Zaftig hot weather clothes!
March 20, 2012 2:09 PM Subscribe
Shopping options for relatively inexpensive hot-weather clothes for a plus-size woman?
I will be spending 6 weeks in the Philippines on a study program and have been trying to figure out what clothes to bring. Most of the very lightweight stuff I have is fancier than I want to bring (we'll be out in the field for a good portion of the trip). I have spaghetti-strap tanks but we'll be in some more conservative areas and I need options that allow me to cover my shoulders without melting. Please give me your best recommendations for stores (or specific pieces) where I can get natural fabric or really lightweight tops and pants in plus sizes (between a 16 and 18, generally).
Bonus question: With the mosquito issue in mind, is it really super important for me to wear long sleeves and pants or can I get away with covering myself in DEET?
I will be spending 6 weeks in the Philippines on a study program and have been trying to figure out what clothes to bring. Most of the very lightweight stuff I have is fancier than I want to bring (we'll be out in the field for a good portion of the trip). I have spaghetti-strap tanks but we'll be in some more conservative areas and I need options that allow me to cover my shoulders without melting. Please give me your best recommendations for stores (or specific pieces) where I can get natural fabric or really lightweight tops and pants in plus sizes (between a 16 and 18, generally).
Bonus question: With the mosquito issue in mind, is it really super important for me to wear long sleeves and pants or can I get away with covering myself in DEET?
Try Eddie Bauer, JC Penney, and Kohls for tops. I got this shirt at Kohls recently, it's much cuter than it looks and very lightweight. In all of these stores, unless you are very busty you can probably get away with a regular XL or XXL in tops.
Pants I have no good suggestions...It feels like the only summer pants out there anymore are stupid stupid capris.
posted by cabingirl at 2:47 PM on March 20, 2012
Pants I have no good suggestions...It feels like the only summer pants out there anymore are stupid stupid capris.
posted by cabingirl at 2:47 PM on March 20, 2012
Marshalls, Ross, and/or TJMaxx, depending on which chains are in your region.
posted by smirkette at 2:48 PM on March 20, 2012
posted by smirkette at 2:48 PM on March 20, 2012
I am super in love with the Whatever skort from Athleta. Flash-proof, as water-proof as you can get without using crazy "fabrics", breathes well, made for movement... they really ought to be paying me for the level of gush I can provide. And they appear to have a size 16.
For me, the inexpensiveness comes in not in the price, which is for me on the high end of what I'll pay since I usually buy stuff at thrift stores, but because of the durability and my constant use of them.
You can return it anytime, which shows that they anticipate the lifetime to be long. Plus that means it's not such a gamble if it doesn't fit. Especially if you buy enough to get free shipping, then you can return it all if it doesn't fit and it won't have cost you anything but your time.
posted by vegartanipla at 2:57 PM on March 20, 2012 [2 favorites]
For me, the inexpensiveness comes in not in the price, which is for me on the high end of what I'll pay since I usually buy stuff at thrift stores, but because of the durability and my constant use of them.
You can return it anytime, which shows that they anticipate the lifetime to be long. Plus that means it's not such a gamble if it doesn't fit. Especially if you buy enough to get free shipping, then you can return it all if it doesn't fit and it won't have cost you anything but your time.
posted by vegartanipla at 2:57 PM on March 20, 2012 [2 favorites]
When I was around that size I got some good vacation clothing from Lucy (size XL). I've also had luck with Eddie Bauer and Ann Taylor Loft XL sizes. Target is great for stuff you're only going to wear a couple times. For travel-specific clothing that's a bit pricier, Ex Officio will probably fit, as will REI brand and Columbia.
posted by matildaben at 3:02 PM on March 20, 2012
posted by matildaben at 3:02 PM on March 20, 2012
As far as bugs, it depends on how much the bugs love you. They love me enough to protect everyone around me and I swell up at anything. There are a lot of less offensive bug sprays now but just resign yourself to bug spray if it is a significant issue.
