Summer is right around the corner, and if you’ve been dreaming of more pool days, beach days, lakeside fun, and anything involving water, then you know that it is bathing suit season. Every year, I always hear the same saying: “I have to get my summer body ready.” And it’s great to put in the work and feel good about our bodies. However, one thing that really comes to mind when discussing summer bodies is bathing suit confidence.
I don’t know about you, but I used to struggle a lot with this. The tips below are some lessons that I’ve learned over the past couple of years. They’ve helped me to feel confident not just in a bathing suit but within my body overall. I hope that they help you too, so you can see your body in a new light and grow and sustain your confidence while rocking your bathing suit.
Bathing Suit Confidence
Pray and Speak Affirmations Over Your Body
First and foremost, when it comes to wearing a bathing suit, we have to address the elephant in the room: body image. I don’t know about you, but sometimes it’s hard to see my body in a positive light. It’s so easy to focus on what I think is wrong with it rather than appreciating its beauty and all the amazing things it does for me. I’m quick to notice my stretch marks, scars, body hair, and overall shape, but I often overlook how my body allows me to walk, move freely, and function without mobility issues.
One of the most powerful ways to improve body image is by shifting our perspective. Praying to God and asking Him to help us see ourselves the way He sees us has been truly life changing for me. It’s important to embrace the truth that we are created in God’s image and likeness, and every part of us is intentionally and beautifully designed. When we take God’s word as truth, we can walk in that truth, gaining wisdom and learning to see our bodies in a new and loving way. Not just from our own perspective, but from the perspective of God, our Creator, the ultimate artist.
In addition to prayer, I love reading the Bible and speaking biblical affirmations over my body. When negative thoughts creep in or I start comparing myself to others, it’s hard but I have to shut them down immediately by praying and declaring Bible verses over myself (which is in essence God’s truth).
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
Dress More Modestly
Another great way to feel confident in a bathing suit is to dress a little more modestly. Now, modesty can mean different things to different people, and it’s important to figure out what makes you feel comfortable. Remember to keep your mind and heart open, so that God can guide you in this area and show you what modesty looks like for you.
For example, modest swimwear might mean wearing a one-piece bathing suit with swim shorts. For somebody else, it could be wearing a swimsuit dress. Dressing modestly can also help relieve some of the pressures of wondering, “Are people looking at me?”. Allowing you to feel more at ease and increasing your overall comfort and confidence.
Wear a Bathing Suit That Fits Your Style
When it comes to dressing comfortably, another great way to feel confident in a bathing suit is by choosing one that matches your personal style. If you love bold and bright colors, go for bathing suits in those shades. If you’re not a fan of two-piece swimsuits, opt for a one-piece instead. And if you prefer more coverage, choose bathing suits with skirt bottoms or pant bottoms. Wearing what makes you feel good will boost your confidence and help you enjoy the moment.
Stop Comparing Your Body to Others
Stop comparing your body to others. I know it’s easier said than done, but seriously—stop. Your body is uniquely yours. No one else has your exact body, and no one else knows it as intimately as you do because you live in it every day. Take pride in that exclusivity.
One thing that has helped me to stop comparing my body to others is being mindful of the content that I consume, especially on social media. It’s easy to scroll past fitness influencers or “gym girlies” and start feeling inadequate.
While it’s great to find inspiration in how others style their bodies, if that content starts to make you see your body in a negative light, then it’s time to take a step back and put a limit on those types of content.
Take Care of Your Body
Another key to feeling confident in your body, beyond just wearing a bathing suit…is taking care of it. Nourish your body with good and nourishing foods and move your body through exercise, as a way of showing appreciation and care.
Not only will you see physical benefits, whether it’s in how your body looks or reaching a certain weight goal, but you’ll also experience the mental benefits. Exercise and eating healthy foods can help release dopamine, boost your mood, and bring the satisfaction of knowing that you’re treating your body with kindness, love, and care.
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Understand That Your Body Changes
Accept that your body will change, that is an inevitable fact. The size you were five years ago is most likely not the size that you are now. Even the size that you were a few months ago may be different from today.
Your body also fluctuates throughout the day. You will lose and gain weight, develop stretch marks, cellulite, scars, and grow hair. Because your body is living and breathing. And anything that is alive naturally changes. Embracing this truth can help you appreciate your body at every stage.
