Summer!
Michelle