Swimsuit season can be hard on moms. But these days mom bathing suits are truly fabulous. As a woman it can be so upsetting to look in the mirror and see your body aging into something you may think doesn’t match how young you still feel on the inside. But it’s especially important for us as moms to put on our swimsuits and have fun with our kids in the swimming pool and on the beach.
Today, Kristen is sharing how she decided to stop cringing and start splashing in this sponsored post for swimsuits at Yandy.com.
This is a time of year where I find myself cringing a lot. Putting on shorts – cringe. Trying on a bathing suit – cringe. Even online shopping for shorts and bathing suits – cringe. I know it’s silly and pointless to feel uncomfortable about how I look because let’s face it – I’ve had two children. My body isn’t the same as it once was. It’s done a beautiful thing and housed the lives of my two sons, and I am so proud of that miraculous feat. I know that I should accept the stretch marks and endlessly soft tummy that comes with the mom territory, and on most days, I really do. Because I am so grateful to be a mommy!
But something about swimsuit season seems to bring to the surface all those deep-seated insecurities that I feel about how I look – especially how I look compared to before I had my kids. I’m almost certain that I used to have abs. They seem to be hiding from me these days.
I went shopping for some summer essentials a few weeks ago, and brought my 3-year old son along with me. It was a challenging time. While I was changing in the dressing room, I found myself groaning a lot. Everett finally asked me, “Mommy, why are you making that sound?†I responded, “Because I don’t like how I look in these clothes.†He immediately started laughing and said, “That’s so silly. You’re so pretty, Mommy.†I felt like I had been socked in the gut with a heavy dose of reality.
Cringe.
My son thinks I’m pretty.
He thinks I’m pretty and that it’s silly that I should think anything differently. And that, right there, is enough for me.
What Swimsuit Season Should Mean
We live in a marvelous era where women of all sizes, shapes and colors are celebrated – it’s such a exhilarating time to be a woman. We can be homemakers or CEOs or awesomely confident moms in a bathing suit at the pool. We should embrace this amazing time to be alive!
Of course our bodies are different after having kids. Some things will never be the same again. Those abs I once had – they might keep masquerading. Those stretch marks? They’re quite the badge of honor. And while I might not be able to find it in my heart to necessarily celebrate these new additions to myself – one thing is for certain… I will remember that this summer is not about how I look in a bathing suit.
This summer is about getting in my bathing suit so that I can play with my kids.
Especially while this body of mine is strong and able to swim and splash and do cannonballs.
I want to play in the pool with my sons, and I want them to remember me being present and playful with them. Not the mommy who worries about swimsuit season and complains in the mirror about how she looks. How lame is that? I’ve got to stop my cringing.
Am I Alone?
Ladies, I’m sure I’m not alone in how I feel here. You are savvy enough to know that what you do as a mom is incredible, intricate and intense work. I’m sure you have been encouraged to pursue some self-care from time to time – a pedicure can really do wonders for a mom. You have also probably been told to accept what you look like post-baby and love yourself in spite of what you see in the mirror. I agree with that sentiment and I challenge you to take it one step further – each time you look in the mirror and have a negative thought about how you look, remind yourself how silly it is to be down on yourself – you are so pretty! Your kids think you’re awesome! You are awesome!
So, as you can see, I put on my swimsuit. I played with my son (the water was freezing) while my other son napped. We splashed, laughed and ate popsicles. It felt like such a good way to open up the summer swimsuit season with acceptance and joy and silliness. And it was so much fun.
Find A Swimsuit That Makes You Comfortable
There are so many different styles of bathing suits that can help you feel comfortable and confident. You won’t even feel like you’re wearing a “mom bathing suit”… you’ll just feel fantastic.
Yandy.com is a great source for bathing suits and cover-ups for women of all shapes and sizes. The site offers a wide range of styles, colors and patterns, so there is a little bit of something for everyone this swimsuit season.
They have an entire line of Plus Size Swimwear and the prices are so reasonable.
I personally love wearing this Parisian Bikini bathing suit, because even for a two-piece it gives me a little extra coverage, which makes me feel more secure as I’m moving and swimming.
This jumpsuit cover-up is absolutely wonderful because it is so soft and easygoing. Plus it offers lots of coverage so I feel super comfy bending over and playing once I’m out of the pool.
I think the key to staying comfortable this summer is by finding a really great cover up (or two!) that you can rotate between at the beach and the pool. So that when you’re done splashing in the water with your kiddos, you can relax in something that puts you completely at ease.
