I absolutely love this cotton midi dress. It runs large, size down one size.
Comes in regular and plus.
As much as we all love summer dresses, the truth of the matter is that things can easily get heated! Oftentimes dresses are flowy, which is great from a breeze and wearability perspective, but that summer sweat tends to pool or drip! We all know it! Sometimes, we sweat in places other than our underarms and forehead that aren’t as fun to chat about. Back sweat, thigh sweat, chest sweat, the list truly goes on. The other evil many of us know well is chafing. Oh, chafing. So, over the years I’ve learned to value certain things in dresses, as well as utilize easy methods and approaches that keep me comfortable and cool.
I always choose the dress I love and never limit myself based on if I think my body type can pull it off or not. But, I will say that even if you think something is cute, if you’re not comfortable and confident in it, on to the next! Over the last couple of years, I realized that sometimes I love a dress on the rack, but once I am out and about in it, the comfortability factor really determines how much I love it. Aka, how I feel, am I constantly adjusting or fidgeting? Here are some tips and tools that I use to stay comfortable while wearing summer dresses.
1. WHEN BUYING A DRESS, THINK ABOUT SITTING DOWN IN IT
This completely changed the game for me. When I try on a dress or order one online, I always think about how I will feel when sitting down in it. Test it out, if it works, great! If not, it might not be worth it. Who wants to feel comfortable in something only 50% of the time? If I feel that the dress will ride up, buttons may gap, or I won’t be able to move much while sitting, I tend to leave it behind. Being comfortable is incredibly important, both physically and in your mindset. So never settle, no matter how cute it is!
2. CONSIDER THE FABRIC: MATERIAL AND AMOUNT
Despite dresses being breezy and great for warm weather, not all of them let in the breeze in the same way. Ask yourself, is the fabric breathable? Is there too much fabric to the point where I will become overheated? Is the length comfortable where you feel confident, but you’ll also feel comfortable walking, standing and sitting in it? If you’re someone who prefers more or less coverage, think about how you’ll feel in an outdoor setting from a comfortability perspective with your desired amount of coverage. I recommend cotton, linen and cotton blend dresses. The fabric is breathable, jives well with sweat (never thought I’d say it, but it’s true), and keeps you cool.
3. OPT FOR A GREAT ANTI-CHAFING STICK AND SAFE CHEST POWDER
Ah, thigh chafing and chest sweat. Having a few tools in your toolkit to combat these can make a world of difference in your ability to stay cool and happy. It’s super important to use a safe and effective anti-chafing stick and a chest powder that *absorbs* your sweat instead of preventing you from perspiring. MegaBabe anti-chafe stick lasts hours before needing to re-apply and it doesn’t wear off with sweat. Their body dust is also incredible for chest sweat! It absorbs as you sweat, keeping you cool and comfy.
4. CONSIDER THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SHAPEWEAR AND ANTI CHAFING SHORTS
Shapewear and anti-chafing shorts are different. Shapewear is definitely something I love, but it isn’t always necessary. In the summer heat in a flowy dress, opting for shapewear to treat thigh chafing will keep your thighs comfy, but you’ll get hot and that compression isn’t needed. If you feel more empowered in shapewear regardless of the dress style, lean into that! But, if you want something that will keep you cool and your thighs comfy without that shapewear feeling, try the No-Sweat Short from Sheertex or the Thigh Saver Short from Knix. Keep your eyes peeled for a summer shapewear guide from me coming up!
5. INVEST IN GREAT COTTON UNDERGARMENTS
Comfort applies to every item you’re wearing! Undergarments are no exception. Cotton undergarments will allow you to breathe, they are moisture wicking most of the time, hypoallergenic and prevent bad bacteria from forming. All of these are particularly important in warmer months! Kinx has a great write-up on all the benefits to cotton undergarments here. Also, they are just comfy. Plain and simple! I absolutely love Soma Intimates cotton panties and Wacoal’s cooling bras.
Shop the Post
One Comment