Bethenny Frankel has never been one to play it safe, especially when she’s standing by a pool in a bikini. If you’ve followed the former Real Housewives of New York star for more than five minutes, you know she’s basically a walking masterclass in "not giving a damn." But lately, the conversation around the bethenny frankel swimsuit era has shifted from simple beach photos to a full-blown cultural moment about aging, business integrity, and some pretty serious health struggles.
She’s 55 now. And she’s arguably more visible in a two-piece than she was in her thirties.
The Sports Illustrated Moment That Broke the Internet
Last summer, Bethenny didn't just wear a swimsuit; she owned the runway at the 2025 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit show in Miami. It was a massive deal. She walked out in three distinct looks: a leopard-print one-piece by Norma Kamali, a pink-and-black polka dot bikini with a sheer sarong, and a wild double-denim bikini paired with a cowboy hat.
People went nuts. Some critics, the "miserable ones" as she calls them, tried to mom-shame her. They asked what her daughter, Bryn, would think about her mom strutting in a thong-style suit at 54.
Bethenny’s response? She FaceTimed Bryn immediately. The teenager told her, "Mama, you did so good. You have such a good tush." Honestly, that pretty much ended the debate.
Why She Scrapped a $60,000 Launch
Here is the thing about Bethenny’s business brain. It’s ruthless. A few years back, she was set to launch a massive swimwear line with HSN. Everything was ready. The marketing was lined up. The samples arrived.
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And then she tried them on.
She called the suits "ill-fitting garbage." Most influencers would have just taken the check and promoted the "shaping" technology anyway. Not her. She torpedoed a $60,000 launch days before it aired because she refused to sell poor-quality products to women who weren't rich.
"So poor people get to look like s**t?" she famously asked her partners. She eventually re-launched a curated line that actually worked, featuring the emerald corset one-piece that became an instant bestseller. It wasn't about the money; it was about the fact that if her name is on a bethenny frankel swimsuit, it better actually hold things in.
The Health Battle: POTS and the "Different" Face
If you've noticed Bethenny looking a bit "puffy" or different in her recent swimsuit snaps, there is a medical reason for it. She’s been incredibly open about her battle with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS).
It’s a condition where your heart rate spikes just by standing up. It causes:
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- Extreme dehydration
- Severe facial bloating
- Dizziness and "brain fog"
- Incredible fatigue
During a trip to Aspen, she went viral for showing how much her face had changed due to a POTS flare-up. She’s used her platform to remind everyone that a "bikini body" isn't always about being "fit"—sometimes it's just about surviving a chronic illness while trying to enjoy the sun.
The "Supermodel Snack" Routine
You won’t find Bethenny doing three hours of Pilates a day. She’s gone on record saying she "rarely exercises" and actually hates drinking water—which is a nightmare for her POTS, but she’s honest about it.
Instead, she focuses on what she calls her "supermodel snacks." We’re talking:
- Protein-packed cottage cheese bowls.
- Tomato slices used instead of bread for sandwiches.
- The "nepo baby" salad (lots of greens, very little fluff).
She walks between 6,000 and 10,000 steps when she can, but she doesn't obsess. She eats whatever she wants but never binges. It’s a balance that seems to work, even if her "pre-runway prep" for Miami mostly involved beach walks and IV drips to stay hydrated.
Filtering Is Lying
One of the biggest reasons the bethenny frankel swimsuit photos resonate is because she refuses to hide the "real" her. She famously posted a side-by-side of a photoshopped bikini photo versus the raw original.
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The edited version looked like a different person.
She called out the "deceptive" nature of social media, arguing that it makes middle-aged women feel insecure and gives men a false ideal. She’s 55. She has lines. She has skin that sags in certain spots. And she’s totally fine with it.
In her words, "When I'm 90, I won't wish I exercised more."
Actionable Insights for Your Own Confidence
- Check the Fit: If a swimsuit makes you feel bad, it’s the suit’s fault, not your body’s. Look for high-denier "shaping" fabrics that Bethenny champions.
- Prioritize Health Over Aesthetics: If you’re dealing with bloating or fatigue, listen to your body like Bethenny does with her POTS management.
- Ignore the "Appropriateness" Police: If you want to wear a bikini at 50, 60, or 70, do it. The only opinion that matters is yours (and maybe a supportive daughter’s).
- Focus on Movement, Not Punishment: Swap the grueling gym sessions for 15-minute walks or "incidental" exercise.
Bethenny Frankel has turned the simple act of wearing a swimsuit into a statement on business ethics and self-acceptance. Whether she's walking a high-fashion runway or sitting by her pool in the Hamptons, she's proving that being "real" is the ultimate power move.
Next Steps for You
- Evaluate your current swimwear: If it doesn't offer the support or confidence you need, look for brands that focus on "shaping" rather than just "style."
- Practice the "No-Filter" rule: Try posting one unedited photo this week to reclaim your own narrative.
- Monitor your hydration: If you experience symptoms like Bethenny's (dizziness upon standing), consult a professional about POTS or similar autonomic issues.