However, thanks to one mum-of-three, thousands of women are now feeling a lot more confident about their body.
Rachel Hollis was on a holiday in Cancun, Mexico when she posted a picture of herself wearing a bikini, and we’re sure she wasn’t expecting to get the response that she did!
Sharing the picture on her Instagram page, Rachel inspiringly wrote:
"I have stretch marks and I wear a bikini. I have a belly that’s permanently flabby from carrying three giant babies and I wear a bikini. My belly button is saggy. . . (which is something I didn’t even know was possible before!!) and I wear a bikini. I wear a bikini because I’m proud of this body and every mark on it. Those marks prove that I was blessed enough to carry my babies and that flabby tummy means I worked hard to lose what weight I could. I wear a bikini because the only man who’s (sic) opinion matters knows what I went through to look this way. That same man says he’s never seen anything sexier than my body, marks and all. They aren’t scars ladies, they’re stripes and you’ve earned them. Flaunt that body with pride! #HollisHoliday."
However, while many of the comments related to Rachel’s post-pregnancy body, it seems that it wasn't just those who had stretch marks that she was empowering. One person commented: "I don't have legs, but I still wear shorts! My body is covered with scars from a land mine encounter, but I wear shorts. At least I don't have to worry about snakebites, cold feet, stubbing my toes, twisting my ankles, and buying shoes is a breeze..."
Wearing a bikini is no longer the stuff of super models - let's be honest, do you sit on the beach analysing everyone elses lumps and bumps? We think not. Do yourself a favour and find your perfect bikinis, swimsuits and separates and wear them with confidence and style. Take no hostages - you've got this.
