‘Fatkini’ Pictures Hit the Web

As the summer months approach, a number of women are taking their body acceptance to new heights and posting bikini pictures online. Their bikini bodies aren’t the typical slim and toned looks many find idea,l however, instead women are proudly showing off curves and even stretch marks in a series of so-called “fatkinis.” Gabi Gregg, a popular plus size fashion blogger, is being called the creator of the movement after posting a bikini picture for the second time on her personal blog, GabiFresh.com. Wearing a black and white striped high-waist bikini, Gregg blogged about her decision to shy away from the typical one-piece women her size are encouraged to wear.

“As always, I truly encourage you guys to get to the beach or a pool this summer — don’t let body shame keep you from having a good time!” said Gregg who wears a size 18. “I don’t expect everyone to feel comfortable in a two-piece, but hopefully I can inspire some of you to take the plunge. I can’t tell you how freeing it is to just have fun without worrying about what other people think.”

Following that the blogger took her fatkini movement to another site, XOJane.com, and encouraged readers to join in. Motivated by her confidence, 31 fatkini wearers submitted pictures of themselves proudly showing off their curvy bodies in skimpy swimwear.

While Gregg’s been praised for her fatkini confidence, several people questioned whether the blogger was promoting poor health and obesity. Luckily for Gregg, she was called in to be a guest on the “Today” show where she defended her decision to promote body acceptance instead of body shame. “I think that’s silly… I’m all for health,” said Gregg to “Today’s” Tamryn Hall. “I think people should be really aware of what they’re putting in their bodies and try to get more active. The truth is, we have to live in our bodies and be happy with the bodies we have right now, regardless of where we are in our journey to health.”

Do you support the fatkini movement? Or do you think this body acceptance trend is promoting poor health?

Hats off to these confident ladies, check out pictures of some women proudly sporting their fatkinis below.  –danielle canada