Okay babes, let’s be real — bikini confidence doesn’t just appear like a perfectly filtered TikTok reel.
I learnt that the very real way last weekend at Bondi. I was rocking my new Penelope Bikini – Khaki, feeling like I’d just stepped out of a Pinterest board, when a gust of wind basically turned my sarong into a parachute. Half the beach saw me. Mortifying? A little. Did I strut like it was part of the show? Absolutely.
And you know what? I swear, three girls from the surf club asked me where my bikini was from before I’d even made it back to my towel. That’s when it hit me: confidence isn’t about never having an “oops” moment — it’s about owning it like it was the plan all along.
So if slipping into a bikini sometimes makes you feel more eek than iconic, I’ve got you. Today we’re talking my ultimate bikini confidence tips — from mindset hacks to styling tricks — so you can serve main character energy all summer long. ✨
Why Bikini Confidence Feels So Hard (And How to Flip It)
Here’s the tea: walking into a change room with unflattering lights, rushed energy, and zero personal space? Confidence killer. That’s why I ditched in-store chaos and started buying swimwear online. No awkward stares, no harsh mirrors — just me, my playlist, and my bedroom runway.
But here’s the other thing: confidence isn’t about having a “perfect” body (whatever that even means). It’s about believing your vibe deserves space. When you step out in a bikini like it’s meant for you, people notice. They don’t see “imperfections” — they see energy.
And that energy is magnetic.
Step 1: Start With a Bikini That Actually Fits You
The fastest way to crush your bikini glow-up? Squeezing into something that’s not made for your body. Nope, we’re not doing that anymore.
Think of your swimwear like your summer armour: it should fit like it was custom-made for your curves. That’s why I always tell my besties to explore our bikini two piece styles at Dekota Swim. We design with real bodies (and real beach days) in mind — not just airbrushed models in studios.
Lately I’ve been obsessed with the Penelope Bikini – Black. It’s sleek, supportive, and literally goes with everything. Whether I’m layering it under a mesh dress or just adding chunky gold jewellery, it gives “editorial chic meets Bondi cool”.
Pro tip: Try on your bikini at home, do a lil’ strut in front of your mirror, and see how it moves when you walk. Confidence skyrockets when you’re not worried about a strap slipping mid-wave.
Step 2: Curate Your Pre-Beach Ritual
Confidence doesn’t start at the beach — it starts before you even leave the house.
My pre-beach glow-up ritual is non-negotiable:
a cute playlist (think @ella.in.bali vibes)
glowy body oil on my collarbones
ice roller to depuff
and a cheeky TikTok transition video while I get dressed (because… obviously 😘)
Making it a moment turns it from “getting ready” into a whole vibe. You’re not just putting on a bikini — you’re setting the scene for your main character arc.
Step 3: Style Your Swimwear Like Streetwear
This is my favourite hack for bikini confidence: treat it like an outfit, not just swimwear.
Think about it — when you love your outfit, you walk differently. You own it. So bring that energy to your bikini looks:
Throw a crisp white oversized shirt over your Brooklyn Bikini – Verte
Wrap a printed sarong low on your hips like @sydneybeachbabe
Layer gold chains, shell anklets, and a claw clip bun for that effortless coastal aesthetic
When your bikini feels like part of a full look, you stop worrying about how you look and start vibing with how you feel.
Step 4: Romanticise Your Summer Body
Here’s the thing no one tells you: confidence isn’t about changing your body — it’s about changing your story about your body.
Instead of hyper-zooming on “flaws” in the mirror, zoom out. This body has carried you to sunrise swims, dance floors, midnight snacks, heartbreak recoveries, and Sunday sleep-ins. She deserves kindness.
I like to call it romanticising your summer body — talk to her like your bestie would. Hype her up. Thank her. Dress her in bikinis that make her feel like the cover star she is.
When you see your body as something to celebrate instead of fix, you stop asking “do I look okay?” and start asking “which filter will match my energy today?”
Step 5: Choose Quality-First Swimwear (It Changes Everything)
Real talk? Cheap, flimsy bikinis are a confidence hazard. One cannonball and they’re doing the splits — and not the good kind.
That’s why I love Dekota Swim’s quality-first approach. Our pieces are made to last beyond one season, with durable fabrics and timeless cuts. We produce in smaller batches to avoid overstock waste, and our packaging is plastic-free.
At Dekota Swim, we’re not perfect — but we’re intentional. While our current swimwear isn’t made from recycled fabrics, we prioritise quality, durability, and timeless designs over throwaway trends. That means fewer replacements, longer life, and less waste. We’re working toward more sustainable choices with each season — starting with our packaging and conscious production runs.
Basically, when you know your bikini can handle the waves, your confidence does too.
You can discover our range of swimwear made to last if you want pieces that feel luxe and go the distance.
Step 6: Borrow Confidence From Your Faves
Some days, confidence is… just not happening. And that’s okay. On those days, I borrow it.
I literally ask myself: how would @sophiesummer walk down this beach in her Maya Bikini – Aztec? Probably like she owns the coastline. So I channel that.
Confidence can be an outfit you put on, even if you don’t feel it yet. Pretend, play, post a cheeky reel. The feelings will catch up.
Step 7: Focus on the Fun, Not the Flaws
Here’s your ultimate bikini confidence mantra: “Nobody cares — they’re all too busy thinking about themselves.”
Seriously. No one at the beach is tallying your perceived imperfections. They’re trying not to spill their Aperol. They’re vibing to the playlist. They’re admiring their own sun-kissed glow.
So take the pressure off. Bikini confidence isn’t about having the most “perfect” body — it’s about soaking up the moment. Focus on the fun — the salty hair, the shared snacks, the memories you’re making. That’s what people remember.
FAQs
Q: What is a bikini model bikini?
A: It’s that show-stopping set made to turn heads. Think sleek, sculpted cuts like the Penelope Bikini – Black that hug in all the right places and make you feel like you just stepped off a runway.
Q: What makes a sustainable bathing suit better?
A: A sustainable bathing suit (or what we like to call swimwear made to last) is all about durability and timelessness. It’s crafted with quality fabrics that hold their shape season after season, meaning fewer replacements, less waste, and a much happier planet — and you can find swimwear designed for longevity at Dekota Swim.
The Glow-Up Wrap-Up
Bikini confidence isn’t about looking like someone else — it’s about looking like you, having the time of your life, and letting the world see you shine.
So next time you’re slipping into your Penelope Bikini – Black, remember this: you don’t need a different body — you need a different energy. Slay it like you were born for it. Because honestly? You were.
Tag me @dekotaswim.official when you pull this look — I’ll probably repost it, no cap.
