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Summer is just around the corner, and so the gyms are filling up and people are pounding the pavements, trying to get 'beach ready' and achieve the perfect 'bikini body.' Exercise is always a good habit to get into and should always be encouraged, but are these summer body goals really healthy ones?
These women are here to remind us that no matter what size or body type you are, you are is always ready for the beach, and every body is a bikini body if you are wearing a bikini. Chelsea Duarte, also known as Cococurve in the list below, gave us her take. “A bikini body is usually a goal for most women and they differ vastly, as women are very happy being all different shapes and sizes,” she told Bored Panda. “Your conventional magazine beautiful body is usually the first thought when trying to shape up for summer but that’s not desirable or achievable for all women. I have a plus size, large frame but my self-esteem in a bikini comes from within.”
“Growing up, I think every girl has body confidence issues but I told myself from a very young age to never hate myself. I always love whatever state my body forms to and respect myself. I don’t hate my body, I don’t give negativity the time of day. I do not follow the beauty trends depicted in social media. I can change if I want to but I’m happy the way I am. Young girls aren’t going to see me and want to aspire to be my size, but they may just learn to love and accept their natural beauty sooner when they see someone like me doing it.”
The fashion world is evolving and becoming more inclusive, with a huge variety of plus-size clothing now available and plus-size models encouraging women to embrace their curves. Chelsea finds the choices and freedom to express herself inspiring. She has taught herself self-love over the years, and chooses to treat her body as though it is a flower growing from a root. “You must take care of it, nourish it to grow, allow the elements to take control and always respect the time it takes to become really something special,” she told us. “Self hate only breeds more hate. No matter how your body forms or how much the ground has to bear of your weight, does it really matter? The heart is what makes you who you are.”
So join Chelsea and these other inspiring women as they explain why simply wearing a bikini is not an act of bravery, and why skin conditions, stretchmarks and cellulite are all part of being human and nobody should feel the need to cover themselves for the sake of others. Go to the beach full of joy and confidence this summer!
(h/t: Delish)
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#3
Jeannette Treusch 6 years ago
I'm following her Instagram for a very long time now. She's awesome.
#4
#8
Rich Auntie Skeleton 6 years ago
She's probably worked harder than most in order to achieve her goal. You go girl!
#9
Marika Stanway 6 years ago
I don’t think it’s anyone’s business but yours, if you want to wear bikini or not. My self confidence was destroyed a long time ago by a man and now social media and media in general are slowly chipping away what ever was left of it. Every day I wish SO hard, that I could just be a happy person and that this anxiety would just be a memory...
#12
Mad Haberdasheress 6 years ago
One summer I drew tiger stripes on my stretch marks, as I feel that they are marks of my strength and stamina. Certainly nothing to be ashamed of! Glitter, color, tattoos, whatever aids in you embracing your body and ALL of its features - whether others want to see them or not - you do it! It's YOUR body, love it for all its glory! <3
#13
Molly Block 6 years ago
This photo is amazing! She looks perfect in that swimsuit. It was meant for her!
#14
Meowton Mewsk 6 years ago
I don’t care about her nutrition as long as she isn’t hurting anyone. She looks right for her swimsuit. And happy.
#18
Diane Lloyd 6 years ago
You forgot to mention that besides all the affirmations, you look G-D good in pink!!!
#22
Eric Mikalo 6 years ago
At least i can relate to her statement. What matters is how one wears something, not just wearing it. you might look ridiculous trying to 'prove a point' while you could have worn something that you actually look good in.
#24
Yeetus Deletus 5 years ago (edited)
she is absolutely beautiful! i'm glad that my fellow women are embracing our flaws as i have had body issues since i was 9
#25
Beth Arriaga 6 years ago
I love these posts. I love and envy their confidence. Due to medical reasons, I'm the opposite end of spectrum. I get told daily to 'eat a sandwich' and older ladies feel the need to pat me on the hand and say, 'honey, you're too thin, you don't look good and need to gain some weight.' Really!? I had no clue! I want to eat! I'd love to eat! But a sandwich doesn't fit in the feeding tube stuck in my side.... I'm not seeking sympathy, just wishing people understood that body shaming hurts no matter which end of the spectrum it is. I know I don't look healthy - I'm NOT healthy but I'm trying to get there. I'm too thin, and it's not attractive, I know that. You telling me to eat doesn't change anything. Just like telling someone NOT to eat doesn't change anything. Why can't we just be nicer to each other? Why is that so difficult?
#29
Celestial Lynx 6 years ago
Oh how wonderfully beautiful she looks in that bikini! She makes IT look gorgeous (not the other way around) ☺
#31
Diane Lloyd 6 years ago
Mine too! I LOVE to swim and hang out at the beach OR the pool. YAY summertime!!
