To just stop hiding my body?

i’ve always been insecure about my belly and legs so have always covered them up - my weight has fluctuated and I’ve been everywhere between a 10 and a 28 so also have loose skin, but someone very rightly said to me that even if you cover up people still know you have a belly and legs because they are still there, so why cover them up? And it makes sense. People will still know you have “bigger” arms so just show them off anyway - don’t make yourself uncomfortable just to make others happy, it’s pointless!

Where do you find these dresses? Could you show some examples? I always cover my upper arms and never see dresses that finish at the elbow!

Well done on a massive loss. Have you been doing any exercise?

Male here and I completely understand where the OP is coming from. I have lost 11 stone and am very self conscious of my body
It's easy for people to say nobody will look or care etc but that doesn't make it any easier. We're going to Majorca in October and I know I'll be very nervous about going in the pool with just shorts on.

Then you should absolutely go ahead with the sleeveless dress.

I think you should do as you like, but personally I prefer wearing dresses with loose elbow length sleeves in light fabrics. Cooler in the sun as well as covering my upper arms.

I’m the same size, kept creeping up. I don’t like my arms so summer dresses have a minimum of just about the elbow. If you want to look NICE you can still wear summery clothing that covers certain bits.

I’m not keen on the, letting it all hang out, look.

But it’s entirely up to you. Your life your body.

Well done! Enjoy your body. There are very few prefect bodies around. We come in all sorts of shapes and sizes and one is not more valid than any of the others. Wear what you enjoy wearing and what makes you feel comfortable and cool. Life is not a dress rehearsal.

Well done on your weight loss.
FWIW I’d probably notice someone looking uncomfortable in weather inappropriate clothing but would never notice a normal woman wearing a normal summer dress in summer!

It's all about comfort isn't it. I've bought a body shaper to flatten my stomach but it's frigging tight trying to get it on. I've given up on it. Meno stomach, so aside from carrying on with tai chi and strength conditioning, I'm wearing what I want. Flowy long dresses have been my go to in this weather.

Yesterday I put on a dress that made me look pregnant but decided I didn't give a toss so kept it on..

One of the reasons for losing weight is to show off your new figure. Well done you - celebrate your massive weight loss with a new wardrobe. Do some toning exercises as well if you're up to it.

I’ve lost 4 stone and I do have some crepey skin on my arms but overall they look biggish but shapely / toned. Wearing sleeveless tops is one of the most liberating aspects of the weight loss. I probably would notice someone else with loose skin etc but that’s because I’ve been through my own weight loss journey and noticing is not the same a judging. I also notice a plus size person if they’re running but I still think “ you go girl “ as I go by.

Wear what you want. No one cares. Amazing weight loss by the way. Well done.

To be blunt and I say this as someone who was a similar size...if you're a size 18 then you'll look a size 18 whether you are covered up or not.

I was in a hotel recently and saw a plus size woman really covered up...it actually looked worse imo than if she'd been wearing a bikini... because she looked self conscious and uncomfortable.

Lost 70kg and have the same issue, major bingo wings. I have lymphodema and my legs are awful, big ankle overhang. Bought a dress on Vinted and it has a big split, not shown on the pics. I’ve decided I’m keeping it and sod it, I don’t care anymore.

I wore a sleeveless t-shirt this week, first time since I lost the weight. I was embarrassed but saw virtually nobody. Eventually, I’d like an arm lift, but then people will stare at the scars. Can’t win!

Enjoy them!!

🙌 ❤️

On the same journey, OP. Currently size 20-22. Also hate what it has done to various bits of my body and the crepey skin is horrid! But I am having a bloody marvellous time dressing myself and wearing exactly what I want.....at 55 dr martens are my boot of choice and a goth kind of punky style to go with them! Do not give a flying fuck what anyone thinks ....

PS Don't you just love not having to worry about getting cornered in a cafe or having someone park too close and not being able to get the door open?! Cannot express the joy that gives me every single day!

Everyone’s so busy worrying about themselves, they aren’t looking at anyone else.

Well done on your amazing weight loss!!

Good for you!

Honestly OP I spent most of my life hating my arms ( and other bits of my body tbh) and would never wear sleeveless dresses or tops.

In the last ten years -I'm 74 now- I gradually realised my arms were no worse than many other peoples who walked around quite happily in sleeveless tops and dresses and didn't give a damn.

So now in my early 70s I am eventually at peace witb my arms and wear just what I want.
Don't be me OP. Wear what you want.