Tag: Swimwear for women over 40

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Meet Rebecca

Mum, Swim Teacher, and Burlesque Enthusiast

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“I love helping others find confidence in the water and in life.”

I’m 45, married to Jason, who’s been by my side since high school. Our daughter, Letishia, is 21 now, and being her mum has been the joy of my life. I’ve spent the past two decades teaching swimming, focusing on infants, kids with autism, and beginner adults. I love watching my students overcome their fears and find confidence in the water, just as I have in other areas of my life.

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“There’s power in shedding layers on stage and in life.”

Three years ago, I started Burlesque dancing with Bombshell Burlesque in Brisbane, and it’s done wonders for my confidence. Burlesque is about shedding insecurities as much as it’s about shedding layers on stage. You’re out there, bare and vulnerable, and yet you’re cheered on by people who genuinely appreciate you, exactly as you are. Seeing women of all shapes, sizes, ages and abilities on stage inspired me to embrace my own body in a way I never thought I could.

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“Losing 50kg was one step, but loving my body has been the real journey.”

In 2019, I had weight-loss surgery and lost 50kg. It was a big decision and one I don’t take lightly, but it’s helped me feel healthier and more comfortable in my skin. Then last year I was diagnosed with ADHD and learned I was in perimenopause. These are things we often feel embarrassed to talk about, but I believe they’re part of a journey many women face. I want to be open about these experiences because society still shames women for things like body size, age, appearance and mental health issues. We’re expected to stay young and flawless, but life is so much more real and wonderful than that.

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“When I saw the Ocean Road Swimwear post, I thought, why not?!”

I came across a Facebook post from Ocean Road Swimwear looking for real women to model their range, and I thought, why not give it a go? It felt like a natural extension of everything I’d been working on with my own self-confidence. Modelling for Ocean Road has been about celebrating who I am, and it’s an incredible feeling to represent a brand that values real women’s bodies. Wearing their swimwear, especially my favourite piece—the rainbow tie-dyed leggings—made me feel vibrant, comfortable, and stylish. Those leggings are fantastic for anything, from swimming to running errands!

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“Body confidence isn’t about perfection; it’s about being happy with where you are right now.”

Body confidence has been a gradual journey. When I was younger, I felt immense pressure to look a certain way, especially during the ‘90s, when the waif look was everywhere. I went from worrying about body image to fully embracing what makes me feel strong and beautiful. Being on stage with Burlesque helped, and now modelling swimwear has added a new layer to that confidence. Ocean Road Swimwear has been a platform for me to show up exactly as I am, bumps, curves, and all.

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“Representing a real woman in her 40s in the swimwear industry means a lot to me.”

I love that I get to show women my age that we’re allowed to be bold, beautiful, and comfortable in our skin. Society often expects women to “tone it down” as we get older, but Ocean Road Swimwear celebrates us exactly as we are. The industry has traditionally been about an unattainable ideal, but more and more brands, like Ocean Road, are recognising the importance of real, relatable models. It’s a privilege to represent a size 14-16 woman in her 40s, showing others that we can be stunning, confident, and proud of where we are in life.

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Meet Donna

A Journey of Self-Acceptance and Embracing New Adventures

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“I’m open to trying something new.”

Two years ago, I made a huge life change. I packed everything I owned into my car and drove from Melbourne to the Brisbane, where my sisters and their families live. I felt it was time for a fresh start. I’ve been working remotely for five years—three of those during lockdown and the last two on the Sunshine Coast in IT. I recently quit my job and am on the lookout for a new career!

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“I love beach life and collecting shells.”

When I’m not working, I spend my time enjoying everything the coast has to offer. I absolutely love kayaking and the beach life. There’s nothing better than walking along the shore and collecting shells; it really brings me joy.

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“This is me.”

So, how did I get into swimwear modelling with Ocean Road Swimwear? A friend of mine, who knows Tanya, asked if I’d be interested, and I thought, “Why not?” I’ve never modelled before, but I was open to trying something new. I won’t lie; I had some concerns about my body—my stomach and thighs were my biggest worries since I don’t usually show my body. But about a year ago, I decided to embrace who I am. This is what I look like, and I’m not here to impress anyone. This is me!

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“A confident person is a sexy person.”

A pivotal moment for me came just over three years ago when I decided to give up alcohol. It involved a lot of soul-searching, but it changed my life for the better. I started to accept and love myself, and while I strive to get fit—doing Pilates every second day—I’m genuinely happy with who I am, and it shows. To me, body confidence means empowerment. A confident person is a sexy person who can achieve anything.

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“Just do it, embrace it.”

I feel so honoured to be part of a movement that challenges traditional beauty standards in swimwear. It’s amazing to be part of a team that embraces our unique looks. My family has been incredibly supportive of my decision to model. My sister sends me pictures daily that appear on the Ocean Road Swimwear site! I encourage other women considering modelling to just do it! It was such great fun, and the results were wonderful.

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“The bright colours are perfect for my beach lifestyle.”

When it comes to my favourite items, I absolutely loved the bright-coloured leggings! They’re not only stylish but also functional for my beach lifestyle. I can wear them while kayaking, which means I can enjoy my time in the sun without worrying about getting burnt. It’s great to have swimwear that makes me feel confident and comfortable at the same time. I hope people see that I had fun, the swimwear looked great, and they want to try it for themselves!

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