#34
GalaxyInAJar 6 years ago
You go, there shouldn't be such a problem with worrying about body image but I known we all do it and so do I, this is a wonderful and inspiring statement
#36
Eleanor Ragsdale 6 years ago
If the people who shame other's bodies had some compassion and saw this picture, they'd see a mom who loves her children, not a person whose body is wrong. I see a mother. You are wonderful no matter how you look, people love you just the same.
#37
pusheen buttercup 6 years ago
OMG so true!!! People would tell me my whole life to smile, then when I gave them my natural, happy look, they told me to stop. Do they want a picture of a perfect you, or the actual you? I love photography, despite my negative experiences with it. And I won't force anyone to smile, because being told to smile now makes me frown. D:
#39
Janet Allison 6 years ago
Your statement makes me so sad. I agree that it is important to share pictures of bodies like yours (which is flawless btw!) but it saddens me that we need to make a point to share them. That anyone would be ashamed to share vacation pictures of themselves because some jerk along the way made them feel that their body was wrong. There will always be superficial jerks out there. We just need our positivity and acceptance to be louder than than the other c**p.
#40
pusheen buttercup 6 years ago
I got cellulite, stretch marks, but am not plus size and have not had children, it's good to get in some self confidence before I have to deal with tiny offspring. A thank you to these women for the reminders of what truly matters.
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What do you think ?
MammaG 6 years ago
If you're not healthy or wear a suit that is way too small, you don't look good. As long as a person is healthy, then great for them. I don't care about their size. Glamorizing obesity is a mistake, though. It should always be a discussion of health, not size.
Meowton Mewsk 6 years ago
Some people look good while they are fat. The whole point is that you don’t have to look good to do a god damn thing. People aren’t created just to please your eyes. If that’s the case then all of you ugly people should wear a veil everywhere.
Load More Replies...
Aine 6 years ago
This is my first two-piece. Ever. I got the courage to wear it in a safe space, where I knew I would be supported. I hope I'll be able to wear it in a more public space, soon, as objectively, it doesn't look half bad, even with the fat... 20431702_1...583e7c.jpg 
UniversalMel 6 years ago
You are so pretty and I’m super jealous of your looks and your courage
Load More Replies...
TheKnightOwl 6 years ago
As a large woman myself, I'm all about empowerment. However, health is the most important thing. In my case, I am not healthy; my liver is showing signs of distress, and my brain doesn't function as well as it did when I was much healthier. I am pulling myself out of a bad place, and getting back on track. I want to be here for my children for a very long time. I let my kids know that I am not healthy, and I want to show them that it's possible for their mother to be fit and healthy again. For me, I see glamourising obesity as glamourising sickness. I know that's controversial, but I'm basing it purely on my own experience.
TheMsLollidella 6 years ago
You're right, being overweight or underweight, or doing anything that can biologically hurt your health isnt something that should be encouraged. We get that people shouldn't be rude to other bc of that but trying to have an active lifestyle in moderation really helps in the long run.
Load More Replies... MammaG 6 years ago
If you're not healthy or wear a suit that is way too small, you don't look good. As long as a person is healthy, then great for them. I don't care about their size. Glamorizing obesity is a mistake, though. It should always be a discussion of health, not size.
Meowton Mewsk 6 years ago
Some people look good while they are fat. The whole point is that you don’t have to look good to do a god damn thing. People aren’t created just to please your eyes. If that’s the case then all of you ugly people should wear a veil everywhere.
Load More Replies... Aine 6 years ago
This is my first two-piece. Ever. I got the courage to wear it in a safe space, where I knew I would be supported. I hope I'll be able to wear it in a more public space, soon, as objectively, it doesn't look half bad, even with the fat... 20431702_1...583e7c.jpg
UniversalMel 6 years ago
You are so pretty and I’m super jealous of your looks and your courage
Load More Replies... TheKnightOwl 6 years ago
As a large woman myself, I'm all about empowerment. However, health is the most important thing. In my case, I am not healthy; my liver is showing signs of distress, and my brain doesn't function as well as it did when I was much healthier. I am pulling myself out of a bad place, and getting back on track. I want to be here for my children for a very long time. I let my kids know that I am not healthy, and I want to show them that it's possible for their mother to be fit and healthy again. For me, I see glamourising obesity as glamourising sickness. I know that's controversial, but I'm basing it purely on my own experience.
TheMsLollidella 6 years ago
You're right, being overweight or underweight, or doing anything that can biologically hurt your health isnt something that should be encouraged. We get that people shouldn't be rude to other bc of that but trying to have an active lifestyle in moderation really helps in the long run.
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