The 'perfect swimsuit body' was never the point—these women explain why

For decades, swimwear has come with an invisible checklist: flatter stomachs, smaller waists, smoother skin, younger bodies, and endless confidence. But real life rarely looks like a swimsuit campaign. Confidence is complicated, bodies change, and learning to feel at home in your skin is often less about loving every inch of yourself and more about refusing to sit life out.

From athletes and activists to creators and models, eight women share how their relationship with swimwear has evolved over the years. Through experiences of ageing, motherhood, modest dressing, queerness, body image, and online scrutiny, their stories reveal a simple truth: there is no single way to have a "swimsuit body". There is only the courage to show up as you are.

Varshita Thatavarthi
Model

How did swimwear fit into your journey of challenging beauty standards? 

Swimwear was one of the most confronting and, in turn, transformative parts of my journey. Growing up, I saw it as something bound by rules, as if only certain bodies were allowed to wear it. I did not feel I qualified. Over time, shifted from being a statement to something simpler and more personal, a way of existing in my body without apology or permission.

Have online reactions ever made you second-guess posting swimwear photos? 

Of course, I do not think anyone is fully immune to that. There have been moments where I paused before posting and thought about how it might be received. What helped me move past it was separating intention from reaction. My intention is to show up honestly and take up space as I am. Staying grounded in that makes the external noise much less powerful.

How do you deal with low confidence on days people expect you to be confident?

Confidence is not a permanent state for me, and I do not think it should be expected all the time. On days I am not feeling my best, I do not force it. I either take a step back or show up more honestly, without trying to perform confidence.

What would you want a girl who's never seen her body in swimwear ads to feel when she sees you? 

Representation, for me, is not about being aspirational. It is about being relatable enough that someone feels less alone in their own body. If anything. I would want her to too, without needing to change herself first feel a sense of ease, like there is space for her too, without needing to change herself first.

Sanjana Rishi 
Digital content creator

How does the visibility of swimwear pictures compare to other posts? 

For me, swimwear is just another piece of clothing, but visibility changes how it is read. I then get using comments even on normal photos. When I wore an embellished bikini top with a lehenga for a beach mehndi and posted it, the reaction become for more extreme and moralising. The response seems less about the outfit and more about how people choose to view women's bodies online-and the control they assume over them.

Did your instinct to defy the bridal dress code (she wore a pantsuit at her own wedding) carry into swimwear, or is it a different confidence?

The general instinct of not giving a flying f*ck about what people have to say about my outfits has always been a defining element of my style and self-expression. But I want to recognise that this is also a privilege, as I have a family that never pressured me into dressing a certain way, which is not the norm for many women in India. I was also raised to not accept shame silently, even from elders, which has made me more resilient to backlash and inappropriate comments.

Do you notice the audience's gaze on revealing posts, or have you learnt to tune out?

I’m not ignorant to the male gaze, but I have learnt to tune it out over time. As I’ve grown older, I care less about male opinion in general. My body is just my body, even though society treats parts of it very differently depending on the context. Ultimately, I no longer feel the need for approval or validation from that gaze when I share anything online. Who cares if @introvert_rahul or whatever comments? Men ruined the world—I don’t care to find their favour or approval. They’re broken and we can’t fix them.

Is it easier or harder to challenge norms in swimwear today?

I think it is becoming easier (thank god!) for younger Indian women to challenge conservative style norms. But it still depends a lot on body type. The response to swimwear can be very different for a very slim body versus a fuller one. Women with larger breasts, in particular, face more scrutiny and fewer practical options. For many, the real choice is not between acceptance and rejection but between ridicule and sexualisation. Which is why, for me, it comes back to not letting that gaze decide anything. So while it’s getting generally easier if you look a certain way, it’s harder for women who don’t fit the skinny narrative. That’s why, like I said, it’s better to just not give a flying f*ck.

Aashna Bhagwani
Digital content creator

What do you do on days when body positivity doesn’t feel real? 

Honestly, I don’t wait to feel body positive to show up. I’ve realised those off days are temporary; feeling uncomfortable in your body can happen at any size and it’s more of a passing emotion than a fact. So instead of sitting with it, I choose to move through it. If I want to swim, I’ll still wear the swimsuit and go because the experience matters more to me than how I look at that moment. I didn’t buy it for it to stay in my wardrobe, I bought it to live my life.

Before you spoke about it publicly, what did swimwear confidence look like for you? 

