As summer draws near, it brings with it the end of school days, open pools, sun-soaked beaches, and the sweet sound of the ice cream truck. It’s time to fire up the grill, hunt for juicy watermelons, and maybe even rent a pontoon for some lakeside fun. If you’re vaccinated, vacation plans may be forming, and of course, it’s time to break out the summer wardrobe.
No matter how you define summer, one thing is certain: the heat is on, and it’s going to be sweltering for the next few months. While we relish the outdoors, we’ll also be sweating profusely. Personally, that’s not my favorite part of the warmer season.
As someone who identifies as plus-sized, I’ve spent many summers in clothing that was far too hot for the weather, all in an effort to conceal my body. I made an already sweaty season even more uncomfortable. I can’t recall a single plus-sized woman who hasn’t donned the unofficial uniform of cropped leggings and three-quarter sleeves while those around her wear comfortable shorts and tank tops.
A couple of summers ago, I declared, “Enough is enough.” I refused to suffer in the heat simply because my body takes up more space than others. I discarded my outdated swimsuits, retired anything with sleeves longer than the elbow, and vowed to prioritize my comfort over the restrictive ideas imposed by diet culture. Who decided that those of us who are naturally insulated should wear more clothing? It makes no sense.
Now, I dive into the pool no matter who’s watching. I’ve embraced bikini tops with skirted bottoms because they make me feel fabulous. My closet is filled with sleeveless dresses, shorts, tank tops, and crop tops. I’ve accepted my body and now prioritize comfort and personal style over concealing the only body I have.
Everyone deserves this freedom. Your body is already a summer body, whether you’ve lost weight since last winter or not. Every body is a shorts body, a tank top body, a swimsuit body—simply because you want it to be! You have every right to enjoy all that summer has to offer in your own skin.
Don’t let arbitrary beauty standards, set by those who profit from our insecurities (like the weight loss and fashion sectors), stop you from fully experiencing summer. The feel of cool water on sun-warmed skin is just as delightful now as it was when we were children racing to the water’s edge. Wear the swimsuit you love, and relish the sensation of floating in the refreshing water.
Remember those summer evenings at the ice cream shop, trying to lick the drips from your cone before they hit your fingers? If someone invites you out for ice cream, don’t let body shame hold you back. Just throw on a pair of shorts over your already perfect body and remember the joy of indulging in a sweet treat.
Most of us can recall a time when our grandmothers had freezers stocked with those colorful ice pops. Allow yourself to enjoy one, and you’ll be transported back to childhood summers, hearing the chorus of frogs while savoring the sweetness on your tongue. The best outfit for this? A giant t-shirt over a damp bathing suit and flip-flops, trust me.
Many summer experiences are best enjoyed without layers of clothing that are too hot for the occasion. The models in summer advertisements often represent only a small fraction of the population. Even those who fit this narrow definition of “thin” struggle with self-image when they compare themselves to the flawless models featured in ads.
We’re all trying to come to terms with our bodies after being sold unattainable beauty ideals. The traits that make us unique—stretch marks, scars, dimples, wrinkles—are not flaws but rather markers of a life lived. Even the most “perfect” person has signs of life on their body. It’s absurd to label these features as imperfections when they showcase our survival through life’s challenges.
As summer arrives, don’t feel pressured to cover up with dark colors and heavy layers in an attempt to appear smaller. You deserve to feel the sun on your face (with adequate SPF, of course), enjoy the refreshing water, and relish all the sights and tastes of summer in attire that keeps you comfortable.
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In summary, embrace your body this summer, wear what makes you feel good, and enjoy the season to the fullest. Everyone deserves to feel comfortable and confident in their summer attire.