Fashion Tips for Plus-Size Travelers: Embrace Your Style on Holiday

One of my earliest memories of going on holiday was visiting my extended family in Ghana around the age of 6. I remember the sweltering humidity, the rich aromas of spices and well-marinated meat in the air…and the smell of gently boiled child flesh as I spent the entire holiday stewing in my own sweat underneath a cardigan and jogging bottoms.

I was a chubby child, and from a young age, I was always made to feel embarrassed or ashamed of my body.

As I grew older, I thought that going away and being on holiday would provide a temporary respite from the giggles, stares, and judgement I received from the people at home; however, the prospect of going on holiday brought a whole new set of problems, most noticeably, what on earth does one wear on holiday when you are a size fat?

Throughout my teens, I actively tried to avoid going on holiday as the thought of having to show my bingo wings and stretchmarks made me want to recoil in horror. I would associate travel with shame, and when I had to be part of family holidays, I would always bring out my best three-quarter-length cardigans, cargo shorts, and, if I felt especially brave, an oversized smock with a high empire line in a bid to make me look smaller.

It wasn’t until I discovered the fat acceptance movement and started my own self-love journey that I realised that being on a beach didn’t have to be traumatic. American plus-size style influencer Gabi Gregg absolutely changed the game when she made the ‘fatkini’ popular; this sparked a huge trend in plus-size swimwear, lingerie, and general outerwear, and I couldn’t be happier about it.

No longer would I have to put myself on crash diets and take laxatives in order to attain the perfect bikini body: the beach was going to get whatever body I gave it! When you scrimp and save your coins in order to treat yourself to a beautiful beach holiday, you want to enjoy and savour every moment of the trip. There should be no time in your summer schedule for shame!

During my self-love journey, I started to invest in swimsuits, tankinis, and beach dresses, and, eventually, bikinis. And not JUST the ‘mum-pants-covering-the-whole-belly bikinis either; the Sports Illustrated, triangle-shaped, itsy-bitsy bikinis. Why? Because I finally realised I deserved them.

I was confident. I wanted my body to be on show. I wanted to feel cool. I didn’t want to stay holed up in a hotel room sweating in my long-johns while my friends sat by the pool. Thanks to fat acceptance and the body positivity trend, plus-size people now have more access than ever before to trend-led fashion. From tea dresses to bikinis, we’ve got you covered.

Day Wear: Sun Dresses

Easing you in with a summer staple: the sundress. Sundresses are normally light, loose, sleeveless dresses that keep you cool when you’re out and about in the heat. They are among some of my favourite pieces to wear because they are versatile, come in an array of beautiful prints and fabrics, and are easy to dress from day to night.

If you’re a fan of breezy yet slightly structured looks, then this River Island Plus Short Sleeve Kimono Dress complete with embroidered cut-out details is right up your street. The chic black fabric looks amazing on sun-kissed skin and can be worn with a wide-brimmed beach hat and flatform espadrilles by day and a pair of strappy heels with statement accessories by night.

The ASOS Curve sleeveless maxi dress is a smart summer pick, due in part to the wrap design and tie detail, creating a lovely silhouette. The fabric is light, and the sleeveless round neck is just right for someone who may be a bit hesitant to wear a strapless top, but still wants the benefits of not having a full sleeve.

Trapeze dresses are my all-time favourite sundress style as they are incredibly cooling in the heat. It’s almost like you’re wearing a pillowcase, and you don’t have fabric clinging to your sweaty skin throughout the day. If you’re opting for somewhere very hot and humid, make sure at least one trapeze-cut dress makes it into your suitcase.

Evening Wear: Jumpsuits! Playsuits!

One of the good things about taking dresses on holiday is that they can also be styled as chic evening wear too (weather depending). However, if you’re planning a glam night on the town, playsuits and jumpsuits are your best bet. Jumpsuits have an air of smart-casual sophistication about them that make them perfect for staying comfortable while enjoying the nightlife in your destination of choice.

This classic Zadie paisley satin jumpsuit from Anthropologie can be paired with flat mules and a bamboo handbag for effortless evening glam. With flatter sleeves and tapered legs, you can comfortably dance the night away yet still look stylish. It even has pockets!

You can also be the belle of the ball in a standout multi-print or block-coloured playsuit teamed with strappy heels. ASOS Curve has a diverse offering of playsuits, such as this ecru denim dream, their fierce corduroy playsuit, and this stunning, floaty number in a smudged animal print.

Swimwear

I’ve found that swimwear is definitely one of the final hurdles to achieving complete self-love and body positivity. Once I was able to go out in public wearing swimwear and not feel self-conscious, I knew I’d made it. The wonderful thing about swimwear at the moment is that there is so much variety. If you’re a bikini kind of gal, go for it! If you’re into all-in-one swimsuits, there’s a huge choice to pick from too.

I’m a fan of a ruched swimsuit, and Robyn Lawley at Navabi do some of the best, complete with awesome graphic prints. The shoulder straps are adjustable, and the suit is lined with power mesh to offer comfort.

Curvy Kate offers some of the best selections for plus-size swimwear, creating an array of different pieces to suit all bodies and body hangups. The Wrapsody bandeau swimsuit is a multi-functional swimsuit that can be worn up to six different ways and provides an elegant, chic look. Essentially, you can take this swimsuit on holiday with you and have six different styles in one; it’s a fantastic option for those using carry-on luggage.

Luxury lingerie brand Elomi also has a variety of on-trend swimsuits available, such as their Live Limitless collection, which features jewel-toned pieces comprising mid-rise briefs, lacy staples with crochet insets and strappy details, flattering florals, and plunge bras.

My favourite swimwear comes from ASOS: they have a host of mix-and-match pieces that can be bought together or separately, and actually offer us curvy individuals low-rise bikinis, such as the popular leopard print triangle bikini and ruffle tie bikini. Their reasonable prices mean you can bring a selection of styles away with you, too.

Wolf & Whistle offers a perfect medium of having funky, bright prints combined with high-rise briefs and DD+ supportive bikini tops. The eco stripe bikini set is one of my favourites. If you’re looking for something a bit bolder, head over to Figleaves and snap up some attention-grabbing prints and designs. I’m a fan of their St Lucia bikini, but it’s definitely one for a romantic getaway!

So you’ve packed your suitcase, you’ve got your swimsuits, and you’re feeling confident. What then? Well, depending on where you’re traveling to, it’s essential to do a bit of research and find out more about the culture of the country you’re visiting. Brands like GoTravelDaily provide great insights, and your favourite bloggers and writers are good resources for honest opinions. There are some places around the world where it’s tough to find plus-size clothing, making it essential to purchase all your holiday clothes in advance.

Moreover, there are also destinations where being plus-size may be considered unusual, leading to some curious glances from locals. Although this can be disconcerting (trust me, I’ve been there!), it’s crucial not to let this detract from your enjoyment.

Remember that you have the right to explore new destinations and cultures just like anyone else: you’ve worked hard, saved up funds to experience the world on your terms, and you owe it to yourself to enjoy the experience without apologizing for being there. Travel is all about experiencing life from another perspective, and that applies to both visitors and locals. Pack your suitcase, top up your sunscreen, and live your best unapologetic life!