Steph Claire Smith on posing in swimwear post-baby
Following the birth of her son Harvey two-and-a-half years ago, Steph Claire Smith opens up about the judgement that comes with a mother’s choice in swimwear post-motherhood, revealing; “there’s this odd obsession [with] mums looking like mums.”
Stellar
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It’s time to dive into your wardrobe, wave goodbye to your tired black one-piece and
say hello to colour, crochet and classic swimwear styles, says Steph Claire Smith,
a model, mum and the co-founder of wellness business KIC (aka Keep It Cleaner).
As the weather heats up, the Seafolly ambassador takes us inside this season’s hottest swim trends and offers her tips for feeling confident, comfortable and cool all summer
Women often feel apprehensive about the experience of choosing a swimsuit. Has the body-positivity movement had an impact on the swimwear choices for different body types in the same way it has impacted fashion? “There’s always more we can do to make sure everybody feels comfortable in their own body and skin. But I do believe we’re seeing different styles of bikinis on every different body. [The style] doesn’t matter as long as you can work on your own self-confidence, and try to block out the noise of society telling you how you need to look and instead rock the style that feels good for you.”
When it comes to swimwear, a lot of women tend to feel safest in black. Do you have any advice on how to step outside dark shades and into fresh whites and colour? “When I see women in the most colourful or crazy patterned bikinis, it makes me smile and feel joyful. A lot of people avoid white because if you’ve shopped from a brand that didn’t necessarily go for quality first – I have certainly worn some white bikinis that have gone a little see-through – it can feel like a risk. But when you buy from a quality brand, it’s such a beautiful classic look. A lot of the white pieces within [Seafolly’s new] collection can be worn beautifully under a dress or with shorts and made into an outfit for summer, which is really beautiful, too.”
We put so much thought into what we wear in other parts of our wardrobe, but swimwear is often an afterthought. How can we apply the same sort of outward thinking when it comes to embracing different fabrics and styles of swimwear? “I think it’s about finding what makes you feel good and having the confidence to try different materials and styles. My style has always been comfort first, but find what works for you and try not to limit yourself to what someone told you that you should wear because of your body type. Listen to your own instincts.”
Swimwear trends are as cyclical as any other fashion style. What can we expect to see this summer? “Different patterns; uses of materials like crochet and beading; a lot of colour – and colour blocking will be popular, too. The new Seafolly collection is really beautiful. There’s quite a mix of ’90s but also ’70s cuts, but also some classic styles from over the years.”
How has your own relationship with swimwear changed over the years, and in particular, since becoming a mum to your two-and-a-half-year-old son Harvey? “I remember in the early days with Harvey, I would take him to the beach and I’d think for a second, what should I wear? It was less about how I felt in my body, but more about ‘Are people going to judge me because I’m a mum with a kid and I’m choosing to wear this small bikini?’ And then I thought, well, who cares? There’s this odd obsession [with] mums looking like mums or trying not to look like mums. With bounce-back culture, we’re expected to look the way we did before having a baby, yet our body has gone through an incredible challenge. I think we all go through that stage where we feel different and that’s OK. But if you do feel confident enough to put on whatever you used to rock, I don’t feel that needs to change because your body has.”
This feature was produced in partnership with Seafolly.
Originally published as Steph Claire Smith on posing in swimwear post-baby
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