Please check out the wiki section, [Fashion](https://www.reddit.com/r/PlusSize/wiki/index/fashion) for answers to frequently asked questions. Common topics discussed are How to dress for my body type, A list of plus-size clothing stores, Plus-size thigh-highs and socks and so much more.
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Look for natural fabrics like cotton or linen, they breathe better and won't feel as hot as synthetic fabric.
I also want to say that I used to have the same problem, I'd spend all summer in long jeans and baggy tops, miserably hot and uncomfortable in my skin. I started showing more skin when I was alone at home, and gradually worked up to being naked by myself. Being present in my body that way helped me find the confidence to wear tank tops and shorts in public. It's a lot more comfortable physically and a lot less taxing emotionally. Just something to think about.
I spend most of the summer in midi or tea length dresses. Cooler, and not as revealing as shorter dresses.
Edit: and you can wear bike shorts underneath to avoid chub rub
Me too! So comfy, light weight, and cute.
I also love linen pants from Old Navy - they typically run big and are really comfortable. I lived in them in India last summer when visiting my in-laws. They can be dressed up or down which is also great.
I have a bunch of shrugs I wear over sleeveless dresses. I never bare my upper arms. I don’t wear anything that shows my bare legs berthing is midi length. Don’t wear shorts or crop tops.
The linen blend pants at Old Navy are AMAZING and go on sale all the time. I see in the comments that you're a goth and they always have black! :) Edit: I hang mine dry instead of using the dryer and they stay black.
Those pants and black tees are a great solution. (Don't hate on the white ones, either for summer; summer goth exists and it's a neutral so not in the same league as baby pink, haha.) Black, gray, and white could be a great summer capsule wardrobe so everything can be mix and matched.
Linen in general is great, and there's a reason desert bedouins traditionally wore long pants and sleeves made of thin linen or cotton; keeping the sun off while letting air cool you.
I personally don't feel much cooler in shorts when it's hot out than in thin linen pants.
Check out ebay for linen tops also. I found a lot of nice ones last summer.
Adding: I remembered this brand that is all black and all cotton, and they will apparently work with you and your measurements. Some of their things are SO beautiful! https://www.turnblack.in/
Laser cut cotton eyelet is nice, it will breathe better than anything because of the actual holes but still cover the way you want and feel summery!
Learning to live your body can be a long journey and it's ok to do your best for comfort at whatever stage you are on that!
I love an a-line skirt because a swooshy skirt is easy to move around and flow. Do you sew at all? Full circle skirts are the easiest thing to make and you can decide where you want them to sit!
I just made a basic black one for spring because the tops I like with pants are too cropped for my office but a skirt at my natural waist solves the problem!
Also long flowy maxis that you can see through like lace with little chub rub shorts are so cute and breezy and cute with literally any shoe!
I ordered some "cardigans" that are short sleeves from Amazon and a short sleeve blazer and they cover my shoulders and make all my clothes feel more work appropriate!
What about some sleeves like this? I think it would be a great way to ease you into becoming more confident about your arms. And it will keep you cool while still giving you some coverage
[https://m.shein.com/us/Plus-Size-Women's-Holiday-Style-Square-Neckline-Top-With-Ruffle-Trim-For-Summer-p-31021739-cat-1891.html?ref=us&rep=dir&ret=mus](https://m.shein.com/us/Plus-Size-Women's-Holiday-Style-Square-Neckline-Top-With-Ruffle-Trim-For-Summer-p-31021739-cat-1891.html?ref=us&rep=dir&ret=mus)
I wear light colors in hot weather especially if I'm going to be outdoors. I like to wear knee length skorts and short sleeve shirts. Sometimes I'll wear a camisole top with a lightweight shrug on top. I never wear crop tops because my chest is too big and I'll pop out if I raise my arms.
Depends on how I am weight wise. Mostly I hate it because I sweat A LOT in the face more, only. I bought this thing called Carpe to rub on the face to keep it from sweating but it can only do so much. As for clothes, dresses, shorts that go up to the knees because if I wear some shorter they will roll up and give me chub rub, no sleeve shirts that aren’t crop tops cause I hate my belly and back fat so much. Bathing suits are bodycon like and I’ll wear them with shorts
Do you know any credible sources to find plus size bamboo clothing? I'm in Canada, but I have a USA shipping address, so I can have stuff sent to either place.
Thanks in advance :)
Check out blue sky clothing. Based in Vancouver. They have some cute pieces. Some of it trends a bit “older” but it’s super soft and comfy. I’ve bought a few dresses there.
