Brittany family holiday— need practical / tummy hiding clothes!

[lesoignons]

Hey everyone,

Going on a family holiday to Brittany in summer hols and am slightly panicking about clothing / swimwear for the trip.

I’m 5ft 2”, size 14-18 (depending on the shop🙄). Would be hourglass shape if it wasn’t for the large mum tum. I’m quite pale and tend to avoid tanning (burning..) and look better in simple block colours (stripes/check ok, less keen on big florals).

I need clothing/footwear for days out, lots of walking around, days at the beach and a few meals out (daytime mainly).

Important stuff:
> practical (pockets!).
> cooler cotton / linen materials etc (peri-meno sweaty bastard).
> elegant-ish (it’s France!).
> v-neck or nothing too smock-y (big boobs).
> no high wedges / heels (can’t walk in them).
> swimwear (oh god, I hate my tum / upper thighs on show (and am picturing reams of tall, slender French women on the beach, with me hefting my way around..😂).
> need a sun-hat that isn’t ridiculously big to carry around, but isn’t a bucket hat or cap…

Sorry for the novel length post😵‍💫

Please help!🤍🙏🏻

I'd go for solid, ikat, or vertical striped linen dresses, chub rub shorts, a cross-body bag, BIG sunglasses, sandals you can walk in (birkies are super in at the moment, but I have seen some very chic women in old-school Tevas recently), and a straw panama.

Basically this look: https://www.arket.com/en_gbp/women/dresses/product.maxi-linen-dress-black.1181312001.html

Brittany is more like Cornwall, it's not full of wafty Parisian types in string bikinis in my experience. And like Cornwall it can get chilly too so I'd bring a jacket.

I know you may think - I'm a size 14-18 with big norks, I'm going to look like a tent in a loose linen dress - but the tent-like dress is super of the moment right now so you will look confident and chic!

A few others to consider:

https://www.marksandspencer.com/linen-rich-floral-v-neck-midi-column-dress/p/clp60596096#intid=pid_pg1pip48g4r1c2

https://www.marksandspencer.com/linen-blend-embroidered-midi-beach-dress/p/clp60594761#intid=pid_pg1pip48g4r5c2

https://www.cos.com/en_gbp/women/womenswear/dresses/product.belted-linen-shirt-dress-blue.1178909001.html

Could have written this post word for word!! Where are you staying? We are heading for carnac in August

For swimwear, I’ve seen a few skirted swimsuits around. I can’t decide if I think it’s drawing attention to “I’m not comfortable!” But I do think they look nice and if you do feel more comfortable then that’ll show and you’ll look more confident. https://www.next.co.uk/g763974s1/621570#621570

or something like this?

swimsuit or bikinis look elegant with a shirt style cover up I think, like this.

maybe a packable mid size hat like this (although I wish they’d show a model wearing it for scale).

some linen trousers, I’m hoping to try these, I think the flat (but not tight) front waist and back are flattering/skimming (with elastic aged waist I think it can pouf out over bum/tummy making them look bigger) and hoping the elastic sides makes them extra comfy. They have them in shorts version too here.

watching this as I'm a similar shape to you @lesoignons . I'd avoid linen though, as it'll crease horribly packed in a case for long journey.

Thank you @Xiaoxiong, I will take a look at those links 🙏🏻 I like the sound of it being more like Cornwall, thats’s what we’re aiming for and I’m hoping to see a few fellow chub-rubbers with large norks about the place😂

Try the Scarf Giraffe for a foldable straw hat. It rolls up in the bag but does still keep its shape.

I go to Brittany annually, and I find myself wearing dresses from mountain warehouse and fat face a lot. So more practical end of the high street.

Thanks for taking the time to post those links🙏🏻

Unfortunately the 2x M&S dresses are both out of stock - but the first one is lovely! Although I need a petite length or these dresses will be past my ankles😂 The Cos one is 124cm so way too long - I do love Cos, but all of their clothing is too long for me, apart from the odd top.. I’m short in the body with large norks!😅

I will see if I can find some similar styles in petite length anywhere, although I can’t help wondering if long sleeve dresses will be a bit sweaty, although they do look lovely.

Bring a jumper and anorak as it's similar to Cornwall weather wise

Having spent many summers in Brittany the majority of our visits to beaches have encountered few people! So Cornwall weather without the people though there are hot spots which are busy. Equally can be miserable weather and jeans and a hoodie/ coat are required. Go prepared for all weathers and hope for the best.

Get the M&S Panama style hat - it comes in light brown ❤️ white and navy. Cool, packable, elegant.

Seasalt have some nice looking navy linen shorts and wafty wide-leg trousers in plain colours.

When in Brittany get to an Armor-Lux store for authentic stripey Breton tops.

www.marksandspencer.com/pure-cotton-tie-neck-midi-tiered-dress/p/clp60593127?color=BLACK&prevPage=srp#intid=pid_pg1pip48g2r2c2 this is nice, I have black and tempted to get another colour.

www.marksandspencer.com/cotton-rich-fedora-hat/p/clp60371963?color=BISCUIT&prevPage=srp#intid=pid_pg1pip24g2r1c1 hat

I dk where these quiet beaches are ? Maybe because we have been in school holidays it's busy

I didn't notice anyone in Brittany who looked particularly stylish.

How about midi/maxi skirts (I wear them with anti chafe shorts underneath) and a loose fitting tshirt tucked in.

They look great with flip flops/ sandals/ converse/ trainers. New Look have lots!

No advice about clothing, but be aware, contactless transactions in France are up to 50 euros. Anything over 50euro, you need to insert your card.

Honestly - 2 things: firstly the idea that all French women are tall and thin is a myth - we go to France very regularly and see women of all shapes and sizes. What I do notice is many wear bikinis (often bottoms only) irrespective size/age. Being reminded that people (men and women) come in all shapes and sizes is actually one of my favourite things about going on holiday. Secondly, as PP have said, the weather in Brittany is unpredictable so pack accordingly!!

I'm not trying to belittle your concerns, I'm sharing my genuine experience because I think you deserve to feel ok about yourself 🙂

I did a style and beauty thread about this a couple of months ago and it absolutely rocked.

I now have a fab go- to hot weather wardrobe of:
M and S wide leg linen trousers. Flattering, comfy and cool.
Navy, purple, grey vest tops
Birkenstock sandals
kimonos from one hundred stars

Honestly I have never felt so chic or had so many compliments.

We had years of family summer holidays in Brittany. It really isn't particularly stylish, so I wouldn't worry too much.

If you're worried about swimming costumes I think board shorts over a cossie is way better than a swim skirt, but honestly, I really don't think you'll feel self conscious when you're there.

I love it there, have a wonderful time.

https://www.google.co.uk/aclk?sa=l&ai=DChcSEwiTydWZ-sX_AhWW-e0KHfq4AQUYABALGgJkZw&sig=AOD64_0IpjwDt1ZvcUUUGmy9k49QexYg7A&ctype=5&q=&ved=2ahUKEwjIzMuZ-sX_AhUJRUEAHb3wDo0Qwg8oAHoECAUQHw&adurl=

Ive had loads of nice comments in this 😊

I like snag swimwear - well designed for big boobs https://snagtights.com/products/swimsuit-show-me-the-money-teal

Oh those are nice - do you have a link / or can you tell me where they are from please?

Oh that is very good to know! I wonder if Apple Pay is the same🤔

They are from Newlook, if you search maxi or midi skirt they come up 😀

Thank you😘

I'm sure you're right - I am pre-empting my self-consciousness I suppose. I feel like a bit of a hot and bothered, peri-moana right now😅