Bikini bravery

If bikini season fills you with dread, get yourself over to the the website www.xojane.com where real women of all shapes and sizes have posted images of themselves in their favourite bikini in retaliation against society's obsession with impossibly slim bodies. Writer Gabi Gregg came up with the idea to inspire women with similar bodies as her own (a U.S. size 18) to feel good about stripping off in the summer sun. She said: "Hopefully this gallery, which features lots of body diversity, proves that it's not only "toned" fat girls who can feel confident hitting the beach in a two piece."

Inspired? Here's a selection of our favourite smimwear...