Swimsuit season has always been a bit of a hurdle for me—as I’m sure is the case for most women who struggle with body image in one way or another.
And as a trans woman, this is especially true.
Of course, swimwear is generally the skimpiest piece of clothing in a woman’s closet that’s acceptable to be worn in public. It’s no wonder a lot of us are left feeling a little on edge about the whole thing.
It doesn’t help that we’re often inundated with images of airbrushed swimsuit models. Usually, these forms of media only represent a small portion of the population. There’s even research to suggest that the thought of trying on a swimsuit can worsen women’s moods.
It’s only in recent years that we’ve begun to see a shift in body diversity. Many brands are finally recognizing the demand to showcase women of all sizes, offering a wider range of garments for every body.
This has helped me overcome some of my own insecurities and allowed me to wear the swimsuit I want. Ahead, I dive into the confidence-boosting tips that help me ride the wave of swimwear season with more ease.
Finding Your Dream Swimsuit
The first step? Finding a swimsuit that will make you feel excited to frolic around on the beach like the hottie you are.
For me, being trans makes it that much harder to find swimwear that not only feels comfortable—but doesn’t look like it was pulled from my grandma’s closet.
I often can’t find trendy swimwear sets that are comparable in cuteness to the options available to my cis (non trans) friends. For years, I would pray for the day when there would be more inclusive options available on the market.
I would go into stores hoping to find matching sets with a swim skirt, only to be left with the same navy blue or black options. It’s only recently that brands have started to fill the gaps by creating trendy and functional swimwear sets that fashion-girls like myself actually want to wear.
Despite the obstacles, since coming out, I’ve made it my mission to defy the odds and work to feel my most confident in a swimsuit.
Doing the Inner Work
And why work on feeling confident in a swimsuit? That’s the real question.
I would definitely describe myself as a little vain—we all want to feel and look our best no matter the occasion. But that desire speaks more to my journey of self love and body acceptance since coming out at age 19.
Despite being passable as a trans girl, there are things about my body I have had to learn to accept. There are also lots of qualities about my body that I love and am grateful for.
Like anything, there’s a yin-yang paradox when it comes to body positivity. I often ruminate about the little things I dislike about my body—whether it be a bloated stomach, fine lines, or gray hairs coming.
This often requires some grounding and self regulating work so I can step out of my head and live in the moment. This can involve helpful tools like challenging unkind thoughts, avoiding comparisons, or doing something loving for yourself.
Trying Positive Affirmations
Whether you're trans or not, wanting to feel great in your swimwear is universal. And it starts with meeting yourself in the moment.
Sure, exercise and a good diet have come into play in my overall wellness journey—but there are so many other ingredients in the mix, especially when it comes to elevating my mood and experience of rocking a swimsuit.
At 29, I’m trying to remind myself that nobody cares about little imperfections as much as I do. What truly resonates with people is someone’s sense of confidence and kindness.
So, what do you do when you’re having a body image spiral? Try countering negative self-talk with some positive affirmations.
It may sound cliché, but it’s a tactic I’ve implemented when I’m obsessing on something body related—something others are unlikely to even notice. In those moments, I’ll search for body affirmation ideas online and work with those that speak to me most.
It may not come naturally at first. Like any ritual, incorporating these phrases into your daily arsenal will eventually become a habit with practice.
It’s OK not to love your body everyday—but affirmations are one way to continue to nourish it, no matter what.
When in Doubt, Accessorize
Swimsuits might be inherently skin-baring, but the accessory opportunities are virtually endless. And, sometimes, creating a more structured look around my swimwear provides an instant confidence boost.
My go-tos include sunscreen (duh), because nothing says confidence like being proactive and protecting your skin. Earrings, a chic cover up, sunglasses, a beach bag, and some glow oil (for achieving that mermaid aesthetic) can also go a long way in making me feel more myself.
What’s going to make you feel your best when you slip into your swimsuit for the first time this season? Go shopping in your own closet for accessories like bold jewelry or a silk scarf you can makeshift into a sarong or headband to add a little oomph to your beach outfit.
Ditching Conventions
At the end of the day, life is too short to fret over whether you should wear the swimsuit or not—whether it’s the bikini you wrote off after having kids or the plunging one-piece that feels a bit too revealing.
After all, what you’ll remember are the memories you made in your swimsuit, not the swimsuit itself.
Wearing swimwear can be empowering—so embrace whichever swimsuit style you want to rock. And remember: being sexy and feeling confident isn’t reserved for a certain age or body type.
Let’s keep championing body diversity in swimwear and breaking through barriers, like body ideals. Wear the swimsuit that makes you feel your best—you deserve it!