Scandalous Americans

Kelly and I are the only teachers who did not bring bathing suits to China. I’d heard about the modesty of their bathing suits (without really looking into it), and figured my bikini had no place. I was also so focused on preparing for the dead of winter, vacuum sealing my thickest jackets and gloves, that the idea of sneaking in that tiny bit of fabric seemed like nonsense.

Then we learned about the Hot Springs treat from our administration. We set out to the mall-like shopping center near us and managed to find one stall that sold bathing suits.

At first sight I thought it was just another wall of dresses. It wasn’t until I leaned close and touched the fabric that I was sure, much like rubbing plant to see if it’s fake. For one thing, they are clearly made to accentuate thin Asian bodies. All of the tops are seriously padded, and complete with underwire. Most of the bottoms have extra frills on the sides, perfect for adding the illusion of hips. Unfortunately for us Americans, we did not need extra amenities. Not to mention that Kelly and I are giants in Asia. It’s a miracle if I can find a shoe in my size, never mind a bathing suit. I could barely squeeze into a large, and poor Kelly had to settle for the only extra- large that they had in the store, regardless of the design.

The styles struck me the most. There were so many varieties! None of them were the typical, underwear-shaped bikinis I’m accustomed to seeing lined up on store walls. In fact I have not found any bottoms that are any skimpier than shorts or skirts. The one that I settled on came with black shorts that look like 70’s roller derby bottoms, or maybe more like boys speedos, given the texture. Most of them look like outfits, just different versions of dresses or tops with shorts.

Even two-pieces like the one I found, black polka-dotted top (with unavoidable stuffed, underwire style) and solid black shorts, came with a “tank top” to go over it. The strappy tank top is also black polka-dotted, and has frills at the bottom. I do like how much variety you can have in a bathing suit. I’m used to choosing basically by the print, and maybe an extra tie. Here, they really have different looks and outfits.

What I really can’t imagine is a Chinese person seeing a wall of bathing suits in America for the first time, suit after suit of colorful underwear, and thinking, “Where’s the rest?”