To Bikini or Not To Bikini

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            To Bikini or not to bikini, that is the question! (thank you Biz for the tag line)  But seriously, this is a really important question, and now that it is Summer it needs an answer.  Today I read an article from Made in His Image about “The Bikini Question.”

            I liked the article and I thought that it presented some really good points.  However, what I didn't like is that the author’s reasoning seemed to be focused on males.  I am in full agreement that we as women have a responsibility to protect the virtue of men, but I think that is not the only reason to be modest.  I have recently made the decision to only wear bikinis while swimming at my aunts’ pool or while on vacation with my family.  Honestly, my decision didn't really consider protecting men.

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            I have a rule that boys are not allowed in the room where my bed is.  During the past two years this room has been my dorm.  Some of my guy friends give me a hard time about it, they don’t see the big deal.  To me, it seems like if I let them into my room I am making myself too vulnerable to them.  Not like I think that they will jump me or anything, but I don’t like the idea of a guy having a clear picture of my bed in his mind.  I have this theory that if a guy doesn't know what my bed looks like, if he hasn't experienced my bedroom, than it is harder for him to picture me in bed (and more importantly harder to picture himself in my bed).  That may seem completely ridiculous to some, but to me it makes sense. Some things are just private. In the same way I don’t want to aid a guy in picturing me in my underwear (which is what wearing a bikini does).

            A relatively recent study has shown that when men see a woman in a bikini the part of the brain for

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handling tools lights up.  I don’t know about the rest of you but I am not into being used as a tool.  Just like you should dress for the job you want and not the job you have, so you should dress for the man you want.  The way that you present yourself attracts a certain type of attention.  If you present yourself as an object (or just a body) you are more likely to be viewed that way; if you present yourself as a whole person you are more likely to be viewed that way.

            The decision to go exclusively modest in mixed company was easy to make for myself; I personally think that one-pieces are more flattering, but I know that many girls struggle with the choice.  Let’s look at some common reasons girls give for putting off the switch to modest.

1. Bikinis are cuter!:  bikinis are cute, I won’t deny it.  I have some really cute ones that I wear with my

   

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   family.  However, that does not mean that all one-pieces are puritan potato sacks. 
2. Modest bathing suits are too expensive!:  affordable suits are out there!   I have found some really cute ones at Old Navy, Macy’s, and JC Penny.  It may take a little bit of looking but the effort is worth it.
3. Guys don’t have to wear shirts, it isn't fair!: guys bodies are built differently than women’s.  I will say, men don’t wear speedos (mankinis).  I think most of us can agree that we prefer a little left to the imagination. 
4. They make me attractive!: to who?  Who is it that you want to attract that will not be just as attracted to you in a one piece? Also, I repeat, one-pieces are often more flattering.

          So, this is a tricky and emotionally charged topic that will be up for debate until the end of time I have no doubt.  For me, the decision is made. What will you do?

         What is your opinion on the bikini question?  I really want to hear from you on this!  Where do you get your modest suits?  Can any of you give me a counterargument?   Comments? Questions? Suggestions?