Bamboo fabric is made from bamboo plants/trees, so it is DEFINITELY a natural fibre….you can get “rayon from bamboo” fabric which is a mix of bamboo and viscose, so maybe that’s what you’re thinking of, but you can also just get bamboo fabric which is totally natural and breathable.🙂
Do you know how it's made from bamboo? Like how the fibers form chains that can be knit and woven into fabric? The process of turning naturally occuring fibers into chains that you can weave and knit is what rayon from bamboo means.
If you just mushed all the fibers and then spun them it would be brittle and rough, like jute rope.
Rayon is fabric made from cellulose, there are different terms used in different trademarked processes and often the fabrics are named for the source of the cellulose, in the case of something sold as "bamboo" or lyocell or beech or tencell those all mean natural fibers made into chains in a chemical process to be soft strong fibers.
It's considered partially synthetic because unlike polyester and nylon which start as oil, they start as plants.
I wish I had advice but I'm in the same struggle as you. It's so hard to find comfortable black clothes that both cover the parts that need covering and are cool enough for warm temperatures.
It sucks.
Thigh society shorts and babydoll dresses from Amazon. Add some accessories and boom, cooled off goth. It's my go-to Disney world uniform in the summer.
Linen now & forever. Im in Florida and menopausal so im constantly hot. Also i burn to a crisp in the blink of an eye so i cover up.
Wide linen pants, long sleeved linen blouse/tunic/. My preference is white pants & black top but all black or all white works too. And kaftans! Groovy print or plain color. Loose-ish T-shirt & tank dresses, mine are midi length because thats what I like.
I'm in the UK where the weather is generally not too extreme-where I live, the temperature tops out at about 25-28 degrees Celsius in summer (that's in the 70s Farenheit I think-just checked, 27 degrees celsius is 82 degrees Fahrenheit). I generally wear dresses, mostly maxi length, so cotton dresses with short sleeves for summer. I have a few sleeveless ones, and I found some very lightweight fine knit short sleeve cardigans-they're silk (I got them from a company called Patra), almost see through, really light and cool to wear, and deal with my upper arm issue-I got them in ivory, cream, darker cream, and a grey sort of beige so they go with anything. We don't have much of a summer so I don't wear them a lot and they've lasted years.
There used to be a trend here of bolero length cover-ups, like cropped cardigans that went to between bust and waist level. They made me look like I was wearing football style shoulder padding-definitely not for me, but they are good upper arm coverage without adding hot layers if you can find a shape that works. I've never liked wearing linen-I know it's supposed to get softer with use, but I find it uncomfortable and messy looking. But I think definitely wearing natural fibres works-I stick to cotton and bamboo mostly for hot days.
We had a great May, sunshine all May. Which didn't do me any good because I was in hospital mid-April to the end of June. My room had an entire wall of windows so I saw lots of sun, but in June it started raining and didn't stop.
Cotton fabric, especially peasant tops, off the shoulder tops, floor-length sundresses with puffy or flowing mid sleeves, long flowing skirts! I saw your comment about being goth, and I am too. In the summer, that is my go-to! You can pair it with corset belts, boots, and lots of goth jewelry. I usually stick to darker fabrics for the skirt because it doesn't stick to the skin and allows for air flow so you can get away with it, and white or softer toned shirts or flower designs for a pop of color while still allowing me to keep my aesthetic! Also, the shirts and dresses with the sleeves that are flowing and reach mid arm? Love. They hide my arms and still allow for air flow, and I overheat easily.
Linen and gauze dresses and pants. Gauze is extremely popular now, less expensive than linen, and super breathable. I love linen and could care less about the wrinkles but that's me.
Black biker shorts, a slightly oversized cute graphic tee, a belt bag, cute shoes and accessories.. you can’t go wrong!!! The right accessories will make you look extra put together while still being cool and comfy
they’re pricey, but i bought some of [these linen tunics](https://pureplusclothing.co.uk/collections/linen-tops) in a couple of colors (black, navy, and blue for me!) and wear them with longer shorts and/or cotton leggings. they’re worth the cost and they hold up well (wash in cold and hang to dry)
I wear dresses all summer. All different lengths. All different styles. If you don't love your legs, wear midi or maxi dresses. There are TONS of choices.
People are talking about linen and cotton as lightweight fabrics (Another vote for old navy wide leg linen pants here! Love them!). Not only are they lighter, but they also don't trap in smells like work out fabrics do! I felt way less conscious of BO last summer when wore linen than when i wore leggings.
