Thoughts on tent dresses on size 16+

[PenelopeFlintstone]

There've been lots of summer 'tent dresses' out over the last few years where I live. I bought a couple and my husband obviously thought I was joking when I said I was leaving the house in one. He immediately stopped when he realised I wasn't joking and is a husband who's never told me to lose weight, etc.
Do you know the type of dress? Always knee length, a popular brand is Adrift. Do you think they do fat girls a favour by hiding all rolls, or the opposite?
Thank you.

Lone voice of dissent here, if you've got a tummy but thin arms and legs then a shortish dark coloured sack/shift shape can be flattering! Like with opaque tights and ankle boots and a statement necklace. But I think OP is talking about more kaftan-y floaty things though which is a different kettle of fish. Demis Roussos.

I grew up in the late 70s/early 80s. These dresses remind me of what larger, older women would wear in the summer (usually instead of their housecoat). Sorry.

That's okay Finola. That's exactly what I am: older, larger and wearing them in summer

Crikey.....my eyes!!!! The picture update has sent me over the edge!

Old lady night dresses is a pretty accurate description.

I also grew up in the 80's and this style of dress just reminds me of the kaftans that were almost exclusively worn by ladies who were too large to find other clothes to fit. This would have been before plus size clothing was available on the average high street and certainly before online shopping.

They used to be advertised in the Sunday colour supplements.

Personally, as a former size 24 and a current size 14, I've never been a shape that this style would suit. I even think Victoria Beckham looks dreadful in hers in the picture above - well rather the dress looks dreadful.

I imagine they're very comfortable and cool to wear though!

Finola Me too! It's JUST what you'd see all the Nannas wearing on a weekend at home on a warm day.

I'd look like a sofa in either of those and I've slimmed down from a 14-16 to a 12-14. I'm fairly top heavy, so do wear that sort of shape to hip length with skinnies, but, even then, I prefer something a little more tailored around the shoulders because it's a lot more flattering on me, even when I'm all bloaty around the middle.

Although it's not stylish in any way, shape or form, it is at least better than looking at rolls of fat in Lycra squished into 3/4 length skinny jeans or a variation of that. If it's very cool and keeps you comfortable on hot days.....

Well thanks everyone. I told DH what you all said and he smiled and laughed a tiny bit. I'm glad he didn't embellish on what he really thought! I'll wear the dresses till the end of summer indoors only, and rethink what I'm going to get around in next summer. I'm glad I asked because I was planning on buying the winter versions but now I won't.

Op I think you need some nice shift dresses, comfy, flattering and stylish!

Thanks Buster. I've enjoyed your humour on this thread If you have time, could you post one example so I get the right idea as I've always thought shifts were sleeveless, straight dresses like a black one that Audrey Hepburn might wear (and that they wouldn't suit a fatty apple shape) - and, yes, of course I plan to lose weight this year.

Thank you Op, I'm glad I've made you smile. I'll take a look and post some pictures. The spotty one below is a favorite shape of mine. It's technically a shift (I don't think) but I love it!

Not a shift I mean!

I'd only wear a tent dress on holidays in plus 30 degrees because I'm not good in the heat and I wouldn't be too fussed about how I looked in it if it was cool. Otherwise, I'd agree they aren't the most flattering style on those with big chests in particular.

This is a good for an apple shape. V neck, wrap, gives the illusion of a waist!

I don't know how anyone can feel good wearing those. They must make you look enormous, sorry I wouldn't even wear it indoors.

Dear god no, they look awful.
Theboasus one is lovely though

I really like them.
I'm a short size 16 so no doubt you're all horrified but the thing is I don't think looking big is all that terrible, I am big.

This is also not a shift 😂 but it's a goodie as it's stretchy, v neck and wrap. I have it in a different pattern but it's comfy and gives you shape!

I like the blue one.

I am not a fan of tight clothes- always think people look and feel better in something a bit loose and flowing. I have to admit that I usually hate a lot of the dresses that other people on this board think are great, so I am used to being in a minority.

Very Hattie Jacques... best kept as indoor wear imho.

Some much nicer alternatives have already been posted.

Hattie's calling, she wants her frock back. I like the first one that buster posted.

Lokis 😂

And this little baby!