How to dress in the summer when you’re large...

[Fruem]

So. I’m 5’3 and a size 18/20. More of an 18 but 20 when I’m bloated. I am currently trying to lose weight.

I’m curious to how other women dress in the hot weather when they’re larger. I can’t seem to find a dress that doesn’t look stupid. Too self conscious to wear shorts.

I carry my weight quite well, but have a huge muffin top due to very wide hips.

Any ideas? What sort of dress can a larger lady pull off? Thanks!

I've spent NZ summer wafting around in loose tunic frocks (I have a million in various colours and fabrics) or 'cocoon dresses' which is handy as they are fashionable right now.

Here's some of the ones I have. All v flattering, comfy and airy. Wear a pair of light knicker shorts underneath for any sweaty chafing.

Ones below are more casual but I have colour block ones for work. Look great with wedges.

Totally agree with @Sarkyharky. I think maxi dresses with the bandeau are totally unflattering and too booby. They make me feel enormous. Billowy but above the knee dresses look great.

Also I have felt the fear and gone with shorts this year too. At 43 and size 18. No one batted an eyelid. I bloody loved it for walking about. Tan helped.

The harem pant is also a lifesaver with a loose tucked in cotton vest and a bikini top underneath.

Those of you wearing leggings for chub rub I recommend Bambams. Soft bamboo undershorts for the sweaty of inner thigh who like a summer frock. Changed my life.

I like an A line or loose shift shaped dress. Tend to prefer neutrals and stronger pastels and plain colours with a bold necklace. I'm often drawn to maxis and colourful prints, but resist due to fear of rocking the Camila Batmanghelidjh look.

I wear anything I damn well please but leggings or cycling shorts are a must because of chub rub.

I wear cropped leggings and floaty tunic tops. Never got unbearably hot that way. Or I find an A line dress, fitted around the bust and looser over the hips works..... Monsoon are good for these.

I totally adore culotte jumpsuits and culottes with tops tucked in. I usually wouldn’t tuck any tops in as I’m so self-conscious of my stomach, but I find it somehow works when wearing culottes.

I also wear knee length or just above, lightweight dresses in cotton or viscose over leggings. When it’s too hot for leggings, I wear cotton Lycra shorts under the dresses to avoid the horrendously painful chub rub.

I wear black leggings with cotton or jersey dresses over the top. Usually 'skater style' or 'babydoll'

This sort of shape...

I live in Oz....in the hottest state. I have seen a lot of shift dresses and dresses cut on the bias in thin cotton and linen on larger women.

Nakedavenger74

oooo where are they from?

For chub rub try Bandalettes - they're like big garters that you where on each thigh so don't get too hot etc!

Got chafing I wear bandelettes or breathable shirts from the big bloomer company. Both items are life changing, talc or creams/gels wear off after 5 steps for me.

Try lagenlook for linen dresses and trousers loose tops. New look have some lovely palazzo loose trousers

I do midi dresses

It's been mentioned a few times in MN but I still love the linen a line tunic dresses from next I have them in nearly every colour and I wear them with cropped leggings and pumps. In fact I met someone yesterday at work wearing one and she does exactly the same! I'm 5'2 and size 20 but find an 18 fits fine. They are about £26/28 each. And they have pockets!!!!! What's not to like?

Not clothing, but Lanacane from Boots is great to stop thighs rubbing together!

I wear knee length or midi dresses with short leggings underneath. I prefer short sleeves on dresses if I can find them (these days it seems a bit easier than a few years ago).

Cotton leggings long or short with long dress style tunic. Next do long cotton lycra camis that work well with a floaty top or if you think you may show too much bum with a tunic.

Linen trousers and floaty tops or tunics like the picture shown above. Try Cotton Traders.

I just wear jeans and tops or dresses and leggings all year round, the only difference is in winter I'll sometimes wear a cardigan/jumper or a heavier top, and a big coat going out, and in summer either just as I am or with a light cardigan or jacket depending on the weather. I have bought a pair of linen trousers for the summer this year though, I'm losing weight and my short-term goal is to be able to fit into them for this summer.

I'm usually to be found in shorts and vest courtesy of Adidas or Nike!

I've been bigger and tended to go for long floaty tops with above the knee shorts, or below the knee type leggings (but definitely a long top if leggings as had to have my bum well covered.)

Always found plenty in Tesco to fit that bill.

So grateful now I've lost the weight and can wear cool stuff this year without worrying as much!

I am an 18 but with knees the size of tree trunks, so my summer uniform consists of Next linen trousers in various colours, with a loose top. Debenhams have some good ones in at the moment. Maxi dresses are nice but need to have some shape to them (eg, tie waist, wrap look or similar) otherwise I look like a sack of spuds.

I wear 3/4 linen trousers from Spring until my legs start to freeze around November . I wear these with long loose tops. If sleeveless I wear a little lightweight shrug type cardi with them. I have all these items in several various colours.

if you pop over to style and beauty people will post links to items for you, but if you have a budget mention it or you will have net a porter coming out of your ears

A few of the larger ladies at my work look fantastic in palazzo pants