Experts raise body image fears as celebrities flaunt the ‘floss bikini’ trend
REALITY TV stars, models and singers wearing the hot new craze of barely-there bikinis has experts concerned it is fuelling the early sexualisation of young women.
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THE hot new craze of barely-there bikinis has experts concerned it is fuelling the early sexualisation of young women.
Cossies don’t generally leave much to the imagination but you only have to take a look at reality TV or social media to see swimsuits are now skimpier than ever.
The latest so-called “floss bikini’ — nicknamed because of its similarity to dental floss — have been (barely) worn by high-profile celebrities such as reality TV star Kim Kardashian, actor and model Emily Ratajkowski, DJ Tigerlily, Little Mix singer Perrie Edwards and social media star Ellie Gonsalves.
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Child and adolescent psychologist Dr Andrew Carr-Gregg believes the trend is sending a dangerous message to children and making it tough for parents.
“It’s saying that to be accepted you have to be hot and sexy and thin,” Dr Carr-Gregg told The Daily Telegraph.
“For young women who are bigger boned or don’t look like that, it makes their levels of existing body hatred even higher.
“For parents it’s very difficult when you’re dealing with a teenage daughter who wants to look like the mainstream.”
But elite athlete and model Amy Pejkovic doesn’t think there’s anything wrong with the revealing trend.
“If it makes you feel sexy, go for it,” she said. “The most important benefit of this trend is its ability to minimise your tan-line.”
Reality TV contestant Cassandra Wood was the latest to spark a social media storm after flaunting a “floss bikini” on Wednesday’s The Bachelor episode.
Viewers were quick to comment on Wood’s swimsuit choice, suggesting she might as well have worn nothing at all.
One described the bikini as “too much information” and another simply asked “is that legal?”, while others said it was “not fit for the 7.30pm timeslot”.
But it’s not the first time we’ve seen skimpy swimwear on TV. The cast of Love Island Australia spent most of their time clad in scanty togs. It was a similar story for Bachelor In Paradise.
Psychologist Sandy Rea does not believe that skimpy bikinis are a problem but rather a self-expression.
“The message is no more or less than another way of showing yourself — we do this already in a variety of modes like … with makeup,” she said.
“Ultimately, body image is a lesson learnt from mothers. It’s up to the women who are the main influencers in your life to ensure you feel safe, strong and empowered with your body.”