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Okay, I’ll be honest here. I love being plus size and I am very proud of my body. But there are a few things us plus sized,curvy ladies deal with periodically that I’d like to share with you. I’m sure that when you read through this post, you’ll see yourself in some of these fashion situations and others of you might not. I find some of these things more so when the weather gets warmer during the spring and summer seasons.
So, I compiled a list of some of the things that I can think of that I have some issues with, and what I do to fix them. Here are 12 things that can help you out. Be sure to check out some of my other posts for more plus size ideas and hacks.
Table of Contents
Plus Size hack # 1: Chafing Thighs
This has happened to me more often than not, especially when I am wearing a dress, a skirt or shorter shorts. Your thighs rub together and they’re sweaty and it hurts. Ouch! This is due to constant rubbing and friction. I have tried so many different types of creams claiming they work, but I prefer Gold Bond- Friction Defense. This stuff works wonders.
You can also try some comfortable cotton shorts.They keep my inner thighs from rubbing and sweating. You can get these on Amazon. This is a lifesaver and these shorts have pretty awesome reviews on Amazon. I wear these under longer skirts and dresses Here are two other things you can try. Why not try a stick deodorant (not gel) or baby powder? This works especially well, if you’re in a pinch and don’t have anything on hand.
Plus Size Hack # 2 : Feet Swelling
I know this happens to a lot of plus size women. I know for me, my right foot tends to swell up more than my left foot for some odd reason. In the summer months it tends to get worse. This especially rings true if I am walking more than I usually do. There is an easy fix for this. Try buying shoes that are wide width. There are many places that carry wide width shoes and have a great selection such as Torrid, Asos, and Lane Bryant. This way your feet have some extra wiggle room when they naturally swell in the summer heat.
Plus Size Fashion Hack # 3 : Chafing Under Arms
Under arm chafing can happen when your arms continue to rub together causing excess friction between the skin.This usually this happens to me when I am hot and sweaty, which then creates a miserable scenario where a heat rash starts. If this happens, you can prevent it from happening by keeping the area clean and dry. I use Monistat Care Chafing Relief Powder Gel. You can also try wearing a tighter fitting undershirt where your skin rubs together. This can actually help provide a surface barrier.
Plus Size Fashion Hack # 4 : Boob Sweat
I know this sounds crazy , but try using deodorant. This actually works and I do it all the time. There are many options on what deodorants to try but my favorite is Degree Women’s Motion Sense Deodorant and Antiperspirant. I have used this for years and it has never failed me. You can also try bra liners if you don’t want to use the deodorant option.
Plus Size Fashion Hack # 5 : Tops Riding Up On You
I don’t know about you, but I hate when I am already hot and sweaty and on top of everything else, my tank top won’t stay put. It rides up my stomach and I am constantly pulling it back down. I have found a solution to this. Why not try a body suit? It takes care of the whole tank top thing and it stays put completely. This way you don’t have to worry about your outfit, you can focus on other things. I don’t want to spend time pulling my tops down all the time.
Plus Size Fashion Hack # 6 : Patch the holes in your jeans
I am excited to share this hack. I have been doing this for years. There are numerous times that my jeans have worn out do to my thighs rubbing together. I got tired of always replacing expensive pairs of jeans. So I tried using “jean patches” These actually work really well and have saved me a ton of money. Here are some really cool jean patches that have decent reviews on Amazon and a bonus : They match all kinds of different jean colors. Who has money to keep buying new jeans over and over?
Plus Size Fashion Hack # 7 : Adjustable Jewelry
Have you ever had a problem with swelling during the day? This can happen anytime but I find when it’s hot, it happens especially with my fingers. So why not try adjustable rings, and adjustable necklaces? Many retailers makes these now. For instance, necklaces have adjustable links so you can either loosen or tighten it depending on your needs.This will also give your body some breathing room.
I usually take my rings off at night because if I don’t, I wake up in the morning and can’t get my rings off. Sometimes when I wake up in the morning, I have coffee and get ready and then put my rings back on. By then, the swelling has gone down. Moving around can help with that.
Plus Size Fashion Hack # 8 : A Comfortable Strapless Bra
Try finding a good strapless bra that is comfortable. I don’t know about you, but sometimes the straps just dig into my shoulders and the straps fall down. I spend more time worrying about the straps than anything else. So a comfortable strapless bra can work wonders. Torrid has some really nice ones. Also, try getting fitted for a bra. When you have the correct measurements, it can make everything look different. Even the way your clothes fit. This is a must.
Plus Size Fashion Hack # 9 : Know Your Plus Size Fabrics
This is really important because what looks good on one person, may not look good on someone else. Some fabrics are stretchy, and others have no give and are stiff, and some stretch and lose their shape permanently. Use this guide below to help you select certain fabrics. There is nothing more annoying, especially when you’re buying something online and you receive it, and it is too small and there is no stretch to it. Which leads me to my next point.
Stretchy Fabrics
- Lycra Spandex
- Stretchy Cotton
- Jersey
- Ponte knit
Doesn’t Stretch
- Polyester (limited stretch)
- Twill
- Viscose (can stretch but if it does, doesn’t retain its shape)
- Chiffon
- Tencel/Modal (can stretch out of shape)
- Rayon (can also stretch out of shape if it gets wet from humidity or moisture from the air)
Plus Size Fashion Hack # 10 : Know your Measurements
I have been guilty of not measuring myself and only thinking I am a size 16 with every clothing line. Wrong! Some retailers clothing sizes may run in different sizes. So you may be a 16 in one store and run an 14 in another. It all depends. Know your measurements. Here are the places you should measure.
- Neck and Bust
- Waist and hips
- Front waist length
- Back waist length
- Shoulders
- Arm length
Plus Size Fashion Hack # 11 : Hair Tie Trick
Have you ever been between sizes or your pants are just a little bit tight? I have and I was always looking for a way to wear my favorite jeans. Use a stretchy hair tie. A thin sturdy one works best. Loop it around your button part of your jeans and then through the open hole on the other side and again right back over the button. Voila! This is a temporary hack, but it works.
Plus Size Fashion Hack # 12 : Improve Your Posture
I can’t tell you how many times I see women slouching. Ouch! Not only will this hurt your back and cause backaches, it also looks like you you’ve lost your confidence. Stand tall and be proud of who you are. You’re absolutely beautiful. Nothing radiates more than a woman who is confident, and proud of who she is. This simple hack can change things…instantly. Stand straight and tall!! Voila-
I took a few weeks to come up with this list. I wanted to write down all the things I do on a daily basis, and what makes my life a little easier day in and day out and pass some of that onto you. So, I made a list of things that have helped me over the years. This list can be everchanging, as time goes on.
I’m sure after I post this, I’ll come up with something else. Go figure! But I hope this list helps us plus size women out and if you have thought of something that I haven’t, please leave a comment down below and share with the other readers. I’d love to hear as well.
