25 Empowering Bikinigrams That Will Make You Feel More Confident Than Ever

I have a confession to make. When I hit puberty, suddenly becoming all too aware of my body as others started commenting on it, I began feeling somewhat uncomfortable in my own skin β€” a feeling that's still lingering over a decade later. Going from someone who was deemed "too skinny" to someone who "would look prettier" if I lost a bit of weight was very difficult to deal with, and I would lie if I said it hadn't taken its toll on my mental health.

Now in my late 20s, I am still learning to accept my body for what it is. Working in fashion, there are days when I feel more confident than others, Summer being a particularly difficult time. While I love going on vacation, the idea of wearing a swimsuit in front of other people β€” my boyfriend of five years included β€” always fills me with dread. As a result, I generally end up spending more time worrying about my lumps, bumps, stretch marks, and tummy rolls, which keeps me from fully enjoying the moment.

This year, however, things have been slightly different. Among all the beautiful imagery that has been taking over my Instagram feed, a few incredibly empowering ladies have been trying to change the way we talk about and see women's bodies, one powerful bikinigram at a time. With their use of hashtags like #celluLIT and captions reminding me that every body is a beach body, they have inspired me to just wear my new favorite bikini trends and stop caring so much about what others might think. The result? A much, much more enjoyable Summer.

Sure, I might not look like what is widely portrayed in the media, but I love my body for what it is, lumps, bumps, stretch marks, tummy rolls, and all. While I still have a few miles to go before I cross the finish line on this self-love journey, the following photographs have been like my own personal cheerleaders, and now they can also be yours. From Padma Lakshmi and Iskra Lawrence looking sexier than ever in bikinis to Bebe Rexha and Demi Lovato giving us all a lesson in self-care and how to pose in front of the camera, read on for the most empowering bikingrams of the year so far.

Jennifer Atilemile's Leopard Bikini Instagram

Back in January, model Jennifer Atilemile started the year with a powerful Instagram post.

Ali Tate's Bikini Instagram

In May, model Ali Tate shared a beautiful photo of herself in a colorful bikini, where she can be seen happily posing for the camera.

Iskra Lawrence's Black Bikini Instagram

The curve model proudly showed off her cellulite in a cheeky black bikini while on vacation. Bikinigrams have officially never looked better.

Rochelle Humes's Cherry Print Bikini Instagram

British TV presenter and former pop star Rochelle Humes took to Instagram to share how the years have taught her to love and appreciate her body after giving birth to her two daughters.

Kellie Brown's Black Bikini Instagram

In June, content creator Kellie Brown shared a powerful message regarding self love and body positivity.

Padma Lakshmi's Purple Bikini Instagram

Actress and author Padma Lakshmi kept it real while on vacation in the Hamptons, sharing a snap with her followers using the hashtags #noretouchinguphere and #nofacetuneeither.

Mindy Kaling's Bikini Instagram

This Summer, Mindy Kaling gave us all an important reminder: if we want to wear a bikini, then we should wear a bikini.

Hunter McGrady's Sports Illustrated Bikini Instagram

Named the "curviest" model to grace the pages of Sports Illustrated's annual Swimsuit Issue in 2017, Hunter McGrady has since made a name for herself and reminded us on many occasions that every body is a beach body.

Alex Michael May's Orange Swimsuit Instagram

While in Spain, model Alex Michael May shared a gorgeous photo, writing: "Friday feels, who's with me?! Here's to hoping your weekend is celluLIT! Get out there in those beach bodies babes, summer is here!" We couldn't have said it better ourselves.

Georgia Jones's Red Bikini Instagram

In April, model and former Miss England Georgia Jones took to Instagram to show us how deceiving Instagram pictures can be.

Shiona Turini's Orange Bikini Instagram

When stylist Shiona Turini shared this bikini snap, putting her incredible figure on display, it immediately made us want to hop on a plane.

Jessica Torres's Blue Bikini Instagram

Fashion blogger Jessica Torres celebrated National Swimsuit Day in style, taking the time to remind us of the fact that we still have a long way to go when it comes to representation.

Kourtney Kardashian's Black Tie-Front Swimsuit on Instagram

In August, Kourtney Kardashian shared what appears to be an unretouched photo of herself via her brand Poosh's Instagram account. Flaunting her stretch marks, the Keeping Up With the Kardashians star was praised for keeping it real.

Veronica Pome'e's Sports Illustrated Bikini Instagram

As the first Polynesian Sports Illustrated model, Veronica Pome'e inspired us to believe in ourselves and in our capacities.

Jessie J's Black Bikini Instagram

British singer Jessie J's was certainly not going to let anyone spoil her dreamy vacation.

Verena Prechtl's White Swimsuit Instagram

In early July, fashion blogger Verena Prechtl shared the five empowering things that she tells herself every single day, something we quickly put into practice.

Demi Lovato's Leopard Bikini Instagram

In May, Demi Lovato took to Instagram to reflect on how proud she is of her body.

Callie Thorpe's Black and White Swimsuit Instagram

When blogger Callie Thorpe shared this photo on Instagram, she showed us that we were in for a hot Summer.

Nadia Aboulhosn's Green Swimsuit Instagram

Fashion blogger Nadia Aboulhosn proudly put her dimples on display, instantly making us cheer.

Olivia Muenter's One-Shoulder Pink and Red Swimsuit Instagram

As freelance writer Olivia Muenter perfectly put it, "The Summer's gonna get whatever body I'm gonna give it."

Bianca Valle's Bikini Instagram

Holistic nutritionist Bianca Valle said it best: "Dimples and pimples and scars and hair and bumps and crimples are normal. A lack thereof is NOT."

Anna O'Brien Peach Bikini Instagram

Anna O'Brien, better known on the internet as the creator of Glitter and Lazers, touched on a very important point back in June.

Carly Rowena's Brown Bikini Instagram

As reminded by the fitness coach and blogger Carly Rowena, "Wrinkles and dimples are the result of a life well lived."

Ioana Chira's Floral Bikini Instagram

Model Ioana Chira shared a powerful image with her 946,000 Instagram followers, rightfully pointing out that "Everyone deserves to have a good time at the beach."