ALEXANDRA SHULMAN: Why I’ll always be proud to show off my crepey tummy in a bikini
As we eke out the last few days of summer, the verdict is now in on the pressing issue of bikini v swimsuit. And this year, the fantastic news is that finally, finally, the British swimwear-buying public seem to have wised up to the pleasures of bikini-wearing.
A recent survey has shown that this year, sales of the bikini have outnumbered one-piece costumes by the astounding factor of seven to one making up 82 per cent of swimwear sales. And a large proportion of this number have been bought by the middle-aged women who were previously favouring the swimsuit.
Ever since the bikini made its first appearance in 1946, womankind have been split between those happy to bare a bit more of their body and those who cherish the security of the one-piece.
While the Italians, Portuguese, Greek and Spanish women of all shapes and sizes have been happy to romp around on the beach in bikinis, we Brits have traditionally been more wary of the added exposure this choice of swimwear demands.
Now, it’s true I have skin, literally, in this particular bikini game. Back in 2017, I posted an Instagram picture of myself on holiday wearing a bikini I had bought from middle-England brand Boden, complete with a display of a slightly crepey tummy, mosquito bites and messy hair.
A recent survey has shown that this year, sales of the bikini have outnumbered one-piece costumes by the astounding factor of seven to one making up 82 per cent of swimwear sales. Pictured: Marilyn Monroe in 1946
In 2017, I posted this Instagram picture of myself on holiday wearing a bikini I had bought from middle-England brand Boden, complete with a display of a slightly crepey tummy, mosquito bites and messy hair
I had thought this was just another summer holiday snap and had no idea that it would trigger any kind of commentary – but it did. Had I shown my mumsy body off to promote body diversity? Was I brave at 59 to post an unfiltered picture wearing a bikini? Had I lost my mind having just left my previous 25-year role as editor-in-chief of Vogue?
Of course, it was none of these. I didn’t for a second think this was in any way extraordinary, and considered this picture one among many, showing off the pleasures of my holiday by the sea.
It hadn’t occurred to me it would launch an issue over whether there is an appropriate age to wear bikinis if you’re not blessed with the body and skintone of Liz Hurley.
Because bikinis have been part of my holiday wardrobe ever since I was young when I watched with envy grown-up women slaked in Ambre Solaire tanning oil as they basked in the sun in their bikinis.
I was condemned to my boring school-regulation Speedo, but as soon as I had a choice it was a bikini for me – no question. And so it remains.
Although I am far from svelte, the exposure of my tummy causes me no more angst than the many other bits and pieces of me that could do with some improvement because bikini wearing is a state of mind rather than state of body. It is no more necessary to look like Gwyneth Paltrow or Salma Hayek in a bikini than it is wearing a one-piece.
It hadn’t occurred to me it would launch an issue over whether there is an appropriate age to wear bikinis if you’re not blessed with the body and skintone of Liz Hurley (pictured)
Bikini-wearing is not a competition. Yet this hasn’t prevented legions of women feeling uncomfortable when they expose their belly, despite the fact that, logically, we should be especially proud of this part of our anatomy for its childbearing capacity. Far from being ashamed that as the years pass we lose the waistline and firmness of youth, we should be prepared to acknowledge what an incredible job our bodies do for us.
Those who love bikinis do so not because they show off our figures but because they feel so good. Age has no relevance to the wonderful feeling of sun and water on skin. The other day 90-year-old Joan Collins was pictured in a white bikini, joining a slew of older women flying the flag.
And fashion this summer has helped the cause, providing a larger range of styles than ever before. Joining the tankini with a vest rather than bra top come the 1950s-style big pants providing more coverage for those who want the feeling of a bikini but prefer a bit more cover-up.
A few years ago I was lying on a beach outside Lisbon watching what I assumed to be Portuguese grandparents with young children. The couple must have been in their 80s. He favoured skimpy briefs and the woman was in a colourful bikini. They looked so at ease, unashamed of the bodies that have carried them through the decades.
It was the perfect template for holiday style, and one I intend to keep copying for years to come.
Source: Read Full Article