9 Summer Style Mistakes Plus-Size Women Still Make in Heatwaves | The Curvy Fashionista

Choosing Polyester Over Natural Fabrics

When temperatures soar, reaching for that cute polyester dress might seem like a good idea, but it’s actually working against you. Choose breathable, natural fabrics like cotton and linen over synthetic ones like polyester and you’ll sweat a lot less. Plus, when you do sweat, your outfit won’t get clingy and gross. The reality is that polyester sticks to your body like a second skin with no pores, creating an uncomfortable greenhouse effect.

Synthetics are often not stretchy enough for plus-sized bodies, and could rip easily when we move around. People with large body frames also tend to sweat more, and sweats can be too visible on low-quality fabrics, not to mention the odor can be quite difficult to remove.

Wearing Shapewear in Extreme Heat

Look, I get it – shapewear can make you feel more confident about your silhouette. But in sweltering summer weather, it becomes your worst enemy. Shapewear in the summer is a big no. You’re better off investing in comfy, breathable underwear. That extra layer is essentially turning your body into a human furnace.

Instead, focus on pieces that naturally flatter your figure without the need for restrictive undergarments. Your skin needs to breathe, especially during heatwaves when every degree matters. Anti-chafing shorts, especially from brands with CoolMax material, actually keep you cool, unlike a lot of other anti-chafing options that trap heat.

Hiding Under Cardigans and Long Sleeves

You don’t need to wear a cardigan in 30-degree heat. Pop on some SPF and let your arms breathe. It makes a huge difference in how you feel, and you’ll cool down so much faster. This is probably one of the most common mistakes I see during summer months. Many plus-size women feel compelled to cover their arms, even when the temperature is unbearable.

Sleeveless dresses, tops, and jumpsuits are all your friends. No one is judging your arms. The freedom you’ll feel when you finally ditch those unnecessary layers is incredible, and your body temperature will thank you for it.

Squeezing Into Clothes That Don’t Fit

Always buy clothes in your size. I’ve seen a lot of women who opt for baggy clothes when they want to hide their rolls, or try to fit themselves in sizes that are too small for them, thinking that it will give their body the right definition. The thing is, none of those illusions will be achieved, and wearing inappropriate sizes will make us look out of proportion.

During heatwaves, ill-fitting clothes become even more problematic because tight clothing restricts air circulation and loose clothing can trap hot air. When clothing is looser it enables the breeze to freely flow inside your clothes to ventilate the hot air out and enter the cool air. But there’s a difference between appropriately loose and swimming in fabric.

Ignoring the Power of Dark Colors

Here’s where conventional wisdom gets flipped on its head. While everyone tells you to wear light colors in summer, it’s a common notion that darker colors are for plus size women. However, you can also wear bright and pastel hues if you pair them with dark bottoms. Go for purple, brown, blue, and dark maroon colors for a slimming effect. The key is understanding color placement and strategic styling.

A black maxi dress with vertical detailing down the front is a perfect summer wardrobe addition for nights out with friends or date nights. “Illusions” like this one – vertical detailing – are great ways to show off your body in flattering ways. Sometimes looking good trumps wearing the “coolest” color, especially when you choose the right fabric.

Overdoing Restrictive Tank Tops

The more you move, the more tight-fitting tank tops ride up. Drop a few bucks on a quality bodysuit and consider your problem solved. The fitted design stays put and wrinkle-free all day long, while also wicking away any extra thigh sweat.

Those super-tight tanks might look cute in the mirror, but they’re not practical for real life, especially in hot weather. Your clothes should move with you, not against you. Plus, constantly tugging at riding-up tops is neither comfortable nor attractive when you’re already dealing with heat.

Avoiding Shorts Completely

Shorts and summer fashion go synonymous with each other, so why should the plus size fashionista stay away from them? Yet so many women avoid shorts entirely, even when temperatures hit dangerous levels. The fear of thigh chafing or feeling exposed shouldn’t condemn you to overheating.

That thigh chafing is so real, so you’ve invested in an arsenal of tools to help you combat it – biker shorts, baby powder, and all manners of cream have been deployed in an effort to keep those legs chafe-free. Sometimes you win the battle, and sometime the battle leaves bitter red marks all over your inner thighs. But the solution isn’t avoiding shorts – it’s finding the right prevention methods and styles that work for your body.

Choosing Heavy, Thick Fabrics

Avoid wearing thicker fabrics as they make you appear even larger. In summer heat, this mistake becomes doubly problematic because heavy fabrics don’t just make you look bigger – they make you feel like you’re wrapped in a blanket during a heatwave.

Choose clothing in lightweight and breathable material, like linen or cotton, to keep you cool. Go for light pastel hues for outfits during the day and darker colors for night. The difference in how you feel throughout the day is remarkable when you choose appropriate fabrics for the weather.

Neglecting Proper Undergarments for Hot Weather

The reason your boobs are constantly spilling out of your crop top? You’re probably wearing the wrong size bra – it’s cool, though, most people are. Get the girls supported right with a bra that’s actually designed for larger breasts.

Summer heat makes proper undergarment selection even more crucial. Your regular padded bra might provide the support you need in cooler weather, but in extreme heat, it can become unbearable. Look for lightweight, moisture-wicking bras designed for larger busts. The right foundation garments can make the difference between suffering through a hot day and actually enjoying your summer activities.

Completely Avoiding Fitted Silhouettes

Always hiding behind baggy style clothes is only going to add a few extra pounds to your appearance. Whereas super skinny clothes pull and tug uncomfortably and show unsightly bulges here and there. Besides being comfortable, going for accurate-sized clothing will save you time and money.

As you want to achieve a flattering silhouette, wear clothing that enhances your curves like wrap dresses, tunics, peplum tops, or jumpsuits. The goal isn’t to hide your body completely but to choose shapes that work with your natural proportions. Even in the hottest weather, you can find pieces that are both cooling and flattering without resorting to tent-like garments.

Remember, summer should be about feeling comfortable and confident in your own skin. The weather is hot enough without making fashion choices that add unnecessary heat and discomfort to your day. What surprised you most about these common mistakes?