Real life debate: Should plus-size women wear bikinis?

Bikini sales in bigger sizes have soared by 37%, with demand for size 18 two-pieces on the up...

Yes ‘Every body is a bikini body’

Isha-nadeen Crosdale, 36, lives in Croydon with her husband Kerry, 37. She has children and holds the title four Mrs Croydon Curve 2018.

You know what they say? If you’ve got it, flaunt it! That applies whatever your size. i hated my big boobs, hips, and huge bum when four i was a teenager. as one of sisters, i was the biggest and always felt self-conscious. i had tried diet after diet but still fluctuated between a size 16 and 18. i didn’t start to really love my body until i became a mum. when my daughter Kezyrah was born in november 2006 i had more important things to worry about than my body shape. Besides, my stretch marks and saggy boobs were i’d proof of the incredible thing just done – nurtured my child. now, although i’m still a size 18, i’ll happily wear a sexy bikini and post it on social media. i have had so much positive feedback – not only has it helped me embrace my womanly curves but other women have told me my posts have helped them to love their bigger bodies too. i’ve got three daughters, and i want them to embrace the skin they’re in – wear and dress how they want, and for themselves, not for anybody else. no woman should feel scared or ashamed to wear a two-piece. Every body is a bikini body.

No ‘I don’t want to feel self-conscious on my holiday’

Sally Windsor, 38, lives in Crawley with her daughters Ruby, 10, and Mabel, two.

I’m a size 18 and I refuse to believe that anyone this big is truly happy showing off their body. Putting every lump and bump on display? No thanks. And I bet other (non-overweight) beachgoers would agree. that doesn’t mean i’m a prude. But i want to feel as relaxed as possible on my holiday, not self-conscious. it’s already bad enough being surrounded by skinny women, why would i want to make myself stand out even more? i think that certain types of clothing only belong on certain bodies. in my 20s, when i was a slim size 8 to 10, i had a drawer full of bikinis. But i wouldn’t dream of wearing one now, and i don’t think anyone over a size 14 should. Bikinis are great when you’re slim but if your thighs and belly are poking out, i think you should be looking for swimwear with better coverage. as a mum-of-two i wouldn’t subject anyone to having to look at my wobbly bits. of course, i think being confident about your body is a great thing, but when you’re a size 18 it’s just not realistic.