What do you wear on a hot holiday when you're the wrong size of 40 and overweight.

[PossumInAPearTree]

Because honestly I have no idea.

Last time I went on an abroad hot holiday was about 10 years ago and I was slimmer. Am now a size 18.

I don't think shorts suit me at all. Short shorts are out because I'm too fat. 3/4 type chino or linen shorts just look like something my mother would wear and make me want to cry. I think last time I went away I had denim Capri type shorts but I suspect they won't look as good on me as they did a decade ago. Do I give up on shorts? I think denim shorts and shirts and I would look like Waynetta Slob.

Pool wear/sunbathing gear I'm ok with. I've got a couple of nice swimsuits, a sarong and just ordered a nice kimono. It's more stuff for walking around the town in the day. I've got a couple of maxi dresses which will do for evenings out.

I bought a couple of pairs of full length harem type trousers last year. Not the crazy baggy ones but just cotton and full length so was thinking maybe those. No idea what to wear on top half.

When do the shops start having more summer stuff in? Going to Tenerife so it's not the height of fashion culture. But I don't want to look a mess.

[NancyJoan]

Dresses. Knee length, jersey, buy a load of them. Shorts are horribly uncomfy, imo.

Hareems will be good too. With plain t-shirts/vests if you are happy to have your arms out.

[dudsville]

I'd wear knee length light weight cotton shorts (something between my thighs basically), and tops made of that cotton material that's super thin, like gauze. Sandals. As long as your stuff is in good condition and suits you, you will not look a mess! Have a wonderful time!

[StumblyMonkey]

Definitely dresses (as long as your legs don't chafe? Mine sometimes do and it's beyond agony).

[SantasLittleMonkeyButler]

I went to Turkey for my 40th birthday a couple of years ago, back when I was a size 24. My birthday is in the summer holidays so it was very hot.

I wore mainly knee length sleeveless or short sleeved dresses. I also had a couple of very lightweight, long skirts with elasticated waists. These were perfect for wearing in the evening with a light top of some sort.

I am going abroad again this summer, and am currently a size 14. TBH I'm really looking forward to being able to wear shorts!

[PossumInAPearTree]

My legs chafe but I bought some anti chafe shorts the other year so can wear these under dresses....kind of like thin cycle shorts.

[StumblyMonkey]

Something like this?

[PossumInAPearTree]

Only problem is if I walk too far the shorts start rolling up at the bottom of the legs. So I keep having to put my hands up my dress and unroll them.

I've tried all the bodyglide, anti perspirant, etc and it doesn't work.

[GallivantingWildebeest]

Wow, well done Santa!

Op, how about vest tops with chiffon overshirts? Or cropped leggings with a loose shirt on top? M&S do nice crinkled beach trousers that are flattering and elastic end waist - I wear them every summer.

[PossumInAPearTree]

That outfit is nice. Will I die in dark colours/black?

[PossumInAPearTree]

Yes cropped leggings was something I was thinking about. Will have a look for m&s beach trousers as well. Thanks.

And yes, well done Santa on the weight loss. I've been going to the gym 4x a week since august and have got fatter! Think I'm doomed.

[picklemepopcorn]

This was me last summer. I got three quarter length linen blend chinos, worn with a linen tunic, slightly a line. No chafing, no sweat patches and stickiness. Tidy. Ok, not stunning or glamorous, but that wasn't going to happen...

[user1484578224]

I think shorts are a no no....maybe a sort of nod to khaki/safari type thing with brilliant accessories.

Debenhams personal shopper is good and free.

[Whatthefoxgoingon]

I'm a size 12 but frankly, I just find shorts hot and uncomfortable unless they are really loose and so avoid them. I wear linen trousers and dresses most of the time on holiday. Some coverage helps prevent sunburn too.

[secondhoneymoon]

I agree re dresses - that said couldn't find casual jersey type dresses last year that suited me (also size 14 and very much on the plus side of 40). Anyone got any actual links? Going away in a few weeks and would like a couple of comfy dresses, but don't hold out much hope given how early in the year it is

[Crumbs1]

I'm off to Sri Lanka on Tuesday and fit that description. I am taking lightweight jersey dresses with 3/4 sleeves (I burn due to drugs), loose flowy midi skirts with lightweight jersey tops and tshirts, maxi skirts for evenings, a decent sarong, sun hat, a couple of beach dresses for over costumes.

[sluj]

Wear what you like... no-one knows you. Just relax and enjoy yourself

[secondhoneymoon]

Crumbs - do you have links to your jersey dresses? I can't find any I like (apologies to OP for hijack)

[Sunnyshores]

this is me unfortunately - where do you buy your clothes please?

[BarbaraofSeville]

I got some jersey dresses from Gap outlet. I'm a 12/14 and a medium fits fine so you would fit a L or XL easily. Just throw on over bikinis for daywear.

[PossumInAPearTree]

Wrong side of 40 not size! Think if I was dress size 40 that would not be good!

[PossumInAPearTree]

this

Is the kimono I've bought. Love a bargain! Don't want to spend lots of money on clothes that you do t often get the chance to wear in this country.

[blueskyinmarch]

I am a size 16 and in my 50’s. I wear shorts but they have be fairly loose and comfortable. I also like cropped trousers and wide legged linen trousers. I have a few casual dresses too. I think my motto for hot holidays is loose and cotton. I am off to Miami shortly so will need to look out my summer clothes.

[blueskyinmarch]

I have this dress from Joules. Might buy another one in a different colour for my forthcoming holiday.

[blueskyinmarch]

I also have this dress which is super comfy and makes a great beach cover up.

[Crumbs1]

Mine are not this season - Monsoon, East, Boden mainly last year but some older and skirts were last summer M and S. Maxi skirts were Monsoon last year because the do a shorter length so I don't spend my evenings tripping over trailing skirt. Just bought a couple of Sainsbury's t shirts because they do soft touch ones that wash well. Try Joe Browns via Marisota website too maybe.