Unshaved legs in a swimsuit. For some, no big deal. For me, for years, unthinkable. Smooth legs were practically a prerequisite for swimsuit confidence. The razor was my loyal summer companion, banishing any hint of leg hair before beach days or pool parties. Then, one day, laziness (or maybe rebellion?) kicked in. I skipped shaving. And then…I wore a swimsuit anyway.
The initial feeling was pure panic. Would people stare? Judge? Whisper? But as I settled onto my beach towel, something surprising happened. Nothing. No one noticed. No one cared. The world kept turning. The sun still shone. The waves still crashed. And my unshaved legs? Just…legs.
That day was liberating. It was a realization that the “rules” about body hair are mostly self-imposed, or at least, heavily influenced by societal expectations. It wasn’t about suddenly loving leg hair (though, no judgment if you do!). It was about reclaiming my right to choose, to prioritize comfort over societal norms, and to realize that leg hair is about as interesting to other people as my choice of sunscreen. Rocking a swimsuit with unshaved legs was a small act of rebellion, a step towards body neutrality, and a huge boost to summer freedom. Your legs, your choice. Shave, don’t shave, who cares? Just enjoy the water.