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How To Get Your Best Bikini Body Ever!

21 January, 2016 - 08:34pm by - First Lady | 22 Comments

By BR Kellie

For a perfect bikini body, put a bikini on your body.

I wish I knew who to reference that quote to, the all-knowing Google wouldn’t cough up a name. If I did know who to reference that quote to there’s a good chance I’d hunt them down and give them a cuddle, because they’ve changed my life. Well, perhaps not my life, but certainly my attitude. Let me explain…

Back when I was a teenager I happily rocked a bikini. I remember deciding at age 18 it was time I had one. I saved up my pennies, then one day headed into town where I got my belly button pierced and then went into a surf shop and spent nearly $100 (which was an eye-watering amount of money back then, still is…) on a funky two piece affair from Aztec Rose. Now it wasn’t one of those amazing stringy bikinis, it had boy shorts and a fabulous halter neck top that supported ‘the girls’. I felt a million dollars in it and I literally wore it until it fell apart. Then I had a string of cheaper bikinis, which I also felt great in. Then I had a baby.

The funny thing about having a baby and becoming a mother is that I suddenly decided I wasn’t allowed to wear a bikini anymore. That my body wasn’t the right shape. Things had changed post-pregnancy. The lower tummy pooch I’ve always had is a little more poochy. I’m sure my bum has changed shaped. As for ‘the girls’? Well I don’t know if it was breastfeeding or pregnancy, but they sure seem to be in a race to see who can reach my now unpierced belly button first. 

When I read that quote ‘for a perfect bikini body, put a bikini on your body’ I decided it was time I pulled my head out of my butt. Women around me of all ages and stages and sizes were wearing bikinis and looking fabulous. I sat in a pool wearing my one piece watching 70 year olds frolic about in them looking fantastic. Mothers at swimming lessons wore teeny tiny scraps of material and looked gorgeous. Teenagers with their coltish legs and lack of cellulite swanned about like supermodels. They all looked sublime and I thought, well, why can’t I? So I bought a bikini online and the top despite being in ‘my size’ gave me four boobs. Whoops. Turns out that yes, to have a bikini body you just have to put on a bikini, but it helps if it fits. So if you want your best bikini body ever there’s a few things you might want to know first.

First of all, your style is your style, there’s no way I’d even try to tell you what kind of bikini would look great on your shape, mainly because I believe that if you put a bikini on and you feel great in it then it’s the right bikini for you. The internet is filled with ‘rules’ surrounding size and style, but I’m going to ‘meh’ that, according to those rules I should be wearing a smaller bottom, but I feel better with a bit of coverage going on. I do however pay attention to the bit where if you’re fuller busted a well supported bikini top is a must. Never used to care about that, but post-pregnancy it’s become my new rule… but, of course, it doesn’t have to be yours. It’s your body choose a bikini you feel you rock. However, make sure it’s comfortable, because kind of like any clothing, if you don’t feel 100% comfy it in you’ll look 100% uncomfy.

So what are a few things to keep an eye out for when buying your bikini?

Four boobs. Imagine an overspill of voluptuousness. This can happen when the cup size is too small or the band is too tight or there’s more padding than you need. On the flipside, you’ll want to ensure the cups aren’t too big either, mainly because you might not want to find yourself floating out of them whilst you’re working on your best mermaid moves in the pool. You want your girls to feel supported, like they’re being cuddled by their best friend after a breakup, and a correctly sized band and cup can help with this.

Another thing you might want to watch for is owwy-looking back bulge. To be honest I don’t mind a bit of back bulge, it happens to everyone, even supermodels, but if you want to minimise it make sure the bikini band isn’t super tight. This is easy to do if it’s a tie-back, but if it’s a clip-on you may have to go up a size if you’re feeling like your skin is being cut into. 

As for pants? Those are pretty simple. You don’t want them to cut into your hips and you don’t want them to be baggy in the front or back. I find going up a size compared to my usual underwear size makes for a perfect fit. Just remember if you’re going to try a pair on that you keep it hygienic and do it over your existing underwear. 

Lucky for us we’re living in a world where the bikini industry has blossomed with separates. I’m a huge fan of Kiwi brand, Piha, because they offer swimwear to suit all shapes and sizes and it can be mixed and matched in order to suit your shape and style, which is a great start if you’re looking for the perfect fit.

But you know what? If you don’t mind a bit of extra boobage, hippage and backage? Who cares!? That bikini I bought that’s a bit small? I’ll still be wearing it – and if anyone has a problem with a little overspill, well, that’s their problem, it’s not like I’m in danger of a nip slip (I’ve done the jumping jack test and the lie down get up quickly test and those parts of my girls are well covered). 

So are you a fan and/or a follower of ‘the perfect bikini body is any body in a bikini’ philosophy? Or do you admire anyone who rocks a bikini but prefer to hit the pool or the beach in a one piece (which is also perfectly cool!)? What are your tips for finding the perfect fitting swimsuit? Chat away!