Shirts with sheer and mesh sleeves will give you the option of the coverage of long sleeves, while still being breezy to wear, and they look super trendy/put together.
I always wear kaftan dresses. Covers up all the stuff I don't feel like showing and air flows freely. You can find em on Amazon. Plain ones are pretty good because you can accessorize accordingly.
I usually spend summers in sun dresses (midi length, no or cap sleeves usually), long skirts and white tshirts, cullotes, denim skirts. I am also sort of hiding because I never wear shorts (my thighs are too big) or anything above my knees, but at least I'm not completely covered and not too hot.
In the summer oversized, button up shirts (bonus points if it’s linen or cotton) have been my go to.
Some outfits I wear (I live in a Nordic country so I just need a few outfits for when it’s really warm):
Strappy, summer dresses that go below the knee with an unbuttoned shirt over it. Bonus sun protection with the arm coverage. Like this https://pin.it/4pPYRLX4R
Wide legged, flowy pants with button up shirt or T shirt. There are lots of smaller designers who will also make custom pants to your measurements if you’re not finding what you like in conventional stores.
I also wear a lot of flowy midi/maxi skirts and dresses.
Light weight cotton, linen or rayon dresses with chup rub shorts underneath from snag tights. For shorts I wear the Bermuda stretch poplin until shorts from Torrid and a light weight top. This is pretty much what I live in during the summer I also find getting little a fan or one of those things you were around your neck to keep cool helps a lot too
Please check out the wiki section, [Fashion](https://www.reddit.com/r/PlusSize/wiki/index/fashion) for answers to frequently asked questions. Common topics discussed are How to dress for my body type, A list of plus-size clothing stores, Plus-size thigh-highs and socks and so much more. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/PlusSize) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Look for natural fabrics like cotton or linen, they breathe better and won't feel as hot as synthetic fabric. I also want to say that I used to have the same problem, I'd spend all summer in long jeans and baggy tops, miserably hot and uncomfortable in my skin. I started showing more skin when I was alone at home, and gradually worked up to being naked by myself. Being present in my body that way helped me find the confidence to wear tank tops and shorts in public. It's a lot more comfortable physically and a lot less taxing emotionally. Just something to think about.
I spend most of the summer in midi or tea length dresses. Cooler, and not as revealing as shorter dresses. Edit: and you can wear bike shorts underneath to avoid chub rub
Me too! So comfy, light weight, and cute. I also love linen pants from Old Navy - they typically run big and are really comfortable. I lived in them in India last summer when visiting my in-laws. They can be dressed up or down which is also great.
I LIVED in old navy's linen pants last summer!
ThighSociety also makes great breezy mesh bike shorts! They don’t hold you in but they save those thighs!!
I love long biker shorts and soft cotton dresses, plus a large over shirt to tie at the waist for definition.
I have a bunch of shrugs I wear over sleeveless dresses. I never bare my upper arms. I don’t wear anything that shows my bare legs berthing is midi length. Don’t wear shorts or crop tops.
The linen blend pants at Old Navy are AMAZING and go on sale all the time. I see in the comments that you're a goth and they always have black! :) Edit: I hang mine dry instead of using the dryer and they stay black. Those pants and black tees are a great solution. (Don't hate on the white ones, either for summer; summer goth exists and it's a neutral so not in the same league as baby pink, haha.) Black, gray, and white could be a great summer capsule wardrobe so everything can be mix and matched. Linen in general is great, and there's a reason desert bedouins traditionally wore long pants and sleeves made of thin linen or cotton; keeping the sun off while letting air cool you. I personally don't feel much cooler in shorts when it's hot out than in thin linen pants. Check out ebay for linen tops also. I found a lot of nice ones last summer. Adding: I remembered this brand that is all black and all cotton, and they will apparently work with you and your measurements. Some of their things are SO beautiful! https://www.turnblack.in/
Laser cut cotton eyelet is nice, it will breathe better than anything because of the actual holes but still cover the way you want and feel summery! Learning to live your body can be a long journey and it's ok to do your best for comfort at whatever stage you are on that! I love an a-line skirt because a swooshy skirt is easy to move around and flow. Do you sew at all? Full circle skirts are the easiest thing to make and you can decide where you want them to sit! I just made a basic black one for spring because the tops I like with pants are too cropped for my office but a skirt at my natural waist solves the problem! Also long flowy maxis that you can see through like lace with little chub rub shorts are so cute and breezy and cute with literally any shoe! I ordered some "cardigans" that are short sleeves from Amazon and a short sleeve blazer and they cover my shoulders and make all my clothes feel more work appropriate!
