Model Essie Golden threw a plus-size pool party in New York and it was LIT. Over 200 curvy beach babes RSVP'd to show off their bikini bodies, including this writer.Β
The night was filled with dancing, laughing, cocktails, really good music, and swimsuit inspiration as far as the eye could see.Β "I wanted to create a safe and positive space for plus-size women to wear their swimsuits and enjoy the summer β to have a judgement-free night surrounded by women who look like them," said Golden.
In between dancing and drinking and Snapchatting (follow me @IHeartMyBody), I asked 14 of the women at the party to tell me how and why they love their bikini bodies.
"I didn't enjoy wearing swimsuits until they started making cuter, more daring plus-size styles."
"The explosion of gorgeous, bright, bold plus-size swimsuits on the market has truly changed my life. Loving what you wear and feeling gorgeous changes your entire outlook." β Amber McCulloch
"The only way to be truly comfortable wearing a swimsuit β no matter the cut β is to be comfortable with what you see in the mirror."
"Having a positive relationship with your body is such a freeing feeling … Being free allows you to live the life you want, wearing the clothes you love. Set yourself free." β Shaina Harrison
"When putting on bathing suits, I remind myself that ultimately no one cares about what I look like but me."
"There's no point in keeping myself from enjoying my summer because I'm worried about the opinions of others. Live your life!" βΒ Kelly Augustine
"For me, becoming comfortable in a swimsuit was a journey filled with a lot of baby steps."
"It didn't happen overnight, but seeing other beautiful women strut their stuff confidently on the beach really pushed me to let go of my fears."β Darlene
"I became more comfortable when I saw more options for plus-size women. I didn't like swimsuits because they were always on the conservative side when it came to us."
β Jamilyn Griggs
"I spent years of my life in one-piece swimsuits and cover-ups, allowing society to create the standard of what I shouldn't do. When you are truly confident it radiates from within. If it makes you feel good, it's simple: wear it!"
"I decided to be comfortable in my own skin and live a life without limits. I think you should express how you feel on the inside outwardly."β Kala Raquel
"I was tired of missing out so I put on a suit and wore it. And it felt good."
"My advice would be to just enjoy yourself, find a suit you love, and dress it up with accessories and a cute pair of sandals. And go SLAY!"β Lisa Marie
"Why should I cover up for someone else? I decided to love myself and to be proud of the skin I'm in. I'm far from perfect but I've decided to be happy."
"After becoming a plus-size model, and being around so many confident plus-size women, I felt like their confidence became contagious."β Vanessa Mays
"Swimsuit season can be scary, but finding a great supportive suit will allow you to feel sexy."
β Dana Martinez
"One day I just decided to rock a swimsuit without a cover-up and noticed no one was really paying attention. This taught me not to worry about other people's opinions of my body and just to be myself and have fun."
β Chante Burkett
"I think one day I just thought of it logically: No one cares that I'm wearing a swimsuit. Whether you're at the pool or at the beach, we're ALL expected to be in swimwear. So chances are, the girl looking back at you in the mirror is the only one that has an issue."
"If you can really free yourself of people's opinions, you can finally start to slay your swimwear."βΒ Sashagai Ruddock
"I understand it can be uncomfortable, but everyone is shaped [differently] and you have to break out of your comfort zone."
"Learn to love your body and embrace how you look. Know that you are beautiful, don't pay mind to what people say or feel about you. Let your confidence shine and do you, boo."β Kenya Morris
"I turned 40 last year and that was the first time I tried a bikini. When I wore it on my cruise last fall, I was nervous, but when I went out to the pool I felt free. And there were tons of other women rocking theirs, too ... We're all in the same boat."
"For me, confidence takes practice ... I got comfortable just by putting on a bathing suit, even when I felt uncomfortable. Each time was easier; confidence is a journey.
"If you've never worn one, you're not going to suddenly be comfortable."β Shainna TuckerΒ
So the next time you put on a bathing suit, remember how awesome each of these women and their words made you feel. You're part of their squad.
