by Ana Guzman

As I was looking through the Victoria’s Secret catalog I saw a gorgeous two piece swimsuit and realized there is no way I’m going to look like the model wearing it. Not only did it ruin my dinner (making me feel guilty for every bite I took) but it affected my self-esteem. Why not have models that look like average curvy women instead?

Swimsuits for All

Swimsuits for All is an online swimsuit company dedicated to helping women find the best fitting swimsuit that will make them feel beautiful and confident in their own body. Its mission is to make swimsuit shopping enjoyable rather than dreadful. To show that women don’t have to look like models on Sports Illustrated to look great in a swimsuit, the company launched a campaign recreating this year’s Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue cover with plus size models. Its campaign video shows women sharing their thoughts about swimsuit models in magazines and how they should show different body types instead of the usual tall and thin models. The women in this video look happy and confident, creating the sense that it’s okay to have curves and finding the perfect swimsuit will only accentuate the beauty in those curves.

Real beauty, real curves

In the past, several companies have launched similar campaigns. The lingerie brand Aerie launched its #AerieReal campaign in which models were not photoshopped to show their true beauty. Aerie focused this campaign in young women and their goals was to create a better sense of body confidence in women. “We want every girl to feel good about who they are and what they look like,” Aerie said.

Dove’s Real Beauty campaign also had a similar goal, which was linking beauty to a sense of confidence rather than anxiety. This campaign included several videos, posters, advertisements and the use of social media to redefine beauty. Although this campaign was launched in 2004, it’s ongoing. It’s currently running the #RealBeautyIs campaign where people can type their own definition of beauty with the option to upload a picture or video.

There is beauty in every woman. Being  a young woman obsessed with the Victoria’s Secret catalog, I know it is very easy to compare yourself to those models. However, it’s great to see all the new campaigns discussing this ongoing issue of what beauty really is. No more hiding under those comfy sweats and hoodies. It’s time to get some sun. Be confident and comfortable in your own body!

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