Holiday in the heat- what to wear for a larger woman

[pantsofshame]

Would any of you stylish larger ladies be able to give me a few tips on what to wear to be comfortable but look OK in the heat?

I have put on quite a bit of weight since I last went on holiday somewhere hot and have no idea how to dress. I was hoping to slim down but thanks to menopause/life/etc this has not gone as well as I wanted so I am due to go on holiday in a few weeks and currently size 16-18 with a particularly large middle area. The temperature with be in the 30s during the day and still hot at night. In the past I would have worn vest tops and light weight shorts during the day and a strappy dress at night. I've tried the same things in my current size and it's not a good look. I have tried empire line dresses too and I look very pregnant (to the extent that I have been asked if I am, which is quite upsetting since I have just gone through an early menopause). I also get terrible thigh chaffing if I wear a dress without tights. I am also incredibly pale which does not help the overall look.

I plan to do some sightseeing, a few beach days and evenings at restaurants/low key bars. Does anyone have any ideas on what I could wear to look and feel a little better? Thank you

Some lovely ideas on here

I've just bought these for travelling and sightseeing to wear with trainers, they are so flattering and have pockets. I've also ordered the green...

www.next.co.uk/style/st999757/A78033#A78033

I'll be wearing with these v neck t-shirts with a shaped hem which just skim over my tummy and hang beautifully.....

manamou.co.uk/collections/tops/products/basic-v-neck-t-shirt-white-1

‘Shorts, trousers etc - no no not in the heat! Why do British people dress like this in extremely hot weather?’

Because not everyone suits a scaled up version of a little girls dress?

I look forward to buying a sundress without shirring, puff sleeves or a frill around the bottom.

I like long patterned skirts in summer but I am struggling to find one without tiers!!!

Has anyone seen any?

Matalan have some nice ones, jersey fabric just straight up and down.

Dresses are sooooo easy. I bought these linen midis in every colour and a bunch of other cotton midi and maxi dresses for my holiday.

www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/product/women-linen-blend-a-line-sleeveless-longline-dress-433662.html

Some lightweight trainers, Birkenstocks and a bunch of anti chafe shorts and I'm good for a week of stinking hot and humid weather abroad.

Size 16, 5'11.

Unfortunately matalan don't go big enough in size for me.

I'm a size 20/22 and all my life I've never been able to tolerate the heat very well, even years ago when I was a trim size 12/14, as I have a pale freckly complexion that burns very easily. Personally I try to avoid the sun where possible, thanks to a very bad episode of heatstroke a few years ago.

If I do go out and about in the sun I cover up my lower half with jeans or a skirt to below my knees. I've heard of wearing cycling shorts under a skirt to stop sweaty thighs and the resulting painful rash, but my feet also swell up something awful so I simply find it easier to wear tights with a skirt even on the hottest days. I never go barefoot - always cotton socks with jeans.

Underboob sweat produces a painful rash akin to nappy rash in babies, so talcum powder under by breasts after a shower and drying thoroughly does the trick. Haven't worn an underwired bra for many years and if I can't find a comfy bra then I simply go without.

Cotton and other natural fibres are best for absorbing sweat, so I try to avoid polyester combinations where possible.

Sorry to jump in OP, but can anyone please help with advice about what sort of dresses I should be wearing for summer. I'm size 22/24 and need to hide flabby upper arms and a big fat tum. Thank you.

I'm hopeless with advice but popping in to repost this

from this www.mumsnet.com/talk/style_and_beauty/4510220-Please-help-Warm-weather-city-break-dressing-with-a-voluminous-perimenopausal-middle

Midi or maxi dresses in natural fabric that skims everything.
Anti chafe cream
Fake tan.
Wide, light scarves as a wrap.

I particularly focus on swimwear being as flattering as possible, and cover ups, as this is where I feel most exposed.

I worry, till I'm there, and see all the glorious shapes and sizes on display.

Nothing looks worse than a larger woman overdressed and sweating imo. I see some beautiful larger women looking like goddesses!

