Redefining Sexy
For International Women’s Day, our all girl team is showing some skin and sharing the reasons we love and appreciate the bodies we’re in. Join us and some of our friends for an inclusive discussion on the new beauty ideals, fostering healthy mindsets, and embracing our whole selves.
Amahlia
LBB Pick: Aria One Piece + Nova Leggings
What do you love most about your body?
How it gives me the ultimate gift of freedom through movement and breath. I love how movement can totally define my mindset, and my day.
How do you define sexy?
Confidence and a radiant smile.
How has your perception of your body changed over time?
When I was younger I was always so self critical. Over the years, each time I looked back at pictures, I realized my vision was clouded and actually looked different than I saw myself at the time, then I would think, “I wish I still looked like that!” Which is so funny, because years later I would look back again and think, “Wow I looked amazing, what was I thinking?!" Ultimately I realized that it’s a warped sense of self judging and that I should stop that because I always look back and prove myself wrong. Now I try to be much more accepting of my perceived “flaws,” since I know that in a few years I will look back again and wish I could look like that again. Now I just accept that however I perceive myself now I should just embrace myself “as is,” and just relax and enjoy living in the skin I’m in!
Something you wish you knew when you were younger.
That without realizing at the time, I was truly perfect in my imperfections!
I feel most confident when…
I pop up through the back of a wave
Has starting a swim brand changed your perception of women’s bodies, or your own?
Yes, absolutely, what’s been amazing to me is for all the years I have been working with models, I am always amazed to hear them complain about their own perceived flaws every bit as much as we “average” women complain about ourselves. I have come to realize that this is a societal problem that is ingrained in women from a very young age, and there needs to be new storytelling to young girls and of course teenagers and grown women about self acceptance and self kindness.
Amelia
LBB Pick: Jadon One Piece
What do you love most about your body?
That my body allowed me to conceive, grow, birth and feed my baby girl Alta!
How do you define sexy?
A sense of humor and low ego.
How has your perception of your body changed over time?
When I was younger it was all about a number on the scale, but now I just focus on if I am healthy, strong and flexible.
How have you learned to embrace your ‘flaws’?
As a solo mama with a toddler, I don't have time to think about flaws. When I am in a suit I just focus on if I am comfortable and happy!
Something you wish you knew when you were younger.
Good things happen not because of how you look, but the energy and positivity you put into the world.
Has working for a swim brand changed your perception of women’s bodies, or your own?
I appreciate even more how empowered women can be in a fantastic fitting suit!
Genesis
LBB Pick: Marylyn One Piece
Has working for a swim brand changed your perception of women’s bodies, or your own?
Definitely. Seeing different body types wearing our suits is a constant reminder that there are bodies that look different or similar to my own. Knowing that there are other women out there who look like me makes me feel more comfortable with my body.
How has your perception of your body changed over time?
In the past I never gave my body enough credit for being itself and always wanted to change into something it never could be. It’s a continuous journey but I now try to focus more about being accepting of my body for the way it is and being appreciative of all that it does for me.
Kelly
LBB Pick: Sienna Tank + Sienna High Waist
How do you define sexy?
Confidence and Compassion. Taking care of business but not taking yourself too seriously. Having fun and being your truest self - weirdness and all.
How has your perception of your body changed over time?
It's become less about how my body looks and more about how it feels. Being active and healthy is now the most important thing. I still want to look good, haha, but it's less about a six pack and more about feeling strong.
Something you wish you knew when you were younger.
That nobody really has a perfect body, we all have what we think are 'flaws."" And to embrace your youth, not be so critical of yourself. I took that for granted and now that I'm getting deeper into my 30s, I'm seeing those early signs of aging and am trying to embrace it (it’s not easy!).
I feel most confident when…
I'm taking care of myself - getting good rest, being active, outside and cooking healthy meals. I love to play tennis, hike, snowboard, and be in the ocean - being active while outdoors in nature is the best feeling.
How has working at a swim brand changed your perception of your own body?
