It’s a huge hit!
Plus-size bikinis are being gobbled up even before the swimsuit season begins — as plumper women prove they don’t need teeny-weeny two-pieces to make a splash.
The busty beachwear, popularly known as the “fatkini,” is so hot it sold out last week after just 48 hours on the Web site Swimsuits For All, the exclusive retailer of the product.
“I want us to not be ashamed of showing some skin,” said Gabi Gregg, 26, the size-18 fashion blogger behind the suit trend. “Plus-size women are told to hide, but we’re allowed to go the beach, too.”
Gregg popularized the term “fatkini” last summer after showing off photos of herself on her blog in a striped two-piece.
“I use the term lovingly,” she said. “To me the word ‘fat’ is value-neutral. Yes, I’m fat, but I can still look great and feel great.”
But some buxom beauties who ordered the galaxy-print fatkini won’t get the chance to stylishly strut the beach. On May 17, Gregg announced the company over-sold the style and couldn’t restock it in time for summer — angering scores of bigger gals who protested on the blogger’s Facebook page.
“I think it’s utterly ridiculous for them not to produce more,” fumed Tiffany Moore-Coles. “There is obviously demand for the product.”
“Are you kidding?!” Sage Maybach Martin posted. “There are little choices available when it comes to attractive two-pieces for big girls.”
Gregg’s $68 one-pieces and other convertible bikinis, made in collaboration with Swimsuits For All, are still available.
Ladies lucky enough to score fatkinis have been posting photos of themselves on Twitter with flashy phrases like “fatshion” and “eff your beauty standards.”
One woman quipped: “How to get a bikini body: Put a bikini on your body.”
“There has been a longtime need for bold and flirty suits made for curvier women,” said Moshe Laniado of Swimsuits For All.
Fatkinis feature 1950s style high-waisted bottoms and bust-enhancing halter tops to make bigger gals more comfortable.
They’re not the only options for ample-bodied women. Lane Bryant and Forever 21 Plus are also jumping on board.
“No matter how you feel about obesity, if Americans are truly getting fatter it makes sense for manufacturers to extend their sizes,” Gregg said. “Companies are not going to survive if they only make up to size 10.”