I’m plus size and these are the dresses getting me through summer’s hottest days

I’m plus size and these are the dresses getting me through summer’s hottest days These can see you through the weather now, and next season too. (Picture: Metro/Getty) It’s been a long, hot summer – and we’ve still got a few weeks of it left to go. Not that I’m complaining (much). I’d rather sweat in the sun than shiver under grey skies. As the ever-sage Scandinavians say, ‘There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes’. They may have meant it about their notoriously harsh winters, but in the throes of our fourth heatwave of the summer, wouldn’t you say that applies equally to balmy weather? And when you’ve got curves to consider, your wardrobe choices are all the more pressing. Plus size clothing may have come on leaps and bounds in recent years, but it’s still a challenge to find decent pieces that don’t look like you’re wearing a tent – and that’s without molten temperatures in the mix. The key is dressing for the climate with cool, natural fibres that let air flow freely – think linen, cotton, silks. Don’t even think about looking at anything synthetic, unless you want to feel like you’re in a walking sauna. In short? Natural fabrics, and chub rub shorts to save your thighs from sweat burn. With August here and the chances of an Indian summer into September highly likely, there are still a few weeks of sweltering heat to go – eeep. If your wardrobe is crying out for a refresh, I’ve rounded up the nicest plus size dresses to help you see out the rest of the summer. Monsoon Hattie Sleeveless Gingham Midi Dress in Orange Wear it to: Sun-soaked beer gardens, farmers markets Like tartan in autumn and florals for spring, gingham steals the sartorial spotlight every summer – and 2026 is no different. Instead of primary school-coded green, navy and red, veer to orange for a warm take on the timeless pattern. Monsoon’s Hattie dress is a masterclass on the look, with a gently scooped neck, fitted bodice and midi skirt that falls to the perfect, just–below-the-knee length. It may be crafted from cotton but the fabric feels faintly linen-like – comforting and breathable. An elasticated back means you’ll get the perfect fit – no annoying gaping here – while the beaded bow trim adds glitzy flair. Oh and there’s pockets! Pockets hallelujah. Add a Peter Pan collar shirt underneath and knitted socks to keep it in your rotation well into autumn. Sizes available: 10 – 24. Buy Now for £75 Nobody's Child Pure Cotton Halter Neck Midi Skater Dress Wear it to: The beach! The dress to reach for whether you’re yet to go on your big summer holiday or you just want to feel like you are. Halternecks are uber flattering on most frames and shapes, showing off bronzed shoulders and decolletage without flashing too much skin. Nobody’s Child’s backless design balances the look with a flowing midi skirt that hides pockets in the side seams. The tailored top half is complemented with a stretchy back that moves freely with you, so you’ll be held in without feeling squeezed. Add straw accessories – wide-brimmed hat, a bag big enough for a beach towel and a book, and espadrilles – and you’re ready for a day at the seaside. Sizes available: 8 – 24. Buy Now for £62 (was £89) Never Fully Dressed Celestial Print V-Neck Midaxi Column Dress Wear it to: A late summer wedding With an extra day off for the nation, the August Bank Holiday has always been prime time for weddings. If you’ve been invited to a ceremony in late summer, the right dress can make or break your day. With whimsical celestial motifs, short, ruffled sleeves and a riot of colours, NFD has nailed the brief with this column dress which falls to a midaxi length. The skirt comes unlined too, keeping bulk to a minimum and meaning air can flow freely. With a dress this detailed, you won’t need much in the way of accessories – a pair of dangly earrings and a few slim bangles should do the trick. Sizes available: 8 – 22. Buy Now for £75 ASOS DESIGN Curve Batwing Plait Ruched Waist Plisse Maxi Dress Wear it to: The club, festivals Sometimes you just need to be a baddie, but a well-ventilated baddie. With cut out details and crafted from lightweight plisse fabric, ASOS Design has the dress for any evening mission. While the look, which almost looks like a co-ord thanks to the open sides, is made from polyester, the upshot is that it’s quick-dry and none of the tiny pleats require ironing – just throw it on and go. Metallic accessories will complete the look, plus slicked back hair and the most oversized sunnies in your collection. Sizes available: 18 – 30. Buy Now for £48 George Brown Zebra Square Neck Strappy Satin Mini Dress Wear it to: Rooftop cocktails Animal print should live in everyone’s wardrobe, but if you’re looking for a change to the same old leopard, zebra print offers a more graphic take on the pattern. The square neck design comes with adjustable straps so you can fit it to your measurements, although bra straps would ruin the look so be sure to invest in a strapless one to keep everything properly supported. Throw on a linen blazer if you’d like the option of more coverage without sacrificing style. A mini dress, at a mini price. Sizes available: 8 – 24. Buy Now for £16 SIMPLY BE Stripe Linen Midi Dress Wear it to: Weekend shopping trips, the office Never underestimate the versatility of a great stripe dress. This one from Simply Be would work equally for a weekend shopping trip as it would for a day in the (hopefully air-conditioned) office. The diagonal alignment keeps things feeling fresh, while the earthy/aqua palette means it should work with different accessories, from raffia bags to colour block shoes and jewellery. Size up if you want a loose fit. This is a look we could float around in happily until September. Sizes available: 18 – 32. Buy Now for £44 Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Share your views in the comments below Arrow MORE: The best little white dresses to shop now from M&S, Next, Nobody’s Child and more Arrow MORE: The best high street maxi dresses to wear during the heatwave Arrow MORE: The best men’s layering shirts to upgrade your summer wardrobe Puzzles Newsletter Get your favourite puzzles when they are ready to play on the website sent directly to you every day and track your daily streak!