# Larger ladies, what do you wear on a summer holiday? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [May 14, 2013, 1:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/larger-ladies-what-do-you-wear-on-a-summer-holiday/658314 "2013-05-14T13:54:44Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 14\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![April\_R](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3da27b/32.png) [@April\_R](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/April_R)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2013, 8:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/larger-ladies-what-do-you-wear-on-a-summer-holiday/658314/21 "2013-05-15T20:36:47Z")
> [@Maastricht](#): > > Dresses with [pettipants](http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_5?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=pettipants&sprefix=petti%2Caps%2C228&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Apettipants) underneath. Cool, anti-chafe, decent. Pretty much what my undergarments look like that I wear, except mine a a bit more close fitted than that. I don’t do shape wear. It tends to roll on me and makes using the rest room an adventure. I don’t like fighting my under garments when I need to pee. ---
**Author:** ![ASanders](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asanders/32/3367_2.png) [@ASanders](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ASanders)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2013, 9:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/larger-ladies-what-do-you-wear-on-a-summer-holiday/658314/22 "2013-05-15T21:00:15Z")
Capris for me, if I have to be presentable. On the beach tankinis and a sarong. For some reason, showing my arms on the beach doesn’t bother me at all while wearing sleeveless tops in any other situation is a nonstarter. I do wear leggings but only under longer tunic tops or what for normal people would be called mini dresses. I’m 5’10" so a dress on anyone else is a long top for me. ---
**Author:** ![FaerieBeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e95f7d/32.png) [@FaerieBeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FaerieBeth)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2013, 10:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/larger-ladies-what-do-you-wear-on-a-summer-holiday/658314/23 "2013-05-15T22:02:55Z")
> [@sandra\_nz](#): > > I have a number of 50’s style frocks in polka dots and summer prints which I wear with a belt under the bust. They are sleeveless and I have a number of tie-front shrugs I can put on for coverage/warmth. [Hell Bunny Dresses](http://www.amazon.com/Hell-Bunny-Red-Motley-Dress/dp/B0064P4OO8/ref=sr_1_10?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1368654964&sr=1-10&keywords=%22hell+bunny%22+dresses) are my favorites. They do both regular and plus sizes, as does [Modcloth](http://www.modcloth.com/). I favor 50’s era styling, as it seems to flatter the bust/waist/hip ratios I have. ---
**Author:** ![tenacious\_j](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/439d5e/32.png) [@tenacious\_j](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tenacious_j)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2013, 11:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/larger-ladies-what-do-you-wear-on-a-summer-holiday/658314/24 "2013-05-15T23:59:42Z")
I’m with April 100%!!! Arm flab and shapewear be damned! It’s hot and I’m gonna be comfortable, and I’m probably going to want to pee in a hurry at some point. 😉 My sister and I both tend to wear a lot of skirts and dresses, especially on vacation. Usually they are a stretch knit that fits closely enough not to blow up, and long enough to cover when I’m sitting. When my oh-so-classy sister isn’t looking I wear capris, and always bring at least one pair of cotton capris when traveling in case my legs sweat and (shudder to even use this word but let’s be honest) chafe and I can’t bear to wear another skirt. As for wearing an outfit or skirt or top more than once when it’s hot, forget it. I am not a sweaty person but when it’s hot, it’s hot and the thought of re-wearing something that was remotely damp is just something I can’t do. ---
**Author:** ![April\_R](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3da27b/32.png) [@April\_R](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/April_R)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2013, 2:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/larger-ladies-what-do-you-wear-on-a-summer-holiday/658314/25 "2013-05-16T02:23:30Z")
> [@tenacious\_j](#): > > I’m with April 100%!!! Arm flab and shapewear be damned! It’s hot and I’m gonna be comfortable, and I’m probably going to want to pee in a hurry at some point. 😉 > > My sister and I both tend to wear a lot of skirts and dresses, especially on vacation. Usually they are a stretch knit that fits closely enough not to blow up, and long enough to cover when I’m sitting. When my oh-so-classy sister isn’t looking I wear capris, and always bring at least one pair of cotton capris when traveling in case my legs sweat and (shudder to even use this word but let’s be honest) chafe and I can’t bear to wear another skirt. > > As for wearing an outfit or skirt or top more than once when it’s hot, forget it. I am not a sweaty person but when it’s hot, it’s hot and the thought of re-wearing something that was remotely damp is just something I can’t do. Lol. Me neither. I hate wearing the same shirt if it hadn’t been washed. Yuck! ---