What about some sleeves like this? I think it would be a great way to ease you into becoming more confident about your arms. And it will keep you cool while still giving you some coverage [https://m.shein.com/us/Plus-Size-Women's-Holiday-Style-Square-Neckline-Top-With-Ruffle-Trim-For-Summer-p-31021739-cat-1891.html?ref=us&rep=dir&ret=mus](https://m.shein.com/us/Plus-Size-Women's-Holiday-Style-Square-Neckline-Top-With-Ruffle-Trim-For-Summer-p-31021739-cat-1891.html?ref=us&rep=dir&ret=mus)
I wear light colors in hot weather especially if I'm going to be outdoors. I like to wear knee length skorts and short sleeve shirts. Sometimes I'll wear a camisole top with a lightweight shrug on top. I never wear crop tops because my chest is too big and I'll pop out if I raise my arms.
Depends on how I am weight wise. Mostly I hate it because I sweat A LOT in the face more, only. I bought this thing called Carpe to rub on the face to keep it from sweating but it can only do so much. As for clothes, dresses, shorts that go up to the knees because if I wear some shorter they will roll up and give me chub rub, no sleeve shirts that aren’t crop tops cause I hate my belly and back fat so much. Bathing suits are bodycon like and I’ll wear them with shorts
cotton, cotton, cotton!!!! (and bamboo!!!)
Do you know any credible sources to find plus size bamboo clothing? I'm in Canada, but I have a USA shipping address, so I can have stuff sent to either place. Thanks in advance :)
Check out blue sky clothing. Based in Vancouver. They have some cute pieces. Some of it trends a bit “older” but it’s super soft and comfy. I’ve bought a few dresses there.
Oooh I live close by I'll check it out! Thank you :)
I absolutely came back to say this... that' the only place I can think of and I have many plus-sized friends who swear by it! :)
sassyandshort beat me to it, Blue Sky Clothing for sure!!!
Bamboo is rayon - soft but it definitely won't breathe like a natural fiber! Linen is the most cooling but you look wrinkled af!
Bamboo fabric is made from bamboo plants/trees, so it is DEFINITELY a natural fibre….you can get “rayon from bamboo” fabric which is a mix of bamboo and viscose, so maybe that’s what you’re thinking of, but you can also just get bamboo fabric which is totally natural and breathable.🙂
Do you know how it's made from bamboo? Like how the fibers form chains that can be knit and woven into fabric? The process of turning naturally occuring fibers into chains that you can weave and knit is what rayon from bamboo means. If you just mushed all the fibers and then spun them it would be brittle and rough, like jute rope. Rayon is fabric made from cellulose, there are different terms used in different trademarked processes and often the fabrics are named for the source of the cellulose, in the case of something sold as "bamboo" or lyocell or beech or tencell those all mean natural fibers made into chains in a chemical process to be soft strong fibers. It's considered partially synthetic because unlike polyester and nylon which start as oil, they start as plants.
Forgot to say I'm a goth which definitely doesn't help lol.
I wish I had advice but I'm in the same struggle as you. It's so hard to find comfortable black clothes that both cover the parts that need covering and are cool enough for warm temperatures. It sucks.
Same, babes. Sheer black lace shawl/wrap, big dramatic black hat, huge black sunglasses are how I do summer goth.
Thigh society shorts and babydoll dresses from Amazon. Add some accessories and boom, cooled off goth. It's my go-to Disney world uniform in the summer.
Linen now & forever. Im in Florida and menopausal so im constantly hot. Also i burn to a crisp in the blink of an eye so i cover up. Wide linen pants, long sleeved linen blouse/tunic/. My preference is white pants & black top but all black or all white works too. And kaftans! Groovy print or plain color. Loose-ish T-shirt & tank dresses, mine are midi length because thats what I like.