This summer I will be wearing my bathing suit, splashing, doing some cannonballs and playing with my sons in the water.
I hope you will join me and do the same with your family. Mama, you are so pretty!
And remember – no more cringing – that’s just silly.
Don’t Miss This…
Did you see Kristen’s earlier post featuring Yandy Active Wear?
Why Moms Should Not Apologize For Living In Activewear
Disclosure: This post is sponsored, so extra thanks for reading and sharing.
Written by 5 Minutes for Mom contributor Kristen Hale, who blogs about living a playful and intentional life at Oy!
Talk with us: @5minutesformom and Facebook.com/5minutesformom
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Looking so gorgeous!!!
And what a great post!!!ðŸ˜
I can’t seem to find your cover-up….
It might be out of stock…..
But if you maybe find something similar again, could you please share?
Thank you so much!
You look great on that bikini! Looking sexy! 🙂
I prefer tankinis for 2 reasons. It is easier to use the restroom and my bottom is smaller than my top so it allows me to purchase the correct size suit for my size.
I love two pieces that give me a little extra coverage of my arms mostly.
i feel the most comfortable in a tankini and swim shorts
I like a one peace suit
I prefer tankinis , I think they are so cute
My wife prefers one pieces.
I like one pieces or tankini’s
I prefer a 2 piece that covers everything!
i like one pieces
I like wearing a one piece bathing suit with a little skirt attached at the bottom. I like my thighs covered.
I wear bikinis with one of my own tank tops/cami tops over it. I do not like how one pieces look and tankini’s leave my belly hanging out.
I wear a one piece. At 58 I still have the figure for a bikini but feel that I should show less skin at my age.
I prefer tankinis to hide my mom belly.
I prefer one piece suits!
I like tankinis
subscribe email: slehan at yahoo dot com
I swim 3 times a week year-round. I like a one piece.
Thanks for the contest.
I would love to try to gift a full coverage suit to my sister in-law.
I love two pieces with the bottom more like shorts.
I like full pieces best. Tankinis second best. And bikinis only when I’m relaxing in my own yard. 🙂
My favorite type of swimsuit is a tanking.
I like wearing a tankini, because I’m large. Love the cover up your wearing over your bathing suit. Thanks!
I like one-pieces
I like wearing tankinis
I prefer more modest 1 piece with little attached skirts. Thanks and God Bless!
i like tankinis
I like to wear one piece swimsuits
I heart the tank!
I like to wear both. I like the skirt type the most. One piece or two piece. I also like my bathing suit to cover all body parts 😉
I like bikinis and tankinis.
I love a two piece bikini… whether it be a Tankini or bikini. Bottoms must have enough support in front🙃 and have that extra coverage 😬
I love tankinis. Some coverage but not to much.
I love high waisted two pieces and I am obsessed with the long sleeve, rash guard top! (super chic and different!) I am also all for the cute one piece trend, instead of one pieces that made me look like I was trying out for the junior high swim team!!
I like a bikini
one pieceeee!!
I love a sporty looking, trendy top with full coverage so my toddler can’t easily flash the world my chest in a very now neutral color (sage, mauve, taupe, etc) with a sporty athletic cut bikini bottom in a bold print with hints of the neutral color in it.
i like one piece with shorts
I love wearing tankinis!
Tankinis
I’m a dude, so i’ll stick with swim trunks. But my wife likes a nice bikini
I usually look for two piece tankinis because we are a sporty family, so I need more functional pieces and not have to worry about a wardrobe malfunction!
i like high waisted two pieces. they fit me good and look cute on me.
I’m a bikini lover. I like more athletic ones with no ties.
i like tankinis’s
I like to wear one piece swimsuits
I like the one pieces lately. Something cute but with coverage.
I prefer creatively designed two-pieces which give some extra coverage for my middle aged body.
I like tankinis the most. Used to be bikinis but time and age changed that lol.
I prefer to wear one pieces, however there are really some cute 2 pieces that would work well too!
Even though I look younger than my age, I am 63 so I still prefer a one piece. Hard for woman my age to wear a 2 piece.
I have worn a one piece for years. Back in my youth I would wear one with a deep plunge, no a Michael Kors one piece tank is styling!
I like to wear one piece swimsuits.
I am all about a one piece bath suit.
After five kids, I am all about the one piece. Haha
Tankinis with the skirted bottoms seem to be the best for me. They cover most things without worry.
I like tankinis. I wore a bikini in college but I didn’t feel comfortable, even though I was at my thinnest.
