Fatkinis: Sexy Snaps of Fat Women in Skimpy Swimwear is Online Hit

Models Kate Upton and Kelly Brook may show off their enviable curves at every opportunity, but it looks like they may have some competition in the beach body department.

"Real" women have posted photos of themselves in their sexy swimwear for an online "fatkini" gallery in protest over society's obsession with super-slim summer bodies.

Fashion website xojane.com's gallery of 31 women of all shapes and sizes aims to prove that you don't have to be a Victoria Secrets model to feel confident in your own skin.

Gabi Gregg, who writes for the site, said that she posted a request for the images in a bid to inspire larger women to feel good about wearing bikinis.

Greggs wrote on her blog: "Our culture is so obsessed with having a 'beach ready bod', that the mere idea of someone my size in a swimsuit, let alone a bikini, is shocking to most.

"I know first-hand how inspiring it can be to see people with bodies that look similar to my own feeling confident and happy on the beach in something other than a Hawaiian-print skirted one piece."

The gallery, which appears to be an endorsement of diversity, shows a range of vibrant, confident happy woman posing in their two pieces.

"Hopefully this gallery, which features lots of body diversity, proves that it's not only 'toned' fat girls who can feel confident hitting the beach in a two piece.

"If this gallery inspires you to take the plunge, here are a few sites that offer cute plus-size bikinis," Gregg added.

Check out some of the best snaps available on the website in our slideshow below.