How to cover arms and legs in summer without the tent effect?

[WaitingRoomBoredom]

I have been diagnosed with melanoma and need to cover up better when it gets warm. I know the main thing is to stay out of the sun etc. and am just posting in specifically in Style & Beauty for styling ideas of the cover up bit.

I'm a size 12 hourglass shape and if I wear long loose shirt and long loose trousers, I think it's very unflattering on my shape. I don't really want tight things though because I think I'll get too hot.

Has anyone seen any long sleeved dresses that might work in summer or got ideas of how to break up the lines when everything is long?

Also interested in good beach solutions if anyone has seen any either for in the water or changing into after getting out. I have an old rash vest I'd like to upgrade and I had a couple of kaftans I threw on after getting out but they've gone out of fashion so nowhere seems to stock them now.

I have a long fine cotton shirt dress with a belt. Bought it from Raey in Matches sale for about £80 last year.

Kaftans were everywhere last summer. You probably won't find them just yet though, wait until spring. I have to cover up and wear linen shirts and loose trousers. They don't need to be wide legged just a bit loose, maybe narrower at the ankle.

I am a similar shape OP and also have to cover up in the sun. I find a french/half tuck is invaluable - it shows the waist so avoids the blimp effect of loose shirt and trousers, while still allowing some airflow

I'd go slimline on the tops or the bottoms.
So, a loose skirt or trousers, with long sleeved teeshirt.
Or a loose shirt / Kaftan with some chinos or other slimmer legged trousers.
There is also the dress over leggings option.

I'd go for a vest t-shirt and then wear a linen shirt over it. Then you can wear whatever skirt/trousers you want with that.

Something like this but instead of shorts, wear linen trousers or skirt or jeans or cargo pants or chinos.

Maxi shirt dress with belt. Maybe co-ords?

A cardigan over a vest t-shirt like this would also work.

A blouse like this would be pretty too

Thin cotton jumpsuit? Then your shape will still show rather than looking like you’re in a bag. I’m a couple of sizes bigger than you, but with a defined waist and good legs, and I bought one a couple of years ago. I’m handy with sewing so I took the legs in from a wide leg, which makes me look huge, to cigarette pant shape, and I love it!

Kaftans in M&S holiday shop online also.

So many ideas, thank you! Belts, half tucks and narrower legs sound excellent ideas. I have been so stuck in wide-legged trousers + vests or shirt and shorts, I was only thinking of putting together what I already have. I never even thought about a long-sleeved jumpsuit or co-ords. Loved the links for actual examples too, thanks

It also occurred to me that you'll get ideas about beachwear from Australian brands like this one which cater for people wanting to cover up.

onehundredstars.co.uk/

I've got a few of their short day time kimonos as cover ups. They have good sales so I always buy my kimonos then.

I also cover up as a result of melanoma. I try to buy high SPF clothes as T shirts etc give minimal protection. Uniqlo airism is worth a look - they've done long sleeve Ts in previous years which are great with your normal skirts etc. I also buy cover up shirts or cardigans which are high spf and have them on top of my normal clothes when outside. Used to wear leggings under dresses but think that ship has sailed.

I wear wide linen trousers and long sleeved cotton tops. Plus a buff or light scarf to keep the sun off my neck.

Everyone is different but I don't feel hot in this unless it is very hot + I exert on those days.