Thank you to those who recommended the Magic Trousers from the Style Attic. You encouraged me to order 2 pairs (they had an offer). I also ordered a t shirt midi dress (maxi on me!) and a tummy hiding top. They’ve arrived today and I am very impressed with the quality and fit. I’m 5’4.5”, currently a 20 on top and 18 on the bottom but hoping to lose more weight.

Oh - which top and dress did you get?

I've been considering getting the magic pants. For those who have the magic pants, did you get the crinkle or smooth version? I know someone up above said the crinkle ones don't stay crinkled (which is what I'd like) as the smooth ones are described as jeggings and look a bit tighter than I want. Model is a size 12, I'm slightly bigger but don't want to go up to a size 2.

Thank you! Excellent advice videos.

I'm a size 14 @Justsaynonow and posted the pic up thread of my stone magics. I buy mine from here, they aren't creased...

https://manamou.co.uk/products/magic-trousers-xl-black?pos=11&&sid=c7692c01b&ss=r

Have you looked on Joules? I got a great dress from there last year. Very cool and flattering.

These 3 are all floaty with sleeves but still very Summery @Downnotdown - the Kit & Kaboodle ones look good over leggings too, so would take you through until Autumn

I recommend you and any other ladies on here go follow lottiedrynan on Instagram.she may not be a size you are but she suffers horrificly with bloat and ibs symptoms and so dedicated lots of time to comfortable clothing for all.the dresses she finds are stunning.and sit so comfortably is her key.there has never been a dress I haven't wanted hehe.also she recs chubrub pants shorts etc.
if you go to her highlight buttons.brilliant.shes lovely too and now preggers so bonus help.

@Justsaynonow I think I’ve got the crinkle ones. I missed the smooth ones when I was looking as I used the link from the relevant post but although they looked crinkled when they arrived, they didn’t after I’d worn them for a short while. The fabric feels like walking trouser material but nicer.
The dress is Isla in charcoal and the top is Burnout tee in black.

I bought one of these on Shein ( I sized up to ensure a loose fit) and I loved it so much I bought a second one. I've worn it over swimwear but you could easily pop a light vest or tee under it.

https://api-shein.shein.com/h5/sharejump/appsharejump?lan=en&sharetype=goods&site=iosshgb&localcountry=gb&currency=GBP&id=10208213&urll_from=GM7257847138366926848

ihave this in light denim, and it’s fantastic

www.landsend.co.uk/Womens_Pure_Linen_Sleeveless_Swing_Top/pp/P_42766.html?cgid=11302&dwvar_P__42766_color=9XI

I would go with sundresses and sandals (following tips on chafing from others). Lots of floaty midi dresses around this year. Hush have lots as do many others.

I think great accessories can make a difference - necklaces, bracelets, fabulous sunglasses etc. There are lots of lovely ones around in the shops just now. H&M, Mango, Zara, Hush, Mint Velvet. My sister is a similar size and she always accessorises really well.

It's rubbish when you don't feel happy in yourself, I hope you find a few things you feel good in!

Thank you @Rina66 , @GrannyOfDragons and @kateandme
(lottie is fabulous! ).

I dithered so long that the shirt I wanted from the style attic sold out, so I may wait until the magic pants colour I want is in (and I will get the crinkly version) . I get nervous not being able to feel or try on, but you've reassured me. I know it's not a huge amount of money but am shipping to Canada so that adds up, with customs & duty. I also like the look of the Tai pants but after watching @peridito 's recommended videos I'm not sure adding volume is the way to go.

I'm glad I discovered this thread but It sure has increased the amount of time I'm spending looking at clothes!

Loving instagram.com/lottiedrynan?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= @kateandme
I'm going to check out her bloat friendly M & S knickers and f & f jeans recommendations today, so thank you.

Depending on how humid you’re expecting it to be, I’d advise against maxi dresses, particularly the very full, tiered variety. While they feel lovely and swishy in temperate weather they can feel all hot and clingy around your legs in a very hot/humid climate.

As far as tops go, I always prefer sleeveless over even light, short sleeves I need air around my underarms to feel cool.