To cover up in summer

[Ribrabrob]

I'm fat with an unfortunate figure - big bum and thighs, chunky flabby arms, not toned at all, short dumpy legs, non-existent boobs... you get the picture. It bothers me a bit and I feel self conscious about it (although clearly not enough to actually do anything about it )

In the warmer weather I tend to cover up whilst attempting to look 'summery' at the same time. Think chinos with a blouse and thin cardigan plus sandals - just no skin on show! Even on the beach (I don't swim).

Aibu to do this? I always get comments about being hot etc, but I'd rather cover up then feel shy in a dress, skin exposed etc. If you saw someone on the beach in chinos etc would you think they look silly? Even when I used to be very slim with a nice figure I was still exactly the same.

Thing is I actually like the summer, I just don't like the expectation that we should wear as little as possible! I mean, great for people that do, I just don't feel comfy Ike that.,

Do whatever is comfy for you. I wouldn’t be bothered about what anyone else thinks. It really is nobody’s business but yours

Do whatever makes you feel comfortable, whether that’s showing lots of flesh or non. It’s your days out and to be honest no one else’s business

We all have our hang ups OP-even when I was a skinny minnie I worried that my bum was too big,boobs too small etc etc-so most people would be fretting too much about how they look on the beach to be worried about what you're wearing.

You might find long length maxi skirts good as well

To be honest I don’t think many will even look at you, most regardless of size or shape are too busy worrying about what everyone thinks of them, me included :)

As everyone says wh whatever you feel best in. Saying th at even from as a child I always wore jeans and covered up.Not size related but skin colour, my legs are basically purple with blotches ( I've even had doctors stare). Only a year ago I bit the bullet and bought a skirt. I've seen people glance down but in general people are p paranoid about what they're wearing and are checking themselves too!!!

I don't think everyone does expoose a lot of skin in warm weather, just as many people will choose to wear light loose clothing, I wouldn't give it a second thought OP.

Chinos are not very cool though, nor is a cardican, could you wera some loose cotton trousers with a tie waist perhaps, and a vest top with a light fl;oaty blous, or a dress?

Who is giving you comments? And do you enjoy the beach? If you are uncomfortable sitting on a beach then don't feel you have to go.

Claim who you are.

Do you get too hot dressed the way you dress? If not, just ignore the comments.

I'm a fairly slim but untoned size 10. I always cover up in summer. I wouldn't dream of sitting on a beach in swimwear. It's me, and I'm happy.

They'll be like old leather while your skin will be wrinkle free!

Italians don't shed all their clothes at the first sign of sun. I like nice linen or floaty stuff rather than tank tops and arse-skimming shorts. Particularly with white or burned English skin.

OP wear whatever makes you comfortable. I'm fortunate enough to be slim and still favour longer skirts, loose shirts. Just be you. Confidence is the most attractive quality.

I would not think you look silly, just protecting your skin. I live in China and most women here do not want a tan - white skin is seen a beautiful - and therefore see plenty of long sleeves, maxi dresses and skirts here in the summer.

I’m a size 12 and I live in maxi dresses during the rare warm weather - or when I’m on holiday abroad!

It’s actually more cooling to have a light layer over the skin so you are dressing fine.

Think of how they dress in hot countries? It’s just in this country that everyone gets acres of flesh out the minute the sun comes out.

Much classier to cover up a bit.

I agree, much classier to cover up, loose floaty light weight cottons are beautiful. The English way of exposing yards of flesh is mostly just awful. No other country would do it. Usually flesh that has seen no sunlight for 6 months, Why would you? Be comfortable, be cool and look good!

The English way of exposing yards of flesh is mostly just awful. No other country would do it.

The Scots are fairly fond of it too

I always cover up in the sun because I’ll burn otherwise - i find the only ones who tend to comment on it are the ones who are red and peeling

Do what makes you feel your most confident. If you are getting lots of comments about being too hot, it does seem like you're tactic for being less noticeable is having the opposite effect!

I totally agree that you should dress however makes you feel most comfortable. If my skin isn't covered I have to stick to the shade and wear high factor suncream and set alarms to reapply regularly. My husband often jokes that when I get my legs out I could blind someone with how much sun they reflect

So I wouldn't even think twice about seeing someone else covered up.

I have family from East Asia and they never go out in the sun - they look 20 years younger than they are. Think when you go to Europe and there’s Japanese your groups - fully covered including hat and umbrella for shade. Your skin will thank you!

A long maxi dress and a sarong over your shoulders might be cooler if you’re on the beach. Primark etc have really stretchy ones that are comfy and cheap.

You know those people that go "ooh aren't you hot like that?" Do so to make you feel uncomfortable. I find a breezy "no thanks I'm perfectly fine" shuts them up. I hate people that ask that- its quite clear you might feel uncomfortable and are covering up- you dont need it highlighting. FWIW OP I cover up my arms always in summer and I also cant wear shorts due to self harming. When people ask me about being hot etc sometimes if I know they're being a shit and I know them well I say "I dont want my scars on show - thanks for bringing it up"

Not saying everyone who asks is being a twat but if you pick up the tone from someone who's asking - dont be afraid to be shitty back! I.e "arent you cold with those hot pants on" etc!

If it was particularly warm I'd ditch the blouse and cardigan for a t-shirt with three quarter length sleeves but of course you should absolutely dress in a way that makes you feel comfortable and confident.

It was sunny here yesterday and I had my first sighting of topless man and arse cheek girl. I could have done without both.

My husband often jokes that when I get my legs out I could blind someone with how much sun they reflect

I too am a daywalker.

I find that having direct sun on my very Northern European skin makes me itchy, hot and miserable. Shade, hand fan, linen clothes and slow movement is my way.

topless man and arse cheek girl

So unlike the home life of our own dear Queen!

I find a plain vest top with a kimono is nice and cool in the heat, and covers as much as a cardigan without being clingy. You can pair that with pretty much anything - chinos, leggings or a maxi skirt/ dress.

I feel your pain, a combination of my weight and scars on both my arms and legs leaves me in a similar position, but loose and floaty over something sleeveless certainly helps.