I see so many different body shapes in our bikinis, not all the perfect small + perfect chest size. Seeing that confidence in others has made me feel more comfortable being in a bikini. I've also learned the value of a well fitting bikini! There are so many good options now to find that perfect fit and make it a more fun experience.
Nicole
LBB Pick: Zuri Bralette + Ibiza Bottom
How do you define sexy?
Someone with a huge heart who is incredibly kind, compassionate and strong. They build themselves up, along with the people around them.
I feel most confident when...
I feel most confident when I'm at the beach, makeup free, and basking in the sunshine. Also when I'm actively taking care of myself physically and mentally.
How has your perception of your body changed over time?
Over the years I've learned to look at my body through the lens of gratitude, focusing more on what my body is capable of, instead of focusing on what it's lacking. I'm grateful to have a body that can recover when I'm sick, a body that can move, arms to love on people, a voice to speak love and encouragement, and a heart to feel so deeply.
How have you learned to embrace your flaws?
It's been a process of unlearning "beauty standards" and appreciating myself entirely for who I am. I'm so grateful for the women who have gone before me and shown me what it looks like to love and accept your body. We're all created unique in our own ways and that alone is worth celebrating. How boring would it be if we were all the same?!
Jess
LBB Pick: Leah One Piece
How do you define sexy?
I define sexy as being natural and authentic; Owning who you are and being comfortable in your own skin.
How has your perception of your body changed over time?
I don’t focus so much on size and shape but rather on whether or not I feel healthy, happy and strong.
I feel most confident when...
Im in the ocean doing something I love.
Leah
LBB Pick: Mila Top + Milana Bottom
What do you love most about your body?
I have always had a more sporty body type and I once hated my shoulders for being a bit more broad than most but I now appreciate the muscles and that I'm able to lift and carry two toddlers all day long!
How do you define sexy?
Feeling confident in yourself, not worried about what other people think and just knowing regardless of other people's opinions you really are super hot! haha
How has your perception of your body changed over time?
After having kids I realized that my body isn't something I should always be picking apart. It was so strong and able to carry, birth, and nourish both babies.... it deserves a lot of credit! As my life has changed so has my body but I love it more each day since I know what it gave me every time I look at my kids.
Has working for a swim brand changed your perception of women's bodies, or your own?
I love that I get to work with so many inspiring women and truly see how swim looks so amazing on every type of body. I have loved working in the swim industry the past 7 years and seeing it evolve into supporting healthy lifestyles and empowering women of all sizes.
Hazel
LBB Pick: Gia Triangle Top + Barcelona Bottom
How do you define sexy?
Confidence and compassion towards your flaws.
How has your perception of your body changed over time?
I care less about how my body looks and focus more on what makes me feel great within my body.
How have you learned to embrace your ‘flaws’?
These ‘flaws’ are beautiful because they make you uniquely you.
I feel most confident when…
I’m surrounded by other women who are confident in their own skin!
Wes
LBB Pick: Sienna Tank + California High Leg
How has your perception of your body changed over time?
After I turned 30 I began to notice a difference in my body image. I noticed more fine lines. Wrinkles started to make an appearance especially around my mouth eyes, and forehead. I wasn’t the “thin-young-ideal” woman I used to be and want to be. I began to get frustrated and worried I wouldn’t meet the societal standard female beauty…Until I started seeing on social media pages and female companies embracing age and the beauty that comes with it. By embracing the woman I am today and taking care of who I have become, I have fully accepted these changes.
I feel most confident when…
Nothing gives me a confidence boost quite like the beach. The beach is the one place where I can trade my sweatpants and sweatshirt for a swimsuit or wetsuit. I become more confident baring less. I feel relaxed, happy, and at home. The saltwater and sunshine have a physical and mental effect on my mood… in a really good way!
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We’re celebrating Women’s History Month by investing in our sisters.
We’ll be donating a portion of our sales this month to Women’s Earth Alliance, a global initiative that catalyzes women-led, grassroots solutions to protect our environment + strengthen communities from the inside out. When women thrive, the earth thrives 🌎✨