Changing Body, Changing Swimwear

Spring has sprung and vacation season is just around the corner. That means hemlines are getting shorter, sleeves are disappearing, and the world is gonna see a whole lot more of our bodies. As someone in a fat body, that can be really intimidating, especially when it comes to wearing a swimsuit. Suddenly, people start taking about “beach bodies,” and we feel like we don’t have the right to step out and participate. How do we as fat girls navigate swim season without wanting to drown ourselves in the deep end?

I truly believe that ALL bodies deserve to be beach bodies. Brands make all kinds of swimwear in all kinds of sizes. Just put it on and go… have fun. Don’t worry about needing to be brave. Just let go and be a human who exists and deserves to take up space in the world. Want to wear a bikini? DO IT! I am here to cheer for you.

This summer my husband and I are heading on a dream trip to Maui to celebrate our 25th anniversary. And yep… we’re both fat. As the trip approaches, we’re both gathering a suitcase full of things that will take us on a week of relaxation, adventure, and celebration.

Not long ago I was that fat girl in a bikini, expressing my fat joy. It was glorious. However, my body is changing and that type of suit doesn’t really inspire joy for me anymore. Confidence and preferences are constantly shifting… and that’s ok. I’ve hit my late 40’s, and my apple-shaped body has been sliding southward. I have developed a pretty pronounced apron belly and I don’t feel great exposing it to the world. With that said, I thought that switching my style to a swim dress might be the solution.

Sometimes swim dresses can frankly look a little bit too old lady for my preferences. I want to look fashionable, while feeling good about my body. So, I have been on a quest to find the perfect swim dress for my trip to paradise. Fortunately, there are a LOT of options around the internet right now. While it is a pain to be stuck in the world of online ordering and returning, at least I can try things in the comfort of my own bedroom and not a cursed store fitting room.

Searching can be a bit daunting. To start off, I narrowed my search to four different brands . I ordered one suit each from Duluth Trading Co., Lands’ End, Torrid, and Lane Bryant. These four brands are some of my favorite places to shop for plus size clothing, and are the majority of what takes up space in my closet. Here’s what I found…

Alaska Hard Gear by Duluth Trading Co.: I was lucky to grab a Lost Lake Swim Dress in my size on clearance during the winter. This suit is designed for adventure and activity. It is quite supportive and has long, built-in bike shorts (with slip pockets) that have silicone grip to keep them from shifting. It also includes a Call-of-Nature™ panel that lets you go to the bathroom without getting undressed. This is a fantastic swim dress for a float trip, a hiking adventure, or a day of mixed adventure.

The Lost Lake Swim Dress feels fantastic. I love that it holds my body securely without being too tight. This baby is built for movement. I will definitely be wearing this one on the day we explore the Road to Hana.

Land’s End: This brand has been my go-to for quality swimwear for a long time. Land’s End holds up well with a lot of use in the ocean or chlorine. Their suits are thoughtfully constructed across a wide size spectrum. Since I am giving swim dresses a try, I ordered the Tugless High Neck Swim Dress. It features a high neck for secure coverage and an open, criss-cross back that adds a touch of style. But my favorite feature? POCKETS! Pockets always make dresses better… that is the same with swim dresses.

I do like how secure the swim dress feels. I really like the pretty navy pattern too. My only concern is that this sucker is hard to get in and out of. If you need to make a quick change, this may not be the suit for you.

Torrid: I wanted to have a swim dress that was merely fun and fashionable. The Skater Plunge Swim Dress from Torrid fit the bill. I love the bright beach toile pattern and the sexy plunge neckline. This suit doesn’t provide snug support, but I feel cute as hell in it. This is perfect for lounging on a Maui beach.

Lane Bryant: I was drawn to the No Wire Flutter Sleeve Swim Dress because of its beautiful blue color. This is one of my favorite shades to wear. I also love that this one provides a bit more coverage. It feels like wearing a pretty little mini-dress, rather than a swimsuit.

I don’t find these swim dresses to be dowdy. I’ve found suits for activity and suits for being seen. In fact, I feel beautiful and ready for a wonderful vacation in them. That’s what getting dressed every day is all about… wearing what brings you joy and makes you feel like your true self. No shame. No hiding. No holding back. Look out world… this body is going to the beach in style!