**Author:** ![WhyNot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/c77e96/32.png) [@WhyNot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WhyNot)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2013, 3:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/larger-ladies-what-do-you-wear-on-a-summer-holiday/658314/26 "2013-05-16T03:13:46Z")
They don’t have laundries in San Antonio? 😕 ---
**Author:** ![April\_R](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3da27b/32.png) [@April\_R](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/April_R)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2013, 3:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/larger-ladies-what-do-you-wear-on-a-summer-holiday/658314/27 "2013-05-16T03:18:51Z")
Of course they do and so do most hotels, but you aren’t going to do your laundry daily. You accumulate a small load of laundry then do it. In the mean time you need enough clothes to last until you can wash them. Wearing a sweaty shirt more than once before at least hand washing it in the sink is grody. (First world problem I know) ---
**Author:** ![DummyGladHands](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/49beb7/32.png) [@DummyGladHands](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DummyGladHands)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2013, 3:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/larger-ladies-what-do-you-wear-on-a-summer-holiday/658314/28 "2013-05-16T03:26:48Z")
Skorts. Or whatever they call those short skirts with shorts under them ---
**Author:** ![sandra\_nz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/eada6e/32.png) [@sandra\_nz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sandra_nz)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2013, 7:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/larger-ladies-what-do-you-wear-on-a-summer-holiday/658314/29 "2013-05-16T07:34:06Z")
Thanks all for your inputs, really helpful! It’s actually really fun to talk clothes with you gals. 🙂 I’ve lost a bit of weight since I last traveled and I’m really keen to feel comfortable as well as feeling nicely dressed. It’s not a huge trip, just over a week long, and part of that will be attending WorldCon (SciFi thingee). I’ve got this GORGEOUS dress to wear to the awards ceremony - [this one from Igigi](http://www.igigi.com/plus-size-dresses/plus-size-evening-dress/phyllis-maxi-dress.html). It’s currently at the dry cleaners getting shortened and I pick it up tonight! > [@WhyNot](#): > > Pack as many pairs of socks as you think you’ll need, then pack three more. Good advice, although I’ll probably wear sandals rather than shoes! > [@](#): > > Pack as many pairs of shoes as you think you’ll need, then unpack half and leave them home. Wait, what?!:eek: 😃 > [@](#): > > Don’t forget to pack your DivaCup, or pads! Even regular periods have a way of playing “gotcha” on vacation. Thanks to taking Cerazette, I don’t get periods any more. Bliss. But you’re right, I’ll pack some pads just in case my body decides to be a bitch. 🆒 > [@](#): > > Do NOT buy new shoes the day before your trip, no matter how comfy they feel in the store. Trust me. You want your oldest, most comfortable broken in pair, even if they’re not the prettiest. Blister-n-bled my way across Bali, I did. ☹ Ow! Yes, I’ve actually started buying shoes now in preparation, to make sure they are nicely worn in. I’m sorted for sandals (mix of flats and heels). For those days when I just want comfy comfy, I’m thinking plain canvas shoes. If I get the right style, I think they’d look quite cute with a 50’s dress. The probably is I have very wide feet and have to buy specialty shoes. [I’m currently quite tempted by these.](http://www.widerfitshoes.co.uk/S-Dee/style1293/72214G_l.jpg/Pistachio%20Green%20Gingham/72214G_l.jpg/Pistachio%20Green%20Gingham/) I’m intrigued by those **pettipants** you linked, **Maastricht** , but my thighs still touch when I’m standing still, so I wonder if they would just constantly bunch up as I walk along and never fall back down? I could imagine I’d have to start a series of complicated maneuvers to get them to behave. 😉 **FaerieBeth** , I LOVE modcloth so much! I’ve never been brave enough to order from there though. I should really take the plunge, some of those dresses are divine. ---