The woman I’m seeing prefers bikinis. Thanks so much for the chance!
I used to wear a size 3. After having a baby, I’m now a size 12, even though I’m healthy, eat healthy and am fairly active. I like wearing creative two piece swimsuits.
I used to be a competitive swimmer and wore one pieces for races, but always wore bikinis for regular lounging around the pool or at the beach. After I had my son, I usually wore creative two pieces or one pieces. Now, I am 63 and I wear whatever I can get into, but still prefer the creative two pieces that look like one piece suits. I like the kind that have a skirt or a blousy top because even if the extra fabric doesn’t really cover up those troublesome areas, I feel more comfortable and confident wearing that type of suit.
Definitely a one piece- I was never comfortable in any other type even when I was MUCH younger.
I like one piece swimsuits.
I would love to try a Monokini. I wear a 2 piece tank set.
Definitely a bikini girl!
I usually like wearing one piece with ruffles or crochet!
I am most comfortable in a one piece
Tankini
I prefer a tankini with a loose, flowy top and a skirt bottom
I always wear a one-piece because I’m overweight and a one-piece is more comfortable. Someday, I would love to be able to rock a bikini. That day may never come because I love food too much. 😉
Ideally, I’d like a creative 2 piece, but I usually end up in a tankini.
I prefer one piece.
I like a 2-piece, but definitely with high-waisted bottoms!
I prefer extra coverage or at least tankini style. I haven’t worn a swimsuit in 10 years. I have lost 100+ lbs in the last year, so I think it’s time to try on a swimsuit again!
I generally like a one-piece suit but I would not mind a more conservative two-piece either.
Once upon a time, I wore a bikini, but 3 kids later I wear something for more coverage.
I am thinking that at age almost sixty-one this month that I better be covering all this up with a one piece style swim-suit. I don’t want to put someones eyes out. Or turn them into a pillar of salt when they gaze upon me. lol 🙂
I prefer a bikini
My wife prefers to wear Bikinis
I prefer tankinis or a one piece.
I like bikinis and tankinis! I wish one pieces fit me better, but I like all the new high-waisted bottoms, and high neck tops!
I’m a fan of those that are cleverly designed to give extra coverage.
When it comes to swimsuits I am a tankini type, I like the bottoms that are skirts too, because I like to be modest with my curvy and busty self. I’m not self-conscious so much about my body but rather like to keep things covered when I’m active with my kids in and out of the water. Thanks for the chance to win, I like the suit featured in this post.
i love the creative two pieces but id like to be in better shape
I prefer a one-piece or full coverage two-piece bathing suits with rashguards.
I love a bikini!
I like high waisted bikinis!
I like 2 pieces that cover up, I feel more comfortable.
I prefer to wear bikinis at the pool but at the ocean I also wear a rash guard. The water is usually cold around here so having a long sleeve (and super cute) rash guard really helps.
i like vintage one pieces for the summer!
I like a modest swim suit. I like the cover up that was shown in this post. I will be looking it up for sure!
I prefer a one- piece
I prefer one pieces.
I like shirt & shorts suits for women.
I like to wear bikinis w/ a bottom cover up.
Skirted bottoms over shorts are my favorite. They’re hard to find as actual swimsuits so I usually end up wearing a running skort.
I prefer creatively designed two-pieces which give some extra coverage.
Mom of two here and all about creative two pieces to cover up my C-section scar!
Bikini pre-baby now not sure…
I like to wear one piece suits to hide my mom body.
I prefer extra coverage.
I prefer extra protection! There are many cute outfits and it reduces the risk of sunburn! 🙂
I like tankinis or creatively designed two-pieces.
Bikinis are my fave suit the less I have on in the water the faster I can swim LOL
I like to have good coverage and support so I can chase after kids without worrying about something popping out!
LOOKS GREAT
I have been looking for a strapless but loose, flowy top!!
I got a high waisted 2 piece after having my first son and really liked myself in a 2 piece for the first time in my life. With nursing, I was actually slimmer than I had been before the baby (I realize I’m one of the lucky ones). After baby number 2, I’m not AS comfortable in that same suit, but found a really flattering black one piece for this summer. I agree with some other commenters that boob support is key!
My go to swimsuits are high wasted bottoms with regular triangle or keyhole tops
I wear a one piece suit.
I like tankinis
I like to wear a two piece with a skirt type bottom. Thanks for the giveaway!
I prefer to wear one pieces.
I prefer tankinis or fuller coverage two pieces.
I usually use a two-piece top with swim trunks!
