Bigger girls in the sun

[causeimunderyourspell]

What do you wear when it's hot or you're going on holiday? We're going to Spain in June and whilst all my friends get excited to buy holiday clothes, I absolutely dread it!

I'm a size 16/18 and I carry most of my weight on my belly. I had two babies in quick succession so my stomach is a disaster zone! I really struggle day to day and stick with black, swing type cami tops, long vests and leggings with a cardi, that's pretty much my look every day!

I struggle in the summer as the black just absorbs all the heat. I can't get away with jersey dresses which are perfect for warm weather as they just cling and look awful. Everything I've come across so far is really colourful and patterned which is totally out of my comfort zone but I'm willing to wear anything as long as it's the right cut for my body type. I just don't know what the right cut is!

Sloggi long leg knickers. You'll wonder how you managed without them.

Honestly, there's nothing wrong with shorts during the day. You are both cool and chub rub is eliminated

Try ASOS curve?

I love jumpsuits but then I'm quite tall so maybe consider playsuits?

I also wear Capri pants with vest cami tops

I am a very similar height and size to you and last year i discovered anti chafung thigh bands. They look like stocking tops and they really do work. My friend wears 1 but i prefer to wear 1 on each leg.

How about trying fit and flare or skater type dresses? I’ve found a few dresses from Dorothy Perkins are perfect for hiding my tummy bulge, and they have a petite range too!

If you thighs rub get a roll on deodorant - it really does work

I have size 14/16 thighs and I use the sure deodorant stick on the areas where I rub (before getting dressed) - it's this one:
www.boots.com/sure-women-cotton-dry-anti-perspirant-deodorant-stick-40ml-10006668

It definitely works without that wet feeling you can get from roll-ons - otherwise I've just bought some 'Rump' cream from lush, which is also supposed to help chafing.

Re. the clothes - I'm fed up of seeing super tiny playsuits in the shops that look terrible with my cellulite and knee chub, so I'm about to buy some full length jumpsuits but then hem them to knee length - no idea if it's going to work but going to give it a try on some cheapies first!

www.next.co.uk/g76122s4#155336

I bought a couple of these to wear on holiday last year - they were fab.
Also, I think cropped leggings are fine so long as they are not thin and see through. I'd avoid white, but navy would be good, with a long, swing top.

I don't like overweight women ( like me) wear maxi dresses. I think it accentuates the weight , particularly if they are ( like me ) not tall.

Not cheap (sadly) but this is lovely on.

www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/womens-dresses/day-dresses/j0121/womens-willa-jersey-dress

Cropped leggings under all skirts and dresses... prevents sweaty chafing between legs.... not a pleasant thought but what us big girls have to deal with in hot weather !!

Honestly, try the deodorant - I’ve been able to throw out the cycling shorts!

Can I just say the title of this thread sounds like an absolute top hit Summer banger.

I have heavy knees too ! Any ideas? I'd love to wear shorts but so self conscious 🙁

Have you tried empire line dresses? The high seam under the bust is very flattering and comfortable, especially in warmer weather. They should be coming into the shops in the next few weeks.

Also, try a semi- fitted A line shift in a fibre like cotton or linen. Should be just the job. M and S usually stock them.

Which cropped leggings are recommended for being non see through please?

Running leggings are usually good ime

Seconding the vote for empire line dresses or tunics.

I am in exactly the same position and find an empire line maxi dress is incredibly flattering - balances out my silhouette, defines my bust, floats over everything else.

Also @enidbutton LMAO!!

I'm adding an anti-empire line voice in here! For those of us whose weight all goes on their bellies, it's a sure way to get constant questions about when the baby is due 😭

Strax - sorry, I should have been more specific.

With empire lines I find it ALL depends on whether or not there are gathers/pleats in the fabric at the top of the belly.

Anything with these does instantly take me into "when's it due" territory. So empire lines which are just a bit of elastic or a drawstring are out.

However, there are other empire lines which are properly cut (and sadly normally more expensive) and avoid the dreaded maternity-sack horror. THESE are the flattering ones. They avoid gathers or ruching above the belly - especially in the centre - and instead are cut to flare gently and lie flat (or as flat as my stomach allows!)

For example, the Anokhi Indigo Garden dress from East is a lifesaver (sorry, can't figure out how to post link from my phone). It seems to be sold out in the bigger sizes at the moment, but they have been making this style for years in various colours and they often come up cheap on Ebay if you search 'East Anokhi Maxi'. Sizing is slightly generous.

Ah I googled that d

Ffs, fat fingers!! I meant to say I just googled that dress and I wouldn't say it's empire line at all, as there's no seam of any kind under the bustline. Not sure what you'd call it, flared maybe? Anyway it does look very flattering, I agree! and as east is closing stores, everything in our local one is reduced, got to be worth a look!

I just checked out the East annokhi maxi dress thinking I'm always up for a flattering dress. Realised have actually got one, just didnt know the name, and it is very flattering and flows from under the bust, but not in an obvious way!

Just looking at Anokhi Indigo Garden dress on East website... currently in sale £89 from £149...

I’d avoid maxi dresses, they won’t do you any favours given your height.

Don’t go overboard with holiday clothes - Above knee type sundresses - look in Boden, Next, Monsoon. One or two pair of shorts - find what length suits you - sometimes knee or just above knee length can look awful and you may look better in mid thigh length. Buy online so you can try on at home and decide if items really suit you, etc. Pick a colour theme and stick to it. Less is more - better to have a small selection of holidays clothes that you feel good in than a suitcase filled with rubbish iykwim. And some fab accessories - a few pairs lovely flat sandals/flip flops, some nice bracelets, a lovely beach bag, a ‘fun clutch’ for evening, etc.

And June is a good few weeks away, probably if you make some diet changes, you could be a dress size down by time your holidays come around.