Soph Hughes, a curvy model, is on a mission to empower women of all shapes and sizes to embrace their bodies and wear what makes them feel confident. For years, Hughes fought an internal battle with her body, feeling ashamed of her curves and hiding away from the world. However, after spending 15 years “at war” with herself, she has now found peace, confidence, and a sense of liberation, proudly showcasing her size 16 physique and urging others to do the same. Hughes’ journey to self-love has been anything but easy, but her message is clear: “Wear the damn bikini.”
Soph’s story is one of transformation. Growing up, Hughes was a typical teenager trying to fit in, struggling with body image issues that are so common among young girls. Her body didn’t conform to the slim ideal that society often dictates, and she felt pressure to lose weight to meet that standard. In her early twenties, Hughes made personal sacrifices that led to weight gain. But instead of giving in to the pressures around her, she spent years fighting against her own reflection, feeling self-conscious and often ashamed of her body. Like so many others, she thought that happiness could only be achieved if she could fit into a smaller size.
Despite her inner turmoil, Soph’s modeling career began to take off. But even in front of the camera, the internal conflict remained. She would book jobs, but the entire time, she felt as though she didn’t belong. She didn’t see many women who looked like her in the fashion industry, and this lack of representation only deepened her insecurities. Soph, a self-proclaimed “size 16” model, admits that she used to hide behind layers of clothing, trying to cover up what she considered imperfections.
The turning point came when Hughes realized that her self-worth could not be defined by a number on a scale or the size of her clothing. It was a slow journey, one that required self-compassion, therapy, and a complete shift in perspective. “I spent years wishing my body was different,” she recalls. “But then I started to think: what if I just accepted it as it is? What if I stopped fighting against myself and started embracing the body I had?”
The process of self-acceptance was not instantaneous. Hughes faced many setbacks, but she made a conscious decision to stop hiding. She began to wear the clothes she once avoided, including bikinis, a piece of clothing that once represented everything she hated about her body. The more she embraced her curves, the more confident she became. With time, she also started advocating for others to do the same. In fact, Soph’s now-famous motto is to “wear the damn bikini,” encouraging every woman, no matter her size or shape, to rock swimwear with pride.
Through social media and her work as a model, Hughes has become an outspoken advocate for body positivity. She uses her platform to share not only her professional work but also her personal journey of body acceptance. “I want to show women that they are worthy, no matter what size they are,” she says. “It’s about feeling good in your own skin, not waiting for the world to validate you.” This message has resonated deeply with her audience, with countless women reaching out to thank her for inspiring them to feel better about their own bodies.
Soph’s modeling career has grown along with her confidence. She is now in high demand as a plus-size model, working with brands that celebrate diversity and inclusivity in the fashion industry. Unlike earlier in her career, where she was often marginalized for not fitting the traditional “model mold,” Hughes is now being celebrated for her natural curves and unapologetic attitude. Her success in the fashion world highlights how representation is changing, with more brands and designers embracing a wider range of body types.
Hughes has also expanded her advocacy beyond modeling, engaging in speaking events and workshops focused on body image and self-love. She shares her story to encourage others to confront their own insecurities and redefine beauty standards. “It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being authentic,” she asserts. “No one’s body is flawless, and that’s okay. We all deserve to feel beautiful, just as we are.”
For Soph Hughes, the fight is no longer against her body but against society’s unrealistic expectations. She believes that every woman deserves the right to feel confident, regardless of size. Her personal journey from self-doubt to self-love serves as a powerful reminder that beauty comes in all forms, and the most important thing is to wear your body with pride.
Today, Soph Hughes is a role model for many women, especially those who struggle with body image issues. Through her work, she encourages them to stop hiding and to take up space in the world, whether it’s on the beach, at a pool party, or simply walking down the street. In her words, “Don’t wait for the perfect moment to wear that bikini. The perfect moment is now.”
Soph Hughes’ message is simple yet profound: it’s time to embrace who you are, wear what you love, and, most importantly, wear the damn bikini.