This Model Shared the Frustrating Truth of What Swimsuit Shopping Is Really Like for Plus-Size Women

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Sonny Turner

Photo: IG: @SonnyTurner__

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When a body positive plus-size British model posted a photo showing the harrowing experience of shopping for a bathing suit, women around the world gave a collective slow clap. In the pic, Sonny Turner is seen in a situation many of us can relate to – trying on a suit that clearly did not take curvy women into account.

In the post she says bikini designers don’t know how to cater to women over a size 12 and offers tips to up and coming swimsuit designers. Some of her suggestions include…

  • “Big breasts need underwire for support for a youthful lift.
  • We need cup sizes that correlate to bra sizes and they need to go past DD.
  • We need straps that aren’t so tight it’s as though our neck is about to snap off.
  • We need bikini bottoms that don’t give is (sic) wedgies when we walk.
  • We need swimsuits that fit over our hips without dragging the neck of the costume down causing neck ache.”

Her list of demands are so on point. She ends her post by saying “make clothes for all sizes and bodies.” Considering the average size for a woman in the U.S. is a size 16, Turner’s requests are legit.

Speaking to Mashable, Turned explained that the swimsuit shopping experience makes her feel “abnormal.” The sad truth is that many women feel this way when looking for a bathing suit. Fortunately there are some brands who are finally starting to cater to this curvier community.

And while a platform like Instagram allowed Turner to share her crappy experience, it’s also a place that’s opened us up to all the badass plus-size babes slaying in bikinis. Check out these six queens reminding us all that it is possible to find the right suit and look amazing!

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@Gabifresh fashion blogger is an outspoken advocate for body positivity. She’s created her own line of swimsuits for SwimsuitsForAll.com and it’s awesome!

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Blogger @everythingcurvyandchic proves that you can look amazing in everything you wear as long as you wear it with confidence!

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Blogger @garnerstyle is the co-creator of @thecurvycon. She offers plus-size women advice and inspiration on creating their best style!

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@tessholiday You know her you love her, she gives zero f**ks and has no chill. She’s an advocate for women, feminism, and body positivity. She absolutely kills in everything she wears especially her bikini!

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@essiegolden came to SLAY! She’s an NYC model and blogger who uses her platform to inspire and encourage other women.

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@missalexlarosa is a plus-size model who is dedicated to fostering conversations of the importance of racial diversity and size acceptance in fashion and beyond.

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bikinis body positivity curvy women plus size fashion
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