The Real Reason I’ve Never Worn a Bikini

Well, summertime is quickly approaching. People are firing up their grills, planning family vacations, and shopping for summer apparel, including bikinis. And I thought that it’d be fun to write about bikinis, clothes, and convictions in general. Honestly, you probably won’t find me in a bikini this year. I’ve actually never worn one.

The Real Reason

I don’t have a super spiritual reason why I’ve never worn a bikini. I do have some personal convictions about swimsuits, and I want to follow my parents’ wishes…plus, I have some fears about wearing a bikini—like the fear of feeling uncomfortable and self-conscious (because I definitely would be) and the fear of getting attention (or not getting attention).

So I can’t say that the reason I’ve never worn a bikini is because I’m an extremely spiritual Christian or because my convictions are better than yours. My choice to not wear a bikini mainly revolves around my convictions, upbringing, and comfort level.

I don’t even have a Bible verse to share about not wearing bikinis—or any other piece of clothing for that matter. Scripture doesn’t provide specific rules about modesty, and I don’t think that we should create commands that aren’t in the Bible. However, I I do think we should live by our personal convictions and build up the body of Christ.

Making Peace and Building Up

So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another. Do not tear down the work of God for the sake of food. All things indeed are clean, but they are evil for the man who eats and gives offense. It is good not to eat meat or to drink wine, or to do anything by which your brother stumbles. The faith which you have, have as your own conviction before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. (Romans 14:19-22 NASB)

While this passage mainly addresses the Jews’ and Gentiles’ convictions about what foods are clean and unclean, the theme of this passage can apply to other areas of our lives. The point is not that wearing a bikini is a sin. The point is that causing our brothers and sisters in Christ to stumble is a sin.

If you feel uncomfortable wearing a certain swimsuit, wear a different one. If your brother or dad says something you wear is too revealing, throw it away. If you think your clothing choices would cause guys to lust, shop for more modest clothing.

You probably won’t see me in a bikini this summer, but I might find you wearing one—and that’s okay. I personally believe wearing a bikini is wrong, but I can’t direct you to a Bible verse that says it is. Christians have different convictions about modesty, as well as many other things. We just need to follow the convictions that God has placed in our hearts and not to judge other believers who have different convictions.