If I wear a swimsuit, it has to be a one piece with the little skirt at the bottom. I need as much cover as possible. Thank you!
I like tankinis for the coverage that they offer and I don’t have to take off my entire suit to go to the bathroom like in a one piece.
I prefer one piece swim suits.
I like tankinis!
I prefer to wear a tankini. This swimsuit is adorable.
I am in the pool almost everyday for water aerobics and I like a one piece with a cross back but for vacation I prefer a tankini.
Definitely one pieces! Thanks
I feel the most comfortable in a tankini
I prefer tankini’s! I’ve been leaning towards trying a one-piece though!
I tend to wear one-piece swimming suits. I don’t necessarily feel confident in a swimming suit but I don’t bug out about it. Thanks.
I prefer one piece suits.
Well you look adorable!! I like a structured tankini with a high waisted bottom.
I wear a one piece suit.
The two-piece is adorable on you. I have been getting one-piece suits, still keeping my two piece, but haven’t worn them in years!
My favorite is a one-piece.
I prefer to cover as much as possible, lol, so I go for the tankini. Thanks for the giveaway!
I like love swim dresses
I generally wear bikinis, however I tend to have a problem with the bikini tops because they aren’t supportive enough.
I prefer to wear a one-piece swimsuit for the coverage.
I prefer a tankini, they’re cute but still provide some support
I like two piece swimsuits and the more coverage the better!
I like one pieces or two piece with a high waist – retro styles!!
I like coverage!
I usually wear bikinis! But there are so many cute styles out now
i like tankinis with a skirt bottom a more fitted skirt not a fluffy one
I prefer 2 piece suits, but more of tankini style with coverage.
I really love two pieces BUT i always wear a one-piece! i prefer the tummy coverage!
I love colorful swimdress style suits. They are easy to wear and stay put.
extra coverage for sure but can’t tell you the last time my swimsuit saw the light of day
I like a one piece
It really depends on where I am and my level of fitness, sometimes like a bikini, other times a tankini or one piece.
I usually wear a one piece suit every summer.
I prefer to wear one piece swimsuits as I am most comfortable wearing this.
one piece. Liked it when the stores regularly carried boy shorts but I never see them anymore
I wear a one piece but would love to try out a two piece that has shorts for the bottoms and a good supportive top. Tankini would be great.
I like bikinis!
I have struggled wish they would make a slimming one piece with an extra skirt at the bottom to help cover you more.
at my age and size i totally prefer a one piece with control
Nothing is better than a bikini!!
I usually wear one pieces
I like tankinis.
I prefer tankinis.
I like to wear two pieces that offer some additional coverage. I have never really like one pieces I’m not sure I have ever even owned one lol.
I like tankinis and the high waisted two pieces. I also like halter top two pieces.
I like one piece and black. Yes, I have had five babies, so you know I have some extra pounds and skin 🙁 I sure wish I knew how to get rid of extra skin, and when you can’t do the exercises to get rid of it. I have spinal stenosis (huge back problems). So I really love, love the black one piece I saw with the fringe. I like to wear those lacy beach coats too. My arms flap in the wind 🙁
I like tankinis and also creative two pieces. I want good coverage but to also look cute.
I like my two-piece with boy short bottoms. I prefer more coverage nowadays, I’m okay with not being able to sport a bikini anymore, but kudos to those who can rock them!
I like tankinis! Covers my belly but makes it easier to go to the bathroom! ha ha
I wear tankinis the most.
I like one or two pieces that have a boy short bottom design
I wear swim trunks
I like swimsuits with skirted bottoms! Unfortunately I don’t see too many on Yandy.com, but perhaps I have to search more.
Two piece with shorts
One piece!
I prefer tankinis! So cute and comfy!
I like bikinis the most because they are most comfortable, but this year I’m thinking of trying out a one piece. I will probably end up just getting another bikini though!
As I’ve ages I’ve moved from bikinis to tankinis! Oh well. I’d probably prefer jeans and a Tshirt but they are sort of hard to swim in! 😉
I like the tankinis
Usually a tankini.
I like wearing bikinis
I prefer a tankini top, and I really like shorts that you could swim in, or put on over your tankini bottoms for extra coverage.
I have not worn one for quite sometime.
I have worn a bikini in the past but I think a tankini or a cute one piece. I really do not know.
I prefer a cute bikini.
I really appreciate the full coverage bikinis like the YANDY GOLDEN ROSE HIGH WAISTED BIKINI.
I prefer a bikini but it needs to be high-waisted. I like one pieces but they usually lack boob support!