I read an article a moment ago that was titled "To Girls Wearing Cheeky Bathing Suit Bottoms, Please Stop". Automatically, I was turned off by the tone of the article. I didn't like how it seemed to attack those wearing bikini's that show a bit more skin that what the author prefers.
Now, I can be grossed out by some bathing suits I have seen. Some that are basically thongs/g-strings on public beaches are overboard to me - but who am I so say what a person can or can't wear? It is that woman's choice to show that much skin. I can understand the g-string bikini a bit more if it was worn on a private beach, but there are no rules against it on a public beach either.
Personally? I would never wear a thong-like bikini in a public setting. The only times I could even imagine myself wearing one would be for: tanning (in a bed or at home), possibly a private beach if it wasn't over crowded, or maybe a honeymoon. It's not my style. But, just because it isn't something I am personally comfortable or okay with that doesn't mean all girls are like that.
A point brought up in the other article was "You don't see guys wearing speedos on the beach to attract attention, do you?". I hate that point. I feel as though the author is making it sound like all girls who wear bathing suits that show a bit more skin (not necessarily a thong-like bottom) are doing it to get attention. WRONG. A lot of girls, myself included, wear bathing suits for themselves. They pick a bathing suit they think is cute, try it on to make sure it's comfortable, and wear it because they like it. Now, of course, there are those girls that do anything for attention, but once again that doesn't mean everyone is doing that.
In the end, I feel like I have no place to tell another person what to do/wear when it comes to their choice of beach wear. Now there are scenarios in my head where I would step up to confront a person. For instance, say I was a mom with a couple young children (who are easily influenced) and saw a woman wearing the g-string like bikini. More than likely I would ask that woman to cover her bottom, out of respect for my children. In my experience: if you ask respectfully, you usually receive respect.
Girls? Wear what you are comfortable in this season. If you like one pieces that are full coverage, wear that! If you like a regular string bikini, wear that. It goes on and on. Of course, the same goes for guys. If you want to wear something outside of the generic swim trunks, don't be afraid to do it. Simply, be respectful to the people around you. If someone asks you to cover up (for a good reason, ei: children), do so out of respect for them. If you don't want to cover up, simply change your location are on the beach. We can have a peaceful summer, wearing what we want to wear. It's not that difficult.
