Sleeveless cotton sundress I can wear without a bra?

[JustAnotherManicUsername]

Off to Italy this summer, which is much hotter than I usually do. In hot weather, I always find my bra makes me really hot and sticky, so I'm looking for a light cotton sundress kind of thing that has something like a double layer of fabric over the boobs. I don't need a bra for support purposes, just to cover up my nipples, so the extra layer or whatever is just about modesty. Don't mind what length as long as it's on or past my knees. Ideally not black, blue, yellow or flowery but beggars can't be choosers. Anyone seen anything like this? The closest I've found is this www.asos.com/asos/asos-design-midi-smock-sundress-with-tie-straps/prd/9177116 but a) it's black and b) the fabric looks quite thick. Happy to pay a bit more than this!

I have difficulties the other way everything seems to have either spaghetti straps or their bardot tops. I'd say check the high street shops

Sod's law! I have trawled round High Street shops a lot but most things aren't cool enough (lots of polycotton, viscose, polyester. Who wants a synthetic sundress?!) or need a bra to be decent. I'm sure you used to get sundresses with two little triangles like a bikini and then a flowing skirt beneath that. I could even add my own reinforcements to the bikini bit if necessary.

This ASOS one is cotton and has cups so definitely no bra needed.

Dorothy Perkins

Polka dot

ASOS linen

Thanks Jesus. I don't know whether black actually is hotter, but it feels hotter to me! And I think 'Jersey cotton' for the cups one means thicker cotton. But the linen one's nice and I see also comes in red (my favourite colour). I might give that one a try.

But other suggestions very welcome please!

Ideally, it would be something in a lighter fabric like this www.johnlewis.com/star-mela-bela-maxi-dress-indigo/p3475670 But this looks as if it would need a bra (and a bit pricey for me too)

I never wear a bra on (hot) holidays. Just a bikini top under everything. I have small boobs though.

Uniqlo do “bra dresses” which have a sort of soft wireless bra built-in to them

Black is actually a really good colour to wear in a hot country as it forces your body to naturally cool down. (Italian/greek family widows in family wear black and are nice and cool)

I'm total opposite as defo need a bra but check out TKMaxx for dresses as they have good stocks of them for summer and maybe wear a bikini top for modesty etc.

Oh, remember a shawl for sight seeing- some areas of Italy are very strict regarding bare shoulders near chapels.

Maybe I need to buy a bikini! Although isn't that sticky too? I didn't know about the bra dresses, thanks. Not sure whether that would actually be cooler than a normal bra - it looks quite substantial. But worth a try - we have a store locally. Thanks.

Thanks gryffen. I'd certainly look more Italian in black (I have dark (well, greying) hair and olive skin). I'll try TKMaxx, thanks. I have a couple of very thin shirts that work beautifully for churches etc, although not sure how much of that kind of thing we'll manage with kids in tow...

gap

It costs a bit more but this looks just the thing.

patterned but not floral

www.sugarhillbrighton.com/clothing-c1/dresses-c2/sugarhill-brighton-collette-diamond-stripe-sundress-p518#attribute%5B4%5D=241

Oh thanks Bloomers! The Iris and Ink one looks perfect and is even made in Italy! Now to decide between red and black...

Thanks too, joinourclub, I like the pattern and colours a lot but think something less fitted to the body will be cooler.

In case it's useful to anyone else, I've just found a whole new set of dresses by searching with 'cotton gauze' rather than just 'cotton'. Etsy has loads of 80s and 90s 'vintage' ones which are clearly what I was imagining. Showing my age...

I thought Etsy would have some but didn’t find them. Well done.
Is this the one you’ve gone for?

I find the ones with the elasticated bust you don't need a bra with.

Yes, that's the one for me, Bloomers. Can just imagine DS1's face...

I haven't bought anything yet but might go for this one www.etsy.com/uk/listing/598490569/s-90s-boho-cotton-dress-spaghetti-strap or the red or black Iris and Ink one.

Thanks Bluntness, I'm not sure about the comfort of elastic cutting right across my tender bits, but maybe I should try. Also I may be too middle-aged for strapless. But maybe I should be bold.

Oh damn, retro ones are all S or 'small M'. I think I'm just 'M' (12-14). May have to go for the modern one.

That’s annoying. I was going to suggest that one and a black Iris and Ink one to cover all options.

My Etsy suggestion may need to be saved for special times!

well a bit of 70s spice never hurts in a LTR. Bring on the pampas grass.

Would you wear something shirred? I only wear a bra to cover my nipples, and the shirred fabric does this well. M and s are doing two shirred dresses, one in navy and one in navy and white patterned, £25 each. Come just past the knee. I think they're really flattering. They're found in the beachwear range but they are fine for walking around.

I will second the uniqlo recommendation. Search for “bra dress”. I wish I could wear them but alas my boobs are way too big to go bra less.