How to Handle Swimsuit Anxiety
For some people, there are things they just don’t look forward to. A dentist appointment. Renewing their license. Wearing a swimsuit.
We get it. Walking around on the beach in just a thin piece of fabric (or two) can be incredibly intimidating! But if your swimsuit anxiety is holding you back from doing the things you enjoy— whether that’s swimming with your kids or relaxing in a hot tub—it may be time to look at how you can begin to move past this anxiety. This post is all about helping you understand your swimsuit anxiety, beginning to make peace with your body, and tips you can use to boost your confidence at the beach.
Why Do So Many of Us Have Swimsuit Anxiety?
If you’re nervous about putting on your bathing suit, you’re not alone. A survey by Planet Fitness found that 46 percent of respondents didn’t feel confident about how their body looked in a swimsuit.
It’s no real surprise that so many of us share this fear. For decades, American culture has connected people’s value to their appearance. While men and women have to deal with this societal framework, women and girls are often targeted with more intense messages from the media, starting at a young age.
So how do we deal with this unique type of anxiety?
Remember That You Are Your Worst Critic
Much of the anxiety from being in a swimsuit comes from what other people will see, whether that’s our stretch marks, cellulite, or loose skin. However, most people at the beach aren’t actually dissecting the appearance of every person they see. In reality, they’re probably thinking about their own body to some degree.
This idea was backed up in that Planet Fitness survey, which found that 76 percent of people are more critical of their own appearance in a bathing suit than the appearance of others in their swimsuits.
Discover New Types of Swimsuits
Thankfully, there are more options for swimwear than string bikinis and Speedos. There are endless styles and shapes of swimsuits available. But if you’re anxious about shopping for swimsuits, you may not know about any of these because you’re actively avoiding shopping.
Try committing to a brief Google search session to see what you might be missing out on. Set a timer for 10 minutes if it feels too intimidating to leave open-ended. Then, try searching for a few terms you may not have before. If you’re a woman, you could try “modest swimwear for women” or “unconventional women swimsuits.” For men, you could search “loose rashguards for men” or “unique swim trunks.”
What is your eye drawn to? Is there a different style you haven’t seen before that you are open to trying out? Or is there a bright design that makes you smile? Try ordering a suit that you think you could like, and then close the tabs and continue on with your day.
Don’t Overlook Comfort
Oftentimes, we dread putting on a swimsuit because it’s flat-out uncomfortable to wear. The lining in the swim trunks may be itchy, or the width of the swimsuit bottom may be too small.
Thankfully, swimsuit designers have made strides in recent years in how they sew swimming suits and what fabrics they use. For example, at Hadley’s Bungalow, we make the straps of many of our swimsuits adjustable, so there’s no digging into your shoulders.
Consider coverage as well. Do you prefer a high-waisted bottom? A high-cut one-piece? Or a rashguard to cover your upper half completely? Swimsuits that are soft, comfy, and cover everything you want to can go a long way in releasing some of the hesitation of going to the pool.
Get a Pool Cover-Up
After going in the water, you don’t want to put your clothes back while you’re still dripping wet. Instead, consider getting a breathable pool cover-up to put on as soon as you’re back to your chair. For women, this could be a flowy dress with a fun design, while men could opt for a breezy button down that dries quickly. Knowing you only have to bare your swimsuit when you’re in the actual water can release some of the anxiety around wearing one.
Remember What Your Body Does for You
We understand how deeply seated swimsuit anxiety can be. When you’re feeling particularly down about how you look in swimwear, it can be helpful to reframe how you think about your body.
Rather than thinking of it as an object, shift to thinking what your body allows you to do. These thoughts could look like, “My body allows me to build a sand castle with my daughter,” or, “My body is strong enough to tow my son around the pool.”
While these thoughts may not erase your anxiety in the moment, it could be a start.
Choose a Swimsuit You Feel Good In
At Hadley’s Bungalow, we design our swimsuits to be comfortable, modest, and empowering. Our hand-drawn designs add a touch of whimsy to our suits, while our high-quality materials ensure that every member of the family is comfy and covered. Check out our entire line of swimwear to see if there’s one that looks like the right fit for you.
