We can't create a list of sexy plus size models without including Ashley Graham. After all, she was the first size-16 model to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated's Swimsuit Issue. She's since gone on to pose for countless magazines and clothing campaigns, and even has her own line of swimsuits for women sizes 4 to 22. She has literally made a career off her curves, and has consequently played a pivotal role in body acceptance across the fashion industry.
Not only is Veronica Pomee a drop-dead gorgeous plus size model, she's also paving the way for models of color as one of the first Tongan plus models in the world. She earned herself that spot via a social media competition held by True Model Management, and was one of two signed models out of nearly 40k applications.
"Whether you've been working on that summer body or you've just been learning to love and embrace your body now, always remain authentic and live your truth to the highest and deepest regards," she tells Total Beauty. "Do not apologize for being yourself. You absolutely do deserve to be, feel, and look your best in a swimsuit at any size."
Professional plus size model Christina Mendez says, "I remain body positive by embracing all of me from head to toe. Every person — no matter height, weight, or skin color — was born unique and you should be unapologetic about the skin you are in." When searching for a swimsuit, she says the No. 1 requirement is that the suit makes you feel amazing.
Essie Golden a fierce plus size model and lifestyle influencer and founder of Golden Confidence, a self-love community that has since become a true movement on social media. Essie and Golden Confidence "empower women of all shapes and sizes to share photos of themselves rocking any and everything that challenged society's beauty norms" with the hashtag #goldenconfidence.
Let's get real for a second. "It's not feasible to say that everyone remains body positive 100 percent of the time. There are going to be hours, days or weeks when it feels like you just can't do it. There is power in acknowledging the bad days," Natalie Drue tells Total Beauty.
What you can do on those days, says Drue, is look in the mirror and say, "Today isn't a good day, but I appreciate my body for breathing, walking, seeing and loving me through the hard times."
