I'm a Plus-Size Fashion Expert—These Are My 3 Summer Wardrobe Staples

I’ve just touched back down on UK soil after my first sunny break this year, and whilst our British weather is taking its time to turn up the heat, a week in the Mediterranean has reminded me of my summer essentials. I’m talking about those pieces of clothing that help you live happily and comfortably throughout the hotter season whilst also looking fabulous. 

At any size, it’s likely you have a different winter and summer wardrobe, but from being plus-size (a UK 24 to UK 26), I’ve found that there are a few extra things that the warm weather ensures I think about. Myself and my bigger-bodied peers are chatting about chaffing, FUPA coverage and how to wear less fabric whilst still supporting bigger boobs. Sounds familiar? Read on for my hacks and top tips for dressing this summer and every summer.  

Shop My Summer Wardrobe Staples

1. Natural Fibres

Firstly, let’s talk about fibres. I want to encourage you to start rummaging for the side labels in clothes and clicking on "product details” drop-down boxes when you’re shopping online. When it’s warm, you need breathability, and natural fibres are your friend. Although I prefer to avoid synthetic fibres all year round, I find it particularly important in the summer. Without getting too sciencey, natural fibres have a hollower structure, meaning they can absorb heat and perspiration and release it into the air. Heat and sweat then pass through the fabric, allowing you to regulate your temperature rather than trapping it underneath like synthetic fabrics do. Linen, cotton, silk and viscose are the fibres I look out for. I’m also pretty obsessed with the look of linen and the relaxed summer vibes it gives off. Here’s a little round-up of my favourite natural-fibre ’fits…

Shop Natural Fibres

2. Great Swimwear 

When it comes to swimwear, I never stick to one style. For the sake of your tan lines and for your comfort, I think it’s always important to pack around three different variations. I find myself wearing smaller and smaller bikinis as the summer or my holiday goes on, as I become used to showing more skin, and I ultimately only care about levelling out my tan lines (sensibly with plenty of SPF, of course). 

My new brand obsession is Youswim, a UK-made swimwear brand that creates pieces in two very flexible sizes covering UK 6 to UK 28. This year, Youswim has added Stretch II to its size range. This is the larger of its two sizes, which now means people up to a size UK 28 can wear the designs. The brand also stated that it’s continuing to work on more fits and sizes, so I’m hopeful we’ll see further increases in the range. I have a couple of the brand’s bikinis, and they’re so soft and comfortable. I highly recommend!

A triangle bikini is a staple, and I wholeheartedly believe, no matter what size or shape you are, you can wear as teeny a bikini as you want to. One of my favourite brands for a triangle set is We Are We Wear, another UK-based brand founded by two women that I used to work with on the design team at ASOS. Founder Natalie has specialised in lingerie and swim design for over a decade so really knows her stuff. They’re passionate about making their brand more and more inclusive, stocking sizes XS to 3XL (UK 4 to UK 30) and working towards genderless silhouettes. 

If you’re looking for swimwear with more coverage and support for swimming in, I would suggest trying out Fabletics. The brand has pieces in sizes XXS to 4XL (a UK 4 to a UK 28-30). I love the look of the higher neckline, zip-front bikini tops and swim shorts, especially for when I’m swimming in my local sea pool in Margate. 

Another brand shout-out goes to Alpine Butterfly Swim. It’s a US-based luxury swimwear brand, and its quality is incredible! It designs really fun styles of swimwear and cover-ups that are unlike what I’ve seen before available in this size range. The brand offers sizes XS to 6XL, which equates to a UK 4 to UK 42. 

Just before I share my swimwear selection, I need to share my favourite bikini hack. If, like myself, you have a flatter bum but a bigger belly, wear your bikini bottoms back to front. This gives you more coverage at the front and a little cheekier bit of less coverage on your bum. I pretty much do this every time I wear a bikini now, but of course, you can always switch it back around for a different fit. It’s just great to have more options from one garment. 

Shop Swimwear

3. Summertime Support

As it heats up, we’re wanting to wear fewer layers and less fabric, but this comes with its own set of issues. If you’re plus-sized, it’s likely you have a bigger bust or chest, too, so how can you get enough support from your underwear to wear skinny straps or no straps at all? It’s also unlikely that you’ll want to keep wearing tights, so how can you prevent chaffing whilst wearing the dresses you want to? 

One way I’m tackling the strap situation this summer is by not wearing a bra altogether, but I absolutely need some boob support to feel comfortable. I’ve been trying out Manners London. Sally, the founder and self-proclaimed "titty witch,” creates pieces in sizes UK 4 to UK 36 made from thick jersey that hugs your body enough to also support your boobs. Manners offers easy staple styles in classic colours alongside bolder prints. I’ve recently been wearing the brand’s crop vest top, and it has been freeing to wear something without the stress of bra straps on my shoulders. Next up, I want to try its halter-neck top and square-neck vest.

When navigating strappy dresses, sometimes I’ll choose to wear a bikini top instead of a bra for support. A string bikini can work well underneath a halter neck or if you’re wearing something with cut-outs on the sides. I’ll simply try to find a bikini top in a similar colour to the dress or top so it blends in easier. 

If I’m wearing something slinkier, a bias-cut slip dress or a body-hugging knitted dress for example, I like to wear shapewear. I know shapewear isn’t for everyone, and it definitely isn’t a must, but I love it. It gives me a better posture, clothes seem to hang smoother, and it generally makes me feel secure and supported. I also turn to it for protection against thigh chaffing. In my lingerie drawer, I have an arsenal of shapewear, ranging from lighter support to firm. In this round-up you’ll find my long-standing favourites along with some newer styles I want to try. One final tip… Invest in some anti-chaffing balm. Mine has revolutionised my summer wardrobe, and I’m finally enjoying summers of miniskirts again! 

Shop Support

Next Up: I'm a Plus-Size Fashion Expert—See 5 of the Best Dresses I've Tried This Year