I'm not sure what you are calling inexpensive. If you only need them for a season, the gap affiliates, especially on sale or at an outlet, are pretty reliable. Capris, t-shirts, shorts. I always found roomier clothes to be more comfortable in hot weather (and I hate hot weather) but if you are going to sweat, just get over it and be as comfortable as possible, either with things that will absorb and evaporate it or let you breathe. I find swim cover ups to be roomy and very light weight and got one from Athleta I have yet to wear. If you want to do it all online, the gap affiliates are easy. If you want to find cheaper or more specific stuff, thrift stores, mentioned chains, etc.
posted by provoliminal at 3:13 PM on March 20, 2012
I'm not sure what you are calling inexpensive. If you only need them for a season, the gap affiliates, especially on sale or at an outlet, are pretty reliable. Capris, t-shirts, shorts. I always found roomier clothes to be more comfortable in hot weather (and I hate hot weather) but if you are going to sweat, just get over it and be as comfortable as possible, either with things that will absorb and evaporate it or let you breathe. I find swim cover ups to be roomy and very light weight and got one from Athleta I have yet to wear. If you want to do it all online, the gap affiliates are easy. If you want to find cheaper or more specific stuff, thrift stores, mentioned chains, etc.
posted by provoliminal at 3:13 PM on March 20, 2012
I'm a non-petite woman who lives in the tropics, in an area with a dengue problem.
Cotton is your friend. While fancy polyester camping shirts or cheapo poly-cotton shirts feel thin and cool, they begin to stink pretty quickly and the stink is harder and harder to get out.
For modesty and a touch of style, look for lightweight cotton polo shirts with collars or knit shirts with v-necks. I've also had good luck with men's cotton t-shirts that have a button-style v-neck thingy. Regular t-shirts are a last resort for me, because here t-shirts are only for the beach.
I buy knit shirts, because button-down shirts need ironing to be acceptable here and who wants to iron in the tropics? While it seems counter-intuitive, I'm more comfortable in clothing that clings, because it absorbs the sweat. Locals here wear very snug clothing compared to the US.
Choose bras with copious sweat in mind. Braless isn't an option where I live; I don't know about the Philippines.
If I remember right, Target is a good source of this stuff. Don't hesitate to cross over to the men's section, where it can be easier to find lightweight and practical pants.
If there's dengue where you'll be staying, you'll want to be serious about mosquitoes. Here, the dengue-bearing mosquitos are tiny, fly low, and have trouble navigating in a breeze, so the most common solution is to have a fan blowing at floor level. When I go out, I put DEET on my feet and ankles (I wear sandals, no socks). I usually wear lightweight pants so only my feet and ankles are targets; when I've worn a skirt I've gotten bitten more. I don't wear long sleeves and don't know of anyone who does.
posted by ceiba at 5:00 PM on March 20, 2012
Cotton is your friend. While fancy polyester camping shirts or cheapo poly-cotton shirts feel thin and cool, they begin to stink pretty quickly and the stink is harder and harder to get out.
For modesty and a touch of style, look for lightweight cotton polo shirts with collars or knit shirts with v-necks. I've also had good luck with men's cotton t-shirts that have a button-style v-neck thingy. Regular t-shirts are a last resort for me, because here t-shirts are only for the beach.
I buy knit shirts, because button-down shirts need ironing to be acceptable here and who wants to iron in the tropics? While it seems counter-intuitive, I'm more comfortable in clothing that clings, because it absorbs the sweat. Locals here wear very snug clothing compared to the US.
Choose bras with copious sweat in mind. Braless isn't an option where I live; I don't know about the Philippines.
If I remember right, Target is a good source of this stuff. Don't hesitate to cross over to the men's section, where it can be easier to find lightweight and practical pants.
If there's dengue where you'll be staying, you'll want to be serious about mosquitoes. Here, the dengue-bearing mosquitos are tiny, fly low, and have trouble navigating in a breeze, so the most common solution is to have a fan blowing at floor level. When I go out, I put DEET on my feet and ankles (I wear sandals, no socks). I usually wear lightweight pants so only my feet and ankles are targets; when I've worn a skirt I've gotten bitten more. I don't wear long sleeves and don't know of anyone who does.
posted by ceiba at 5:00 PM on March 20, 2012
If you're gonna be starting out in a larger city for a few days, it might make sense to buy some clothes there. I carefully chose the clothes I was going to take to India, but the local clothing was way better and I wore it more. It's super cheap, appropriate for the weather and for modesty standards. Plus people seem to appreciate it when you're dressed like a local. Also, in India, and probably in the Philippines, there will always be a local tailor who could make you some simple tops or pants.
posted by genmonster at 5:43 PM on March 20, 2012
posted by genmonster at 5:43 PM on March 20, 2012
I think you want something like these. 100% cotton, sizes up to 2X, ten colors, on sale for $39.50 on amazon. They're very like the pants I live in when travelling in hot/conservative countries. Found these by searching for "drawstring cotton pants" - if you're willing to shop internationally, substitute "trousers".
