POOL PARTIES // NOT JUST FOR SKINNY BABES

If your body type is characterized as being skinny, I love you just as much as I love my big girls. This message is for everyone, but especially those who have been so highly underrepresented in the media.

I grew up skipping pool parties, or agreeing to go to them but conveniently “forgetting” my swimsuit. I’d go on vacation with friends and would refuse to get in the hot tub. I’d stick my feet in and chat instead of letting myself just live my life. Sound familiar?

WHY.

WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY.

Honestly, I’m sitting here in tears as I write this. Recounting these memories breaks my heart for my younger self. You, me, and every other woman who grew up without abs or a body like we saw on TV and in the movies were receiving this message, loud and clear.

Swimsuits are for thin people.

Thin = Happy.

Thin = Attractive.

Thin = Successful.

So yeah, of COURSE when I hit puberty and I didn’t look like Cindy Crawford in my swimsuit I felt worthless. I actually didn’t look like any of my peers in swimsuits either. I felt super out of place - and yes, I’m blaming the media for this.

A few years ago I started embracing my mom bod and actually posted this blog post, the first time I was in a swimsuit on the internet - and I was terrified. Now, I am knee deep in this body positivity movement and UNAPOLOGETIC about it.

The more I learn, research, and dive into it… the more I’m realizing how fatphobic our society is. And it ENRAGES me. I get messages from moms who tell me their 8 year old daughters are asking to go on a diet. THIS HAS TO STOP.

Right now, I’m 7 months postpartum. A few months ago, brands started sending me swimsuits and I physically got sick to my stomach when thinking about putting them on. But because of all of you and your constant encouragement, I finally did it. I finally started trying them on.

And guess what. The world didn’t end.

Then, I wore one to the pool and didn’t wear a coverup.

Then, I tried a 2 piece. I kinda liked it.

So I wore it to the beach.

And guess what?
THE WORLD DIDN’T END AND I FELT SEXY.

Ladies, here’s the deal. Diet culture is super damaging. There is nothing wrong with fueling your body in nutritional ways and exercising and focusing on your health, in fact I encourage this. But obsessing about changing your body is not healthy. If you’re going to ever love your body, you have to love it AS IT IS NOW. Not what it could be.

Surround yourself with other like-minded women. Women who inspire you to love the skin you’re in and to take care of yourself.

I am so lucky to have found several friends like that (thank you, Internet) - including Katie Crenshaw. She is an amazing writer, blogger, photographer, and advocate. If you haven’t checked her out, please do. Also, isn’t she a total babe?

We love our size inclusive Madewell swimmies!!

I am wearing a 3X on top and bottom, for reference. You can shop them here: