Introducing The 'Fatkini': Two-Piece Swimsuit for Full Figures
ABC News' Linsey Davis reports:
As summer approaches, Hollywood's hottest bodies are already hitting the beach in their bikini best. But the bikini babes making the biggest splash this summer are proving you don't have to be a size two to wear a two-piece.
The newest swimsuit making waves is nicknamed the "fatkini," partially designed by plus-sized blogger Gabi Gregg.
"I really wanted to design bikinis that were stylish, young and fresh," Gregg, 25, of Chicago, told ABC News. "I think a lot of the swimwear on the market right now for plus sizes is just kind of frumpy and matronly and a lot of it is designed to cover us up."
Sales for the popular galaxy-print bikini are out of this world, selling out in just two days.
"From my readers, them seeing me in a bikini has really pushed them to try it out because they've said, 'I've never done this or I haven't worn a bikini in 10 years, but thank you so much. I finally have the confidence now that I see how great you look,'" Gregg explained.
Demand was so overwhelming that the retailer "Swimsuits for All" has said some people who ordered the two-piece won't receive it.
Liz Black, of Bloomington, N.J., is the creator of the plus size style blog P.S. It's Fashion, and was thrilled to get her hands on one.
"Every woman wants something that fits her body, her curves, her style and to have options like this. When you are larger, they are so few and far between, this is such an amazing opportunity," said Black. "Every woman wants to feel sexy and you can't feel sexy when you're drowning in a big old swim dress."
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And the fashion industry appears to be listening.
One headline questioned, "Is This the End of the Skinny Girl?" in reference to a recent H&M ad using a plus-size model to showcase its new swimwear collection.
"I think we just need to get to a point with what we're surrounded by in the media, in Hollywood and in stores to show the American woman that it's OK to be a size 14 and in your bathing suit," Lori Bergamotto, contributing style editor of Lucky magazine, said.
The popularity of the new plus sized two-piece begs the question of why it took so long for designers to make a swimsuit like this.
"I think I understand why it took so long," Black said. "I think they feel like plus-size women, bigger women in general, just want to hide away and be covered up and they're finally realizing that that's so far from the truth."
The suits range from size 10 to 24, sending the message to the fashion industry to make more. The majority of women in America are reportedly a size 14 or larger, and it appears there is an untapped market of women waiting to spend their money on something fabulous.