Hayley Edmonds

“The ‘topless’ debate has been going on for some time now over here in France.

Up until the early 90s France was synonymous with its liberalism with regards to nudity (I remember going to nudist beaches when we were young, in the 80s and my mum would go topless). However, there is quite a divide in opinion these days.

A lot of this is down to the ‘bombardment’ of images of the perfect woman in the media. As a result French women have more complexes about their female forms, but also for fear of finding a photograph of themselves topless on social media.

I don’t personally pose topless, but then I’ve been wearing swimming costumes for the last five years (even when I wakeboard, if it’s hot enough not to wear a wetsuit!).

I’ve never had a bust (pre-pregnancy) and have always been very active, so I’d prefer something that stays on when I’m surfing than finding two padded triangles around my neck every time I wipe out!

I have never really been someone who likes sunbathing either, so going topless to get an all over tan has never really been desired either.

Despite personally preferring to cover up, I totally respect women who choose to go topless and I think we’re fortunate to live in a society that leaves us the choice to do so.

Personally, even if I do look like a 12 year old boy without a bikini top on, I’ll never say never!”