We found out how swimsuit models get ready for beach season

Date July 2, 2015

Being photographed in your swimsuit requires nerves of steel, but for two Canadian-born swimwear models, it’s just another day at the office. Kim Cloutier has appeared in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit while Justine LeGault shines in plus-size retailer Lane Bryant’s #ImNoAngel campaign. We asked these mermaids to dish on all things water world.

Kim Cloutier

How soon after you started modelling did you become known for your lingerie and swim work?
“One of my first jobs was for swimwear label Angela Jones. I hadn’t been modelling very long and I didn’t want to do any lingerie or swim. I was more comfortable with swim because in my mind it was OK. With lingerie, I had a difficult time putting myself in front of the camera for everyone to see.”

Do you have to work hard to keep your body in swimsuit shape?
“I’m naturally thin, but if I eat whatever I want and don’t work out then my body’s not ready for a shoot. I watch what I eat once in a while, but I don’t go crazy either—I do love eating. When I’m in New York, I box and work out. When I’m not in town, I carry my jump rope.”

Have you ever lost a modelling job because you were too slim?
“I’ve lost one because I was too big.”

Too big on top or too big in general?
“Too big in general. When I first started modelling, food was my comfort when I was away from home. I gained a little weight and I lost jobs because of that. My breasts are larger than most models, and I’ve lost some jobs because of that, too.”

Does Kim Cloutier like her body?
“Like everyone, you can always find something to work on. I’m happy with what I have; I wouldn’t change it.”

You appeared in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit. What was that experience like?
“It’s one of the best shoots. The exposure is ridiculous. There are two red carpet events. There are autograph signings. Your name is on every picture that you’re in. That never happens! It can open a lot of doors.”

You’re in Adam Sandler’s new movie “Cobbler.” How would you compare being in a major film with appearing in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit?
“I’m older now so I appreciated the movie more. Sports Illustrated was amazing, but for the red carpet events I was nervous to talk to people. I spoke English but wasn’t really bilingual.”

Have you ever had a negative body image experience on set?
“When I was younger, an agent grabbed my love handles and told me, ‘You could lose a little bit of weight.’ I’m not with them anymore.”

Do you have to prep any differently for a swim shoot?
“Not really. Maybe I work out a bit harder if I know I have a swim shoot coming up. But I’ve found my balance—everything in moderation.”

How many swimsuits do you own?
“I only have three.”

What’s your go-to swimsuit when you’re going away?
“My purple triangle bikini.”

Has your body changed at all since you started modelling?
“I’m in better shape now than I was when I was 20. It’s usually the opposite.”

Justine LeGault

Is swimsuit modelling a special category within the realm of modelling?
“Some models might specialize in swimsuit modelling, but from my experience, models model all sorts of clothing.”

What was your first swimsuit shoot like?
“I really don’t remember. To me, it is just like any other clothes.”

Is it harder than doing a fashion editorial?
“No, it’s actually easier because a swimsuit naturally follows the curves of the body, so there is no need to figure out poses that create a shape.”

How do you keep your body in swimsuit shape?
“I’ve always had an hourglass or pear shape, and that is usually what clients want when it comes to modelling swimwear. But I try to do a minimum of 30 minutes of cardio every day or two, plus small weights to stay toned.”

Have you ever lost a job because you were too big?
“I most probably did. Sometimes clients are interested but then the samples arrive and they are not my size. I also got called for a job recently but they wanted a bigger model. Most of the time, if a client books a model, they are aware of her measurements.”

The #ImNoAngel campaign has been a big deal.
“Yes, I’m very proud. I’m receiving so many positive messages. The images are barely retouched. It’s all about being proud of who we are, our curves. It was one of the highlights of my career. We are literally everywhere: Billboards in Times Square, subway trains inside and outside.”

Does Justine LeGault like her body?
“I do. Like pretty much everybody, there are things on my body I wish were different. But what a boring world it would be if everyone was the same and ‘perfect.’ The more I take care of myself by working out or even just getting a massage, the more I love my body.”

What cut of swimwear do you prefer on your body type?
“Lately I like a sexy monokini with a low back and high thigh. It’s very ’80s and is sexy and flattering.”

How do you prep for a swim shoot mentally and physically?
“I try to keep feeling sexy and confident and high-energy. Sometimes I get a spray tan; it automatically makes me feel like a Hawaiian Tropic babe.”

Do you feel pressure to work out/diet before a shoot?
“It helps if I feel good, so I keep my healthy routine going. No one wants to feel tired or bloated before a shoot.”

Have you noticed any changes in what the industry perceives as beautiful?
“Definitely. Freckles, teeth gap, body sizes—fashion is all about atypical beauty lately. It is less about perfection and more about self-acceptance.”

How many swimsuits do you own?
“Four. A retro Tommy Bahama monokini with palm trees; a shiny black one-piece from Asos; a colourful two-piece; and a one-piece Speedo for swimming.”