Every woman has a different version of her best ‘bikini body’ – and while body types have become the latest trend to watch, from BBLs of the late 2010s to GLP-1s setting the standards of today, women’s bodies are as diverse as ever. And so are our beach bods…
Words: Amy Dowrick | Images: Shutterstock & Getty
As we head towards holiday season and dust off our cossies, it’s easy to compare someone else’s ‘bikini body’ to your own. But take a look at some of the most recognised women in the media today and you’ll find that a ‘beach body’ is simply a body on the beach.
And while, according to Ultimate Performance, celebs like Jennifer Aniston, J Lo and Halle Berry have been some of the most requested celebrity physiques on their clients’ fitness mood boards, we’ve put together our very own list of what we think should be on yours – and it celebrates all body types, sizes and ages.
Paloma Elsesser
Recently deemed one of “The New Supers” by British Vogue, model Paloma Elsesser is an outspoken advocate for body acceptance and was the first plus-size model to win Model of the Year in 2023.
“Whether it be getting dressed or feeling better in their body and who they are, whether it be skin colour, race, or size, I just want them to feel a part of my day in some way,” she told W Magazine about her Instagram account.
Ashley Graham
A trailblazer for plus-size women in the fashion and modelling industry, Ashley Graham has been a leader for the body positive movement, demanding the respect of the industry’s lack of inclusivity since she was first signed at 13.
The first size 14 model to ever be featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated, she says she works out not to lose weight but to maintain good health.
Serena Williams
After recently announcing that she was taking the weight-loss injectable Zepbound, Serena Williams is unafraid of being bashed for it – and says it has nothing to do with chasing unrealistic beauty standards.
“[Taking a GLP-1] is not a failure. It’s not. There should be no shame attached to it. I think a lot of people will be on GLP-1s – not only for weight loss, but for all the other things research is starting to show they help with.”
“I love my body. I love how I look. I love who I am – and I always have. I think I love it even more now. I feel like I’m back.”
Salma Hayek
Gracing the cover of Sports Illustrated last summer, the iconic actress discussed embracing her authentic self – and bikini body – at 58.
“I think it’s really remarkable that a magazine like Sports Illustrated [Swimsuit] says that it’s O.K., maybe even cool, to be past 50 and still be able to feel not just sexy, but for me, to be free and not be self-conscious of your body like you have to hide.”
“It never crossed my mind that one day I would be in it. If somebody had told me I was gonna be in it at 58, I would have sent them to the madhouse, but the world has changed, and that’s exciting.”
Halle Bailey
After recently admitting she’s been having insecurities over feeling “a little fluffy right now” due to a demanding work schedule affecting her workouts, actress Halle Bailey has shared a new perspective on shifting this lack of confidence.
“I’m not going to be so hard on myself. So, my message of today – I’m telling this to myself – is to just enjoy the moment and not be too hard on yourself and let yourself live a little and have some fun.”
Nelly Furtado
After becoming the subject of scrutinization and body shaming over her size in recent years, the hitmaker has been shutting down health and beauty myths by posting unfiltered photos to her social media.
“This year I experienced new levels of self-love and genuine confidence from within. Express yourself freely, celebrate your individuality and know that it’s perfectly OK to be OK with what you see in the mirror, and it’s also OK to want something different.”
