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Sports Illustrated's Body-Positive Swimwear Is So Good, It Made People Cry

Hooray for different body types!
A model walks the runway during SWIMMIAMI Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2018 Collection at WET Deck at W South Beach on July 22, 2017 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for SWIMMIAMI)
Frazer Harrison via Getty Images
A model walks the runway during SWIMMIAMI Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2018 Collection at WET Deck at W South Beach on July 22, 2017 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for SWIMMIAMI)

There's swimwear — and then there's swimwear.

For women who don't fit into sizes typically sold in stores (around size 2 to 14), finding a bathing suit has long been a struggle.

Besides facing the changeroom's terrible lighting and unflattering mirrors (something everyone can relate to), there's also been a serious lack of choice in terms of fashionable options to wear to pool parties and the beach.

Until now.

This year at SwimMiami (a swimwear-focused fashion event), Sports Illustrated debuted a collection of body-positive swimsuits that not only look stunning, but seem like they'll be pretty supportive too.

Model Sarina Nowak walks the runway during SWIMMIAMI Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2018 Collection in Miami Beach, Florida.
Getty Images for SWIMMIAMI
Model Sarina Nowak walks the runway during SWIMMIAMI Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2018 Collection in Miami Beach, Florida.
A model walks the runway during SWIMMIAMI Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2018 Collection at WET Deck at W South Beach on July 22, 2017 in Miami Beach, Florida.
Getty Images for SWIMMIAMI
A model walks the runway during SWIMMIAMI Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2018 Collection at WET Deck at W South Beach on July 22, 2017 in Miami Beach, Florida.
A model walks the runway during SWIMMIAMI Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2018 Collection in Miami Beach, Florida.
Getty Images for SWIMMIAMI
A model walks the runway during SWIMMIAMI Sports Illustrated Swimsuit 2018 Collection in Miami Beach, Florida.

"We very specifically designed a line that would appeal to a diverse group of women," Sports Illustrated Swimsuit editor MJ Day said to the publication. "The priority was fit, fashion and size inclusivity. Within the line, the options range from more modest and demure to full on flaunt, and every suit is available in size 2-20. Our goal is to provide sexy, functional options that make you feel great!"

At the show, Day told Today people were coming up to her and thanking her for including diverse models in the collection, with some people "literally bursting into tears."

Day opened up about her own insecurities with regards to swimwear earlier this year, posting a picture of herself in a bikini on Instagram with the caption, "Funny how I have spent my life on a beach since childhood and I have never truly felt comfortable in a swimsuit. Even at my thinnest. We need to love ourselves in the present. No matter what."

The swimsuits will be available in early 2018, at approximately US$40 to $160 per suit. We'll be eagerly anticipating their arrival.

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