Look, I get it. Summer's coming and you're staring at your closet like it's a foreign country. That floral dress from last year feels tight under the arms, those shorts dig in when you sit, and don't get me started on swimsuit shopping. I've been exactly there – sweating through cheap polyester tops at a barbecue while my straight-size friends looked effortlessly cool. Finding summer wear for plus size figures shouldn't feel like a military operation, but let's be real, it often does.
Why? Because most stores treat us like an afterthought. I remember walking into a mainstream boutique last June asking for size 18 sundresses. The clerk actually laughed and said "We don't carry those sizes in-store." That moment lit a fire under me to crack this code. After years of trial-and-error (and some costly mistakes), here's everything I wish someone had told me about plus size summer clothing. No fluff, just real talk from someone who's walked the walk.
Fabric is Your Summer Survival Armor
You know that awful feeling when synthetic fabric sticks to your back by 10 AM? Yeah, avoid that.
The Holy Trinity of Summer Fabrics
These fabrics saved my sanity:
| Fabric | Why It Works | Watch Out For | Perfect For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cotton (100% or blends) | Breathes like a dream, absorbs sweat | Shrinks if dried on high heat (learned this the hard way with my favorite tee) | Everyday tees, loose dresses |
| Linen | Ultra-breathable, gets softer with washes | Wrinkles instantly (embrace the rumpled chic look) | Pants, blazers, structured tops |
| Rayon/Viscose | Drapes beautifully, lightweight | Can be see-through – always check in bright light! | Flowy maxi dresses, skirts |
The villain? 100% polyester. That clingy nightmare feels like wearing a garbage bag in July. If you must buy poly blends, look for mesh panels or laser-cut ventilation. Honestly though? Just walk away.
Must-Have Summer Staples That Won't Betray You
Forget fast fashion trends. These pieces deliver season after season:
The No-Fail Dress Rotation
Dresses are summer MVPs. After testing dozens, these cuts consistently work:
- Fit-and-flare: Cinches at the smallest part of your waist (usually under the bust). Torrid's stretch jersey versions are my go-to for weddings.
- Shirt dresses: Unbutton as needed for ventilation. Target's Universal Thread line has hidden side panels for extra room.
- Maxi dresses with side slits: Lets air circulate while preventing thigh rub. Old Navy's jersey ones start at $25 during sales.
Pro tip: Look for built-in shorts under skater dresses. Life-changing for windy days.
Bottoms That Don't Bite
Let's settle the shorts debate first:
- Mid-rise paperbag waists: (5"-7" inseam) - Skims over tummy, no digging. Lane Bryant's 360° Smoothing Tech is worth the $60 price tag.
- Palazzo pants: Flowy but structured. ELOQUII's crepe ones drape like luxury pajamas.
- Soft jersey skirts: With bike shorts underneath (I buy Snag Tights' chub rub shorts – $15 and last forever).
My personal nightmare? Denim cutoffs. The chafing is criminal. I'd rather wear long pants in a heatwave.
Where to Actually Find Plus Size Summer Clothing That Fits
High street stores are improving but still inconsistent. Here are battle-tested spots:
| Retailer | Price Range | Summer Standouts | Downsides |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASOS Curve | $$ | Trendy swimwear, linen sets | Returns take forever to process |
| Universal Standard | $$$ | Premium linen, ethical production | Investment pricing ($120+ for dresses) |
| Old Navy | $ | Everyday tanks, maxi dresses | Quality varies wildly by batch |
| Dia & Co | $$-$$$ | Discovery box for trying new brands | Subscription model isn't for everyone |
Hacks That Make Summer Tolerable
Because surviving 90°F humidity requires strategy:
Layering Without Melting
- Open-front kimonos: Protects shoulders from sun without trapping heat. Look for rayon blends.
- Uniqlo Airism UV jackets: SPF 40 protection in featherweight fabric ($30). Runs up to 3XL.
- Bralettes instead of wired bras: Torrid's lace bralettes have wide bands that don't roll up.
Swimwear That Doesn't Suck Your Soul
Bathing suit shopping used to make me cry. Not anymore.
| Style | Best Brands | Key Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| High-waisted bikinis | Swimsuits For All | Power-mesh tummy panels that stay put | $50-$75 |
| Rash guard tops | Lands' End | UPF 50+ protection, flatlock seams | $40-$60 |
| One-pieces with side ruching | Cupshe | Compressive without squeezing organs | $30-$45 |
Fit tip: Buy separates in different sizes! My top is always 1-2 sizes smaller than bottoms. Swimsuits For All has mix-and-match sizing.
Answering Your Biggest Summer Wear for Plus Size Questions
"Where do I find affordable plus size sundresses under $50?"
Old Navy during 40% off sales (sign up for emails). Target's Ava & Viv line. Rainbow Shops' physical stores often have hidden gems under $30.
"How do I prevent sweat stains?"
Clinical-strength antiperspirant on underarms at night when pores absorb better. Wear sweat-wicking camisoles (Jockey makes great ones) under sheer tops.
"Are there shorts that don't ride up?"
Look for 4-way stretch fabric with gripper tape inside the leg hem. NYDJ and Lee jeans have this. Worth every penny at $60-$80.
"What shoes work with swollen summer feet?"
Wide-width Birkenstocks (regular width runs narrow). Skechers Wide Fit sandals with Arch Fit tech. Avoid anything with ankle straps after 3 PM – they become torture devices.
Building Your Summer Capsule Wardrobe
You don't need 50 pieces. Start with these 7 essentials:
- Black jersey midi dress (dress up or down)
- Breathable white tee (100% cotton or Pima blend)
- Linen-blend trousers (palazzo or wide-leg)
- Comfy shorts with stretch waistband
- UPF protection cover-up
- Chunky-heeled sandals (better support than flats)
- Structured sun hat (wide brim for face protection)
Mix-and-match potential? Endless. That black dress works with sandals for brunch or heels for date night. The linen pants pair with your tee or a silk cami.
Final Reality Check
Finding great plus size summer outfits takes more effort, but it's possible. I still get frustrated when brands stop at size XL or charge $30 more for "extended sizes." But the landscape is improving. Remember:
- Prioritize comfort over trends – no one looks confident while tugging at tight clothes
- Invest in quality fabrics – cheap stuff disintegrates after two washes
- Tailoring is magic – $15 hemming can transform a dress
Last summer, I wore a red linen jumpsuit to a rooftop party. Felt breezy, got compliments, didn't once adjust my outfit. That's the goal. With the right summer wear for plus size bodies, you spend less time fussing and more time living. Now go enjoy that sunshine.
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