In this op-ed, Denise Bidot, one of the founding members of the body-positivity revolution, calls on the fashion industry to promote inclusivity in swimwear — not as a passing trend, but as an enduring movement.

As summer comes around each year, I tend to ruminate about the fear many women face: swimsuit season. While some people look forward to gracing the pool with their presence, there are quite a few people who become anxiety-ridden about the idea of wearing swimwear in public, and that anxiety goes for all sizes. I know people who are a size 2 and are terrified of being judged at the beach. As one of the founding pioneers of the body-positivity movement, I’ve seen more and more people embracing who they are by stepping out confidently and wearing swimwear that celebrates their frame rather than concealing it.

There's been a shift in the zeitgeist when it comes to body positivity. People are approaching swimsuit season with renewed confidence. The question I hear most from young fashion enthusiasts is "How can I be that confident?" — and the reality is it takes baby steps. But we can only do so much on our own; we all need support from outsiders. That's where the fashion industry comes in. Brands like Chromat are creating swimwear styles that make people from all walks of life — curvy, disabled, queer, nonbinary — feel confident while they bask in the summer sun.