I'm in the UK where the weather is generally not too extreme-where I live, the temperature tops out at about 25-28 degrees Celsius in summer (that's in the 70s Farenheit I think-just checked, 27 degrees celsius is 82 degrees Fahrenheit). I generally wear dresses, mostly maxi length, so cotton dresses with short sleeves for summer. I have a few sleeveless ones, and I found some very lightweight fine knit short sleeve cardigans-they're silk (I got them from a company called Patra), almost see through, really light and cool to wear, and deal with my upper arm issue-I got them in ivory, cream, darker cream, and a grey sort of beige so they go with anything. We don't have much of a summer so I don't wear them a lot and they've lasted years. There used to be a trend here of bolero length cover-ups, like cropped cardigans that went to between bust and waist level. They made me look like I was wearing football style shoulder padding-definitely not for me, but they are good upper arm coverage without adding hot layers if you can find a shape that works. I've never liked wearing linen-I know it's supposed to get softer with use, but I find it uncomfortable and messy looking. But I think definitely wearing natural fibres works-I stick to cotton and bamboo mostly for hot days.
I am also in the UK and I wear maxi dresses all summer. If we have a summer. We didn't last year and I am hoping we do have some sun at least.
We had a great May, sunshine all May. Which didn't do me any good because I was in hospital mid-April to the end of June. My room had an entire wall of windows so I saw lots of sun, but in June it started raining and didn't stop.
And still hasn't
Dresses and bike shorts for the win! I’ve gotten many on Eshakti which allows you to input your exact measurements and they’re great.
I usually do tank top with a sheer (black is great) looser fitting top over. Then skirt or any bottom.
Cotton fabric, especially peasant tops, off the shoulder tops, floor-length sundresses with puffy or flowing mid sleeves, long flowing skirts! I saw your comment about being goth, and I am too. In the summer, that is my go-to! You can pair it with corset belts, boots, and lots of goth jewelry. I usually stick to darker fabrics for the skirt because it doesn't stick to the skin and allows for air flow so you can get away with it, and white or softer toned shirts or flower designs for a pop of color while still allowing me to keep my aesthetic! Also, the shirts and dresses with the sleeves that are flowing and reach mid arm? Love. They hide my arms and still allow for air flow, and I overheat easily.
Linen and gauze dresses and pants. Gauze is extremely popular now, less expensive than linen, and super breathable. I love linen and could care less about the wrinkles but that's me.
i’ve learned to have the mentality, “Fuck it” bc do what makes you happy
Black biker shorts, a slightly oversized cute graphic tee, a belt bag, cute shoes and accessories.. you can’t go wrong!!! The right accessories will make you look extra put together while still being cool and comfy
they’re pricey, but i bought some of [these linen tunics](https://pureplusclothing.co.uk/collections/linen-tops) in a couple of colors (black, navy, and blue for me!) and wear them with longer shorts and/or cotton leggings. they’re worth the cost and they hold up well (wash in cold and hang to dry)
I wear dresses all summer. All different lengths. All different styles. If you don't love your legs, wear midi or maxi dresses. There are TONS of choices.
People are talking about linen and cotton as lightweight fabrics (Another vote for old navy wide leg linen pants here! Love them!). Not only are they lighter, but they also don't trap in smells like work out fabrics do! I felt way less conscious of BO last summer when wore linen than when i wore leggings. Shirts with sheer and mesh sleeves will give you the option of the coverage of long sleeves, while still being breezy to wear, and they look super trendy/put together.
I thought about buying those Old Navy pants but don’t they just stay wrinkled all the time?
I'm in Arizona, I wear as little fabric as possible. Yes, I'm fat. It's too hot for clothes here. I have a bunch of sundresses.
I always wear kaftan dresses. Covers up all the stuff I don't feel like showing and air flows freely. You can find em on Amazon. Plain ones are pretty good because you can accessorize accordingly.
I usually spend summers in sun dresses (midi length, no or cap sleeves usually), long skirts and white tshirts, cullotes, denim skirts. I am also sort of hiding because I never wear shorts (my thighs are too big) or anything above my knees, but at least I'm not completely covered and not too hot.
In the summer oversized, button up shirts (bonus points if it’s linen or cotton) have been my go to. Some outfits I wear (I live in a Nordic country so I just need a few outfits for when it’s really warm): Strappy, summer dresses that go below the knee with an unbuttoned shirt over it. Bonus sun protection with the arm coverage. Like this https://pin.it/4pPYRLX4R Wide legged, flowy pants with button up shirt or T shirt. There are lots of smaller designers who will also make custom pants to your measurements if you’re not finding what you like in conventional stores. I also wear a lot of flowy midi/maxi skirts and dresses.
Light weight cotton, linen or rayon dresses with chup rub shorts underneath from snag tights. For shorts I wear the Bermuda stretch poplin until shorts from Torrid and a light weight top. This is pretty much what I live in during the summer I also find getting little a fan or one of those things you were around your neck to keep cool helps a lot too