This Plus-Size Swimwear Line Proves You Don’t Need to Change Your Body in 2017

It’s inescapable at the start of every year: proclamations of “New Year, New You!” plastered alongside ads for diet pills and brutal bootcamp classes and other body-shaming weight-loss marketing. The implication is that there’s no way you could be happy with your current self, and that you must try to “improve” your shape with whatever they’re promoting. Tired of that antiquated nonsense, plus-size blogger Gabi Gregg and Swimsuits For All have partnered for the fifth time on a new swimsuit collection they’re dubbing “New Year, Same You.”

Launching today, the 11-piece collection offers on-trend one-pieces, bikinis, and beach cover-ups all priced around $100. With sizes ranging from 12-24 and D-H cups, there are gorgeous options for all shapes, sizes, and budgets. But besides the stunning swimwear, we’re really excited by the body-positive concept that is so sorely needed this time of year.

To learn more about the new collection and that refreshing motto, we sat down with Gregg and Swimsuits For All’s creative director, Sara Mitzner. Check out our exclusive video of Gregg above, and read on to see why you’ll be exclaiming, “New Year, Same You” in 2017.

Yahoo Style: Where did the idea of “New Year, Same You” come from?
Gabi Gregg: “New Year, Same You” was inspired by the idea that every woman’s New Year’s resolution must be to diet and lose weight in order to look “better.” We wanted to push back against the messaging that in order to live a happy, healthy life, you have to be a certain number. You can start living and loving life in your current body.

What are the most ridiculous “New Year, New You” pitches you’ve ever heard?
There are so many! I think the craziest recent thing I’ve seen is a “weight-loss shot” that you’re supposed to take to stop your food cravings.

Why do you think there is still this infatuation with becoming a “new you” at the start of every year?
I think that people are obsessed with having an official “start date” and thinking this will be the time that suddenly they can make things stick. Society sells us this idea that weight loss is the answer to all of life’s problems, and suddenly you will become a new person if you reach your goal weight, which isn’t true. Setting goals for self-improvement in any area of your life is great, but ideally they’d be realistic and come from a healthy place of self-love.

What inspired this collection?
I was inspired by the minimalist trend that’s really popular right now. I’m loving solid colors, muted tones, and clean lines. The Mojave Desert was the ideal landscape to shoot the campaign and highlighted the theme of self-reflection.

What’s your favorite piece from the collection?
My favorite piece is the Reflection suit. It’s a sexy cutout one-piece that’s a dynamite look for the beach or even can be paired with denim cutoffs for a cute off-duty look. The Firework cover-ups are a close second.

What tweaks or improvements were implemented in these new designs?
We solved some of the issues with cup sizing and made sure this year’s suits have an even better fit. As always, they’re supersupportive with underwire and powermesh lining. I also made the cover-up dresses a bit longer, so they’re even more glam than last year’s.

How can someone who is struggling with self-confidence break out of that and embrace themselves as they are?
It’s important to know that the road to self-confidence doesn’t happen overnight; it’s a journey. My advice would be to follow people who have a similar body type to your own on social media, because representation is more important than we realize. The more often you see confident women with bodies that look like yours, the more you will grow to love your own.

How did you feel about 2016?
2016 had highs and lows. It was a good year for me professionally, but there were so many things that happened in the world that had most of us feeling really low. I think the majority of us are excited to move forward and hoping for the best 2017 possible!

What is on your horizon for 2017?
I’m excited for 2017! After spending so long working on this collection, I’m excited for it to finally make its debut and spread the message of “New Year, Same You.” I love working with Swimsuits For All, and we have more projects to look forward to coming later this year.

What do you think will be the big trend in swimwear for 2017?
I think in 2017, the sexy one-piece will continue its reign. We will also see a lot of clean cutouts, hardware details, and a softer color palette that will look amazing on everyone.

Where did the idea of “New Year, Same You” come from?
Sara Mitzner, Swimsuits For All creative director: “New Year, Same You” is the product of general frustration as we enter a new year. There is so much diet and exercise rhetoric that encourages being the “best you” in the new year, but we’re encouraging women to feel confident and happy that they are their best selves every day regardless of the calendar.

Why did you choose to work with Gabi again?
We love everything she stands for and all her fans. Gabi is a true pioneer of body-positivity, a movement that Swimsuits For All embodies as a company value system. And her taste is unparalleled. Her collection is always a bestseller and often sells out.

How involved is Gabi with the design process?
Gabi is always very involved in the design process of her collections as well as the overall vision of the campaign. She not only has an eye for swimwear design, but knows the fit needs of not only her fanbase but of women of all shapes and sizes.

Do you have plans to work with any other bloggers in the future?
We are looking forward to 2017 and are constantly expanding our work with bloggers and influencers. Keep your eyes out. We always have something up our sleeve.

What do you think will be the big trend in swimwear for 2017?
2017 will be full of light colors, romantic patterns, and separates that can be worn on the beach and during the day. With the rise in the athleisure market and continuance of surf fashion, beach-to-street has never been more relevant. You’ll see a lot of caftans and rompers in Gabi’s new collection that reflect this emerging trend.

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