To wear summer clothes even though I’m fat?

[GeorgieTheGorgeousGoat]

I’m pretty big, not newsworthy big, but around a size 20.

In the past 10/15 years I have sweated my way through summer wearing jeans and leggings and keeping covered up, saving dresses (at the most) for holiday only. Never shorts, never skirts or anything near knee length.

This year, Dh has just persuaded me that I can’t go on living in clothes that quite frankly make me ill in this heat. So I’ve invested in some shorts and dresses and I’ve been wearing them this summer.

I’m well aware people will stare at my fat legs etc but at least I’m a bit cooler. And people probably stare at the crazy woman in jeans anyway!

What’s your view? Would you stare or judge an overweight person in summer clothes? It’s nothing too short, usually on or just below knee length. I’m quite fearful that people stare or think badly of me for being overweight.

AIBU to bear my legs as a size 20?

If you’re self conscious I find those thin, loose summer trousers comfy and cool and stop the risk of sunburn.

Jeans - definitely not!! 😮. Comfort is far more important.

do's

when you read the threads about Meghan or Kate - who really cannot be described as fat whatever the angle! and their fashion choice, anyone is judged or can be judged for what they wear.

Who cares. clothes don't magically change your size and body shape, some are more flattering than others but that's about it, the same way as make-up doesn't change your face either.

YANBU! I would definitely stare at anyone wearing jeans in this weather!

Although longer, light dresses are actually cooler than short ones, as they keep your legs out of the heat. It's why people in deserts wear those robe-y things.

I'm in exactly the same boat OP, size 18-20 now after years of steroids have made me pile on weight. 2 years ago I was a 14 and thought I was fat, I hid myself away in jeans and long cardigans all year round. Now I look back and wonder what the hell was wrong with me. This year I've bitten the bullet and worn a dress for the first time in years. I'm still hugely self conscious but I cannot bear this heat.

I don't think the judgement would be worse in less clothing OP. If people want to have negative opinions about your body I don't think it's going to change whether you wear jeans or shorts unfortunately. I understand why you feel more conscious less covered up though. Ignore them and be comfortable and happy!

I'm a lot bigger than I used to be (2 sizes up in a year) and I too have been covering up so I do now how you feel. Yesterday though I had a F* it moment and wore a tunic I'd usually wear over leggings.

I am sure you look absolutely beautiful in a summer dress - go for it!

Surely you will draw more attention to yourself in heavier clothes in this weather

Wear the comfy clothes. People arnt judging you. And if they were...it would say more about them than you. Live your life for YOU not 'them'.
Also...would it kill fashion designers to design nice summer clothes for larger people. Cool dresses with something a bit longer than a capped sleeve but without being all mumsy? How hard can that be?

I understand the urge to cover up too. But over the past year or so I've learned to say fuck it. If people get offended by my body they can avert their gaze. I have seen before 'Fat people shouldn't wear leggings / shorts / dresses. etc" before. You can still see I'm fat regardless of what I'm wearing so what difference does it matter? I don't tend to wear shorts as I find them uncomfortable but summer dresses I'm all over.

You wear the summer clothes! Whatever makes you comfortable. Don't give a second thought to others. I know it's easier said than done but it's too hot to care.

So many threads on here showing what a sad attitude some fat people have towards themselves. I want to hug them all! You're carrying extra adipose tissue you're hardly a war criminal. It's just your body. If you want to wear summer clothes, bloody well wear them. Balls to anyone else. If you're a size 20 you will look it no matter what you wear so wear something cool and floaty that you're comfortable in. It will make you less self conscious in the long run and maybe help you feel a bit better about yourself. I'm so sad you feel that you can't wear weather appropriate clothing because of your body composition. It's awful.

No-one, absolutely no-one, should look down on you, mock you or judge you for dressing in shorts/skirts/dresses. Dress for you and for the weather, not for pearl-clutching fools.

get distressed when I see people wearing hoodies when it’s really hot, makes me feel hotter!

I feel the same. Round me (rough) I see countless youths wearing black jeans and hoodies (hoods up) and even puffa jackets with the hoods up - in this weather! It actually makes me feel sorry for drug dealing gang members (as I have a feeling that is their 'uniform').

Like other people I notice people who are too covered up for the weather. I don't notice fat people in Summer clothes (well sometimes I think they look nice so would notice then).

I have friends who wear leggings with dresses in the summer because they’re weight conscious and I always feel so bad for them!

I am a little overweight and I do wear leggings with dresses, not because I'm weight conscious but on less warm days so I get some wear out of my dresses, if I'm cycling, or if I my legs are not up to being exposed. Don't feel sorry for the leggings wearers unless it's REALLY hot.

14 stone, in shorts and tee shirt now. Would put a skirt on if I went out though.

The thing is, and no offence intended, people can see what size you are whether you are in jeans and a jumper or shorts and a vest. So crack on and be comfortable, I bet you look great and either way I don't think anyone would bat an eyelid.

My fat white legs have got some stares today but I don't care. I can't do leggings in this heat

Some if the most beautiful women I know are plus sized. They wear clothes to flatter their shape and love their body. Look for floaty, comfortable tops and skirts or loose trousers. I am not a fan of shorts, only because it's bloody hard to get ones that fit an hourglass figure well! But if you like them, wear them.

Everyone ends up as the same size anyway when dead. You may as well stand out and be happy whilst alive.

Honestly I really don't think people will bat an eyelid at you wearing summer clothes. You're more likely to be noticed for being in something far too hot.
Loose trousers, floaty tops, long summer dresses etc are surely more flattering as well as being more comfortable.
Hot pants and a crop top probably isn't the best look but then 99% of people can't really carry that off well anyway.

Completely agree with poster above - people draw more attention when wearing inappropriate heavier clothes.
Live in aus with a dry but warm/hot/scorching 8months of the year and live in cotton/linen shift/wrap dresses. Years ago I would tough it out in skinny jeans - bonkers....what was I thinking?? I flux between a 14 - 18 size in clothes (brand or style dependant).

Go for it - from what I'm reading it's just too bloody hot to care...

I’m 18-20 and I look it in jeans and jumpers just as much as in a summer dress! If I put a cardi on, I just have fat arms in a cardi! And I’m hot and uncomfortable and dealing with people asking all day ‘how can you wear a cardigan in this heat???’ So I don’t bother anymore!

I was very self conscious about my arms so I got a beautiful tattoo from an amazing artist on one of my upper arms and now I love getting them out for everyone to see.

I saw some teenagers today in black jeans and jumpers picnicking in the blazing midday sunshine in 30 degree heat. It made me feel ill just to look at them! I’ll never hide away like that again.

Better to be cool and comfortable than hot, sticky and sweaty, whatever size you are! I have been fatly wearing floaty dresses all week in 35 degree heat. Nobody has given a second glance. Go for it and enjoy the summer.

I wouldn't stare at anyone for being overweight--maybe I'd stare if I liked your dress though!

Definitely wear summer clothes. I can't imagine not wearing them right now.

First, wear whatever you like. I do (also a 20) and I like how I look - especially in the summer. Besides, size 20 is hardly traffic-stopping!

Secondly, your DH is a star!

Enjoy the rest of the summer