In the beginning, it was not about confidence or how I looked at all. Swimwear was just part of the sport for me. I grew up swimming, so I was already comfortable in it. It only became about appearance later, when I started noticing how swimwear is usually portrayed.

What would you tell someone waiting to feel “ready” for a swimsuit based on your own experience? 

I have had moments, like at a public beach, where I suddenly felt self-conscious and reached for a cover-up, and that is completely normal. My confidence did not come from a single turning point; it built gradually over time through familiarity. I would say, do not wait to feel fully ready. Start with what feels comfortable, choose styles that ease you in, and focus on how it makes you feel rather than what others might think.

Is swimwear confidence about mindset, or having better-fitting options? 

I think it is a mix of both. Having access to swimwear that fits well and supports different body types make a real difference; it helps you feel comfortable and more willing to wear it. At the same time, mindset matters just as much. There will always be small hesitations, but moving past them builds confidence. For me, it is about not holding myself back from experiences I might later regret missing. So yes, access matters, but mindset is what ultimately helps you step out and live.

Roshini Kumar
Photographer, model, activist 

What’s the most freeing thing you’ve done to feel better in a swimsuit? 

In the ‘90s and early 2000s, I saw pop stars and icons in bikinis and assumed it was not meant for my body type. Later, I realised I had to stop caring about people’s opinions. Once I let go of that fear, wearing a swimsuit felt lighter and more freeing.

As a queer person, is swimwear a tool for expression, resistance, or something else? 

For me, wearing swimwear is both expression and freedom. I often wear bikini tops as part of everyday outfits, which feels liberating, because I never thought I would reach this point. It is also resistance. My body, my choice. I refuse to let the male gaze decide what I can or cannot wear.

What’s a body belief or habit you’ve completely let go of when it comes to swimwear? 

I used to believe I could never wear a bikini because my body type was not “meant” for it. The only bodies I saw in swimwear were thin and toned, and I accepted that as a rule. Over time, I realised that the standard is false. Anybody can wear a bikini with confidence and choice, and there are no such rules or restrictions. 

What is one thing women are taught about their bodies that you wish they could unlearn before wearing a swimsuit? 

I think women are taught that their bodies must meet a strict standard before they can wear a swimsuit—flat stomach, no cellulite, no extra fat, and even a “perfect” version of every size. This idea needs to be unlearnt. Bodies are natural and varied, not uniform. Stretch marks, softness, and changes are normal parts of being human. There is no single acceptable shape. 

What matters most is comfort, confidence, and feeling good in your own skin at all costs. What’s a “body positive” statement you no longer fully believe in? 

It’s not about me no longer believing, but I see how it is often reduced to looking good, posting online, or wearing flattering clothes. That is only a surface layer. Real body positivity is deeper. It is being able to look at yourself daily without constantly picking flaws and still treat your body with acceptance. Style and appearance can be part of it, but they are not the foundation of it.

Jahanvi Tiwari
Digital content creator 

Do you think brown bodies in swimwear are perceived differently online? 

I do think brown bodies are still read differently online, especially in swimwear, often through comparison and judgement. But what has begun to shift is how people respond to that gaze. Many are less afraid of being judged and are choosing to show up as they are. That shift, from fear to self-acceptance, is slowly changing how these bodies are seen and understood. 

What does confidence in swimwear look like for you? 

For me, a good piece of swimwear is when it looks effortless—and that is what makes me feel confident and radiant. Mindset also plays a role. As more people begin to accept their bodies and move past insecurities, it becomes easier to feel comfortable and at home in your own skin.

Does social media make feeling comfortable in swimwear easier or harder? 

Social media has made it easier to be comfortable in your own skin. Finding someone with a body type exactly like yours in real life is difficult, but finding someone with your body type online—wearing what you picture yourself wearing— gives a major confidence boost and triggers the thought: “Well, if she can do it, I can do it too.” And that makes all the difference. 

What do you hope younger brown girls unlearn sooner than you did? 

I hope they unlearn the idea that the world decides what a “bikini body” looks like. It does not. Let go of constant comparison and trust your own sense of self. Confidence grows when you stop measuring yourself against others and start allowing yourself to take up space as you are.

Nishriin Parikh
Athlete

How has your relationship with swimwear evolved across different versions of yourself? 

