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I Have Stretch Marks and I Love to Wear a Bikini!

Cora Lindholm
Feb 5, 2019
3 min read

In March 2015 Rachel Hollis posted a real, honest, and beautiful bikini bod photo on Instagram, which unintentionally went completely viral. Her 10 million views’ caption read:

"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.” - Rachel Hollis

Rachel Hollis simply picked this bikini body image because her blog theme of the month was the color “orange” and she loved this monogrammed orange top. Since she was laughing and it felt like the least awkward photo out of hundreds, Rachel chose this light-hearted image to share. After only an hour, all of the sudden 2,000 + people liked her photo when her past images maybe got 10 clicks if she was lucky.

Key point here, she did not post this photo for other people to judge her body, she posted this photo because it brought her joy and she saw herself happy…. NOT loathing her body. It is our CHOICE to hate how we look. Of course society doesn’t help, of course this isn’t easy, but I am going to push and shove you a bit, and tell you to be bigger and stronger than your fear of judgement!! Be a leader not a follower.

Think about it. Really think about it. Women are meant to have children. Why on EARTH would we belittle our bodies after such a triumphant achievement? Why on earth would you be ashamed of your survival and sacrifice? And the worst part is… it’s women that compare to other women! We are on the same team ladies. Mom’s, be role models for your kids, rock that strong body. If you body shame, your children will learn the same terrible habit.

When it comes to stretch marks, it’s completely out of our control. It’s not something you can “burn off” or freakin’ sew back together. It’s there ladies, accept it, love, it, OWN IT. Set an example. Please, please be a trailblazer! When I hear a beautiful mother complain about something irreversible I have gotten to a point where I can’t sympathize. I just have to put her in front of the mirror and say, “Are you happy you had kids? Are you proud to have them? Then be proud of your body!! Be the energetic, fearless mom you are and rock a bikini!!”

I think the classic string bikini is incredibly underrated! I love how this style shows your true self in the most classic way. Tie strings are very flattering, there is no extra material to highlight any certain feature you struggle with. It's a classic for a reason! It really looks good on everyone. Make sure to tie the bottom strings higher on the hip to accentuate your natural curves and elongate your legs. This trick may help you feel more comfortable, and will avoid the infamous "saggy butt"!

Rachel also rocked the magical blue and orange contrasting colors with her bikini choice. This fun one piece is loud, confident, but also has a conservative side, being a one piece. Not quite at the two piece stage yet? No worries! You'll get there:) For now, feel beautiful in a high-leg cut one piece, with supportive thick straps. It doesn't hurt to have a fun print on your swimmie as well! To all my gorgeous ladies with stretch marks, remember.... we all have them, no matter the size (we all grow right?).

Love those stretch marks. You are beautiful.

Love,