Comments

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24th February, 2016

This article has so much heart! Made my day!!!! I have never ever worn a bikini - the thought terrifies me. Always been a tankini or a one piece swimwear person but been secretly wanting to invest in a bikini for some time now. I just might go and buy me one before I talk myself out of it.

3rd February, 2016

I love the quote and agree wholeheartedly... no-ones body is perfect! perfection is something we perceive and perception can lie, it can trick us into self doubt. Our bodies may not be perfect in every way but they are perfect for living our lives in :)

25th January, 2016

I used to wear bikinis when I was 14-15, back before I put on 30kgs. I don't dare wear a bikini now, you won't catch me swimming without board shorts that cover my thighs and my newest togs addition is a tankini top to cover my belly. If you can rock a bikini and feel confident in it then go for it girls, wear whatever makes you feel comfortable x

25th January, 2016

this article gives inspiration who doesn't wear bikini like me. awesome article Kellie and many thanks from me. specially after baby(cesarean, stretch marks ). feeling like oh no i can't wear bikini but i like that ideas "don't think just put on swimsuits"

thanks 1lilmnky for kaftans idea. next time bang bang bang................

25th January, 2016

I'm too scared to even try one on!! Being in my mid forties and having 2 kids (one is 22 and the other is 3 and I breastfed her up until about 3 months ago!). So my puppies ain't barkin like they used to if you get my drift ;)

I do however admire any gorgeous woman rocking a bikini!

24th January, 2016

I've been very self-conscious about my body for the past few years and always feel like someone's going to judge me if I go out in public with my cellulite, thunder-thighs, tummy roll and back fat hang out. It was only last weekend that my hubby said to me "what are you worried about? No one cares what you look like in your bikini, they're all worried about how they look". I realised he was right. I don't care how others look on the beach, I'm only worry about how I look and I often admire others for donning their bikini's and one-pieces and getting out there and having fun. So, even though I felt uncomfortable about it, I put my bikini on and hubby & I went for a swim ... in the sea! My first swim in a loooong time. It was so much fun and so liberating. Just put your bikini or one-piece on and go have fun! Don't think about anyone else. You never know, you may just inspire someone else to do it too!

24th January, 2016

No bikini for me, only in my youth. The only time I wear a swimsuit is at 6 o'clock in the morning when I swim lengths.

23rd January, 2016

Oh man you always make me giggle Kelllie. I have always loved your writing even pre-pixie! I agree that to have the perfect bikini body you just put a bikini on your body. I wish it were that easy though. Having 'way more to cuddle' makes it hard to believe you can do it. I take inspo from Tess the plus sized model she is amaze and doesn't care. Oh to have that belief in myself

22nd January, 2016

I really don't care about who wears what when it comes to swimsuits. I do think however that swimsuits that fit are a good idea because you don't want to be uncomfortable and constantly having to readjust your swimsuit. One thing though, that may come across as opinionated is that if your pooch is extra well, Santa-ish and hangs low and covers the front of your bikini bottoms, I think a swimsuit with fuller coverage is a good idea. Just so people can see you're wearing swimsuit bottoms, otherwise they might feel a bit uncomfortable. I'm thinking of that scene in the movie Norman. Other than that rock whatever you want.

22nd January, 2016

I have a really long torso so there is more chance of a nip slip in a one piece than a bikini on me. I love bikinis. This summer has been an eye opener for me with the appearance of wobbly bits and dimples- bikini or one piece there is no hiding it! A year of no exercise really shows- let's see what difference a year of exercise makes.

22nd January, 2016

I love that you did this article, I seriously love the statement that any body can be a bikini body because it's so true. I personally wouldn't wear one in public, maybe one day I'll feel more confident!

22nd January, 2016

Nice work Kellie! I love that philosophy! I love the world's views are slowly changing to "anything goes" I do wear a bikini however i wear board shorts & a singlet over top at the moment... I'm working up to getting high waisted bottoms like in the pic above but I've found all of those types of sets are really expensive.. maybe next summer!

22nd January, 2016

I don't feel comfortable in public in either a one piece or a bikini, but will wear a bikini at home. Good tips on buying them.

22nd January, 2016

Love this article Kellie! There is no reason not to wear a bikini. If you want to then do it. Even though I'm a bit saggy from losing lots of weight I still wear one because you know what, I couldn't care less what anyone else thinks!

22nd January, 2016

One piece for me -a long time since I felt comfortable in a bikini.If you feel good I reckon go for it but I like a one piece for me.

Toni-Lee
22nd January, 2016

At kmart they sell cute high waisted bottoms and are very affordable (around $15) :)

mallomiss
22nd January, 2016

OHHHH thank you so much!!! I love Kmart!

tannygirl
22nd January, 2016

Sorry the movie is Norbit not Norman. My mistake.

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