I never wore a bikini until I turned 50. I always chose more “covered” swimwear, like high-neck styles, even at the beach or pool. It was only when I decided to compete professionally that I wore a two-piece as part of the uniform. Now, as I approach 60, I feel confident and at ease despite standing alongside much younger athletes...with a sense of strength and pride.

Did becoming a mother change the way you saw your body in swimwear?

Motherhood brought many changes to my body, but I never saw them as something to hide. I stayed active through my pregnancies with swimming and daily movement, which helped me feel strong and connected to my body. Post pregnancy, swimwear became more about comfort and choice. With so many styles available today, I could pick what suited me. It was not about covering up, but feeling confident and at ease in my own skin.

Do you think women are pressured to hide or step back from swimwear as they age?

I have seen many women feel shy or conscious about wearing swimwear, especially two-piece styles. For me, it comes down to self-image more than age. I have stood on stage alongside women in their 20s and still felt accepted and respected. Age never limited my visibility. It was about confidence and how I chose to show up and carry myself. 

What would you say to women your age who’ve quietly stopped wearing swimsuits? 

I believe it is important to have a positive self-image and the courage to wear what you like, whether that is a one-piece or a two-piece. For me, it is about walking with pride and strength; focusing on showing up as my best self. I do not hold myself back because of hesitation. Every woman should remember she is special and carry herself with that belief.

Alfiya Karim Khan
Digital content creator

As someone who chooses to dress modestly, what has your relationship with swimwear looked like? 

My relationship with swimwear wasn’t always easy. I often avoided beach vacations because I could not find options that felt appropriate, covered, swim-friendly, and still fun. I love the water, but I felt like I did not belong. When you don’t see options that align with your personal style, you start feeling like the experience isn’t meant for you. That changed when I discovered modest swimwear. It allowed me to participate fully without compromising comfort. Now, it feels less like adjusting myself to fit in and more like finding swimwear that truly fits me. 

What does wearing a “burkini” mean to you—beyond functionality? 

For me, wearing a burkini goes beyond function. It feels like freedom. I remember being the only girl on a beach in Greece wearing one, and it gave me a quiet sense of confidence. I felt comfortable in my own skin, without needing to adjust or overthink. It allows me to be fully present. For me, it is also about choice. Modesty is not restrictive. Choosing what feels right brings its own kind of confidence.`

Is modest swimwear still misunderstood in mainstream fashion conversations?

Modest swimwear is often misunderstood as a restriction rather than a choice. For me, it is an intentional and empowering decision, no different from choosing a bikini. It is also largely excluded from mainstream fashion, where coverage is rarely seen as stylish. Confidence did not come overnight. It grew through showing up despite the stares and focusing on how I felt. Over time, I stopped trying to fit in and began to feel like I truly belonged. 

What’s the impact of having more women like you represented in swimwear? 

I think it would begin by widening what we see as normal. Right now, the idea of how women should look or dress in swimwear is still quite narrow. Greater visibility of different bodies and choices would make these spaces feel more inclusive. For modest dressers, it would remove the feeling of being the only one. It would also push brands to offer better options. Most importantly, it would give younger girls a sense of permission to belong.

Izzy Manuel
Digital content creator

How do you navigate the middle ground between body struggle and self-love when it comes to swimwear? 

Our bodies shift day by day, and that is a natural part of being human. Some days I feel confident, and on others, I do not. I approach swimwear the same way I get dressed. I choose what feels right in that moment. Some days I prefer more coverage; other days a bikini feels right. Ultimately, feeling good in your own skin is what matters most.

Has a conscious approach to style changed your confidence in swimwear? 

I think being more mindful about what I wear has also made me more mindful of how pieces make me feel. When it comes to swimwear, I know there will be days where certain styles won’t make me feel great, and I might need to choose something a bit different.

How do you handle comparison on days when your confidence is already low?

Being more mindful about what I wear has made me more aware of how each piece makes me feel. With swimwear, that means accepting that on some days certain styles will feel great, while on others, I may need something different. I choose based on comfort and mood, rather than forcing a fixed idea of what I should wear.

What’s one thing about swimwear and body image you’re done pretending about? 

We all have insecurities—I do too! The moment I stopped pretending otherwise, I felt more comfortable in my own skin. The truth is, no one notices the things you’re insecure about, so don’t let them stop you from wearing swimwear you love. Our bodies are incredible; they carry us daily, and their natural fluctuations are part of what makes them so special.

This article originally appeared in Cosmopolitan India May-June 2026 print issue.

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