Lightweight linen is also great, but I have only found palazzo-like versions with veeery wide legs, and unfortunately "harem pants" are now fashionable, so you get high noise-to-signal rates with many diaper-crotch versions in poly blends for stick insects.
I also poked about a bit on some Islamic and Indian sites, but lots of huge elasticated waists (completely nightmarish in tropics) as well as aforementioned elephantine legs. *sigh* What you really need is a time machine and some drachmas for a visit to a Greek beach kiosk in the 80s.
posted by likeso at 7:50 PM on March 20, 2012
Lightweight linen is also great, but I have only found palazzo-like versions with veeery wide legs, and unfortunately "harem pants" are now fashionable, so you get high noise-to-signal rates with many diaper-crotch versions in poly blends for stick insects.
I also poked about a bit on some Islamic and Indian sites, but lots of huge elasticated waists (completely nightmarish in tropics) as well as aforementioned elephantine legs. *sigh* What you really need is a time machine and some drachmas for a visit to a Greek beach kiosk in the 80s.
posted by likeso at 7:50 PM on March 20, 2012
L.L. Bean?
I like wearing stuff by Flax in the summer - linen, boxy and comfortable.
Oh, and check out Ebay for used Patagonia (men's XL should fit you pretty well I think). Polos and t-shirts are pretty universal.
posted by hms71 at 8:11 PM on March 20, 2012
I like wearing stuff by Flax in the summer - linen, boxy and comfortable.
Oh, and check out Ebay for used Patagonia (men's XL should fit you pretty well I think). Polos and t-shirts are pretty universal.
posted by hms71 at 8:11 PM on March 20, 2012
Seconding vegartinapla's reccomendation of athleta- the dipper shorts and skorts have served me well. Horny Toad is another brand that has worked well for me in past summers- they cover enough not to be naked, but they are also made of breathy fabrics and are cut not to smother you.
posted by pickypicky at 9:43 PM on March 20, 2012
posted by pickypicky at 9:43 PM on March 20, 2012
Junonia.com's activewear section
Also, Land's End has good deals now and then that put their clothes within my budget range, but you have to be vigilant.
posted by SuperSquirrel at 7:59 AM on March 21, 2012
Also, Land's End has good deals now and then that put their clothes within my budget range, but you have to be vigilant.
posted by SuperSquirrel at 7:59 AM on March 21, 2012
TeamEstrogen.com is mainly focused on cycling/running apparel and gear, but they carry a lot of casual/lifestyle clothing that's designed to be breathable and comfortable, which sounds like the sort of thing you're looking for. They offer a wide variety of sizes, including plus sizes.
REI is a good place to shop for clothing like this, of course. In-store their women's clothing rarely goes higher than XL, though XL does translate to size 16 for many brands. Online they have a small selection of larger plus-sized items.
You may also want to consider an underlayer that's designed specifically for wicking sweat away, like a sports bra and travel/active underwear. Patagonia and SmartWool both make great, quick-dry, easy-to-clean panties available in an XL which fits my decidedly-larger-than-XL bottom. (As does Ex Officio, but I don't like their quality as much.)
posted by rhiannonstone at 3:50 PM on March 21, 2012
REI is a good place to shop for clothing like this, of course. In-store their women's clothing rarely goes higher than XL, though XL does translate to size 16 for many brands. Online they have a small selection of larger plus-sized items.
You may also want to consider an underlayer that's designed specifically for wicking sweat away, like a sports bra and travel/active underwear. Patagonia and SmartWool both make great, quick-dry, easy-to-clean panties available in an XL which fits my decidedly-larger-than-XL bottom. (As does Ex Officio, but I don't like their quality as much.)
posted by rhiannonstone at 3:50 PM on March 21, 2012
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posted by decathecting at 2:29 PM on March 20, 2012