**Author:** ![Maastricht](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a88e57/32.png) [@Maastricht](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maastricht)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2013, 10:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/larger-ladies-what-do-you-wear-on-a-summer-holiday/658314/30 "2013-05-16T10:45:53Z")
> [@sandra\_nz](#): > > I’m intrigued by those **pettipants** you linked, **Maastricht** , but my thighs still touch when I’m standing still, so I wonder if they would just constantly bunch up as I walk along and never fall back down? I could imagine I’d have to start a series of complicated maneuvers to get them to behave. 😉 Not if you order one made in anti-cling fabric (just like a dress slip)and if you order it in the correct size, so it sits snugly but not tight around your leg. I lost a whole lot of weight, but I used to be obese with chafing thighs, and my pettipants were a life-safer. ---
**Author:** ![Draelin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ce73a5/32.png) [@Draelin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Draelin)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2013, 2:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/larger-ladies-what-do-you-wear-on-a-summer-holiday/658314/31 "2013-05-16T14:59:00Z")
> [@FaerieBeth](#): > > [Hell Bunny Dresses](http://www.amazon.com/Hell-Bunny-Red-Motley-Dress/dp/B0064P4OO8/ref=sr_1_10?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1368654964&sr=1-10&keywords=%22hell+bunny%22+dresses) are my favorites. They do both regular and plus sizes, as does [Modcloth](http://www.modcloth.com/). > I favor 50’s era styling, as it seems to flatter the bust/waist/hip ratios I have. You have just changed my life. How does their sizing run? I’m probably fatter than I was the last time you saw me, so I need to take that into account. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![April\_R](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3da27b/32.png) [@April\_R](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/April_R)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2013, 6:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/larger-ladies-what-do-you-wear-on-a-summer-holiday/658314/32 "2013-05-16T18:23:38Z")
I just saw these undies in Redbook and they are brilliant. Solve that chaffing problem for sure! > **[Jockey® Skimmies® Slipshort](https://www.jockey.com/catalog/product/skimmies-slipshort)** ---
**Author:** ![FaerieBeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e95f7d/32.png) [@FaerieBeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FaerieBeth)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2013, 10:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/larger-ladies-what-do-you-wear-on-a-summer-holiday/658314/33 "2013-05-16T22:02:23Z")
> [@Draelin](#): > > You have just changed my life. How does their sizing run? I’m probably fatter than I was the last time you saw me, so I need to take that into account. 🙂 **Draelin**! One of the things I love about Modcloth is their reviews on the clothes. To see what I’m talking about, [take a look at this dress](http://www.modcloth.com/shop/dresses/salty-and-pepper-dress). The reviews are from the women wearing it, and they will often tell the size they bought, their measurements, and how it wears\*. If you click on the size chart, it will give a length of the dress in inches, click on the size link again under that and a pop up box will give you measurements with the corresponding sizes. I found this one runs pretty true to size (I have this dress, and even wrote one of the reviews). This particular one sold on Modcloth was a Hell Bunny design, and so far, their stuff runs pretty true to measurements. I love the Modcloth community for comments and clothing reviews, as it gives you a whole lot of info on the clothes. Also, if you’re a community member, you get access to the vintage sales. And just in case our tastes run very similar, I’d recommend checking out the Chicstar and Skelapparel stuff on Amazon, too. 🆒 \*for both plus and regular sizes! ---
**Author:** ![sandra\_nz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/eada6e/32.png) [@sandra\_nz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sandra_nz)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2013, 6:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/larger-ladies-what-do-you-wear-on-a-summer-holiday/658314/34 "2013-05-20T18:53:04Z")
I picked up [these](http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B007XCMN8K/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)from Amazon and trialled them in the weekend when we spent a day walking around a city. They worked fabulously well and are nicer than Spanx (which are really a shaping garment which you don’t always want). [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/larger-ladies-what-do-you-wear-on-a-summer-holiday/658314.md?page=1)