Summer has arrived in full force here in the Midwest and I’m here for it. Well, actually I’m inside A LOT because lawdy, it’s HOT!
However, I recently ventured out in something other than a swimsuit (here’s my newest one) to somewhere other than the pool. I wore the cutest dress to our friend’s 60th birthday party and I didn’t melt.
dress wearing XL || hat || sandals tts || straw bag (similar)
That’s saying something when you’re not only curvy, (a.k.a. overweight) but menopausal too. Let me tell you, when it’s hot, dealing with one of those factors alone is bad enough but when you deal with both, you’ve got to have some coping mechanisms.
So today I thought I’d share a few of my tips for staying as cool as possible if you’re menopausal and full-figured to help us make it through the summer.
HOW TO STAY COOL THIS SUMMER IF YOU’RE MENOPAUSAL AND FULL-FIGURED
Wear lightweight cotton or linen.
I stay away from anything with polyester-ish fabrics and I even find “wicking” fabrics too hot. Linen makes me itch so I stick with cotton but lots of people swear by linen in the summer. But to me, there’s nothing like a thin cotton blouse for cool summer comfort.
Wear loose-fitting pieces.
Okay, hear me out on this one; I understand that form-fitting, close-fitting, and belting our dresses can be more slimming to a curvy figure but we’re in a heat-survival mode here.
A couple of years ago I started wearing more body-hugging tank tops and while they look nice, I just now figured out that this fashion choice directly coincided with my “heat intolerance“. Now I’m wondering if this is more than a coincidence. Hmmm?
Put Your Hair Up
I don’t know about you, but my hot flashes seem to generate from my neck so when I’m really hot, I put my hair up. No, it’s not my best look, but again, sometimes being comfortable is more important. Kate of The Small Things Blog has some excellent, attainable updo tutorials you might try.
Avoid Chub-Rub
I wrote an entire post on my favorite underwear that keep my thighs from chaffing. Wearing long-line cotton underwear (these don’t stretch out) was a game-changer and made wearing dresses and skirts possible again. And again, cotton is the coolest choice even though they offer no compression.
Underwear Definitely Matter
Speaking of underwear and cotton, if possible, choose cotton undergarments, including bras, and wear the most non-restrictive bras you can. If you can get away with a bralette, do that. Nobody likes to feel squeezed in the best of circumstances and being constricted when it’s hot only exacerbates our frustration. I like this wire-free cotton bra for light support.
You might also be interested in some of my favorite cotton underwear for curvy women.
Keep Crevices Dry
Since we’re talking about undies, let’s talk about some of the crevices they cover. A sweaty hinney-crack (yeah, I said it) can be irritating and uncomfortable and make us feel miserable. We can’t help it, we sweat!
But, start out with a little preemptive care – I like this powder for the “deep crack” and sometimes behind my knees and elbows however, since it’s pink, you might try something like Gold Bond if that bothers you. Also, I keep a tube of this anti-chafing gel to powder product in my purse. It’s perfect for anywhere you need it.
Wear Bra Friendly Garments
Okay, this is my last underwear tip, I promise. I have found this strapless bra to be tolerable but for me, it’s still not ideal so I try to find summer pieces that can either be worn without a bra (they are few and far between) or are regular-bra friendly.
Keep Your Feet Comfortable
What do comfortable feet have to do with dressing cool? When anything you’re wearing is uncomfortable your blood pressure goes up ever so slightly and if you’re in menopause you know that you don’t want anything to set off a hot flash.
I don’t know about you, by when my feet hurt, I’m miserable so choose shoes that are comfortable. If they aren’t sandals, having breathable uppers or perforation is important.
Try a Cooling Spray
This Cooling Spray from Kindra is new to me but I have discovered it’s a little magic in a bottle. I’ve been using it during the night when I’m struggling with night sweats but an extra bottle in my purse is the latest tool in my keep-cool arsenal. I don’t know how it works, but it does; a little spritz around my neck and decollete’ and I’m a little cooler.
Maid in the Shade
Try to seek shade if you have to be outside. If you’re in the direct sun, a hat or a sun visor might help to keep the burning sun directly off your head. But if you’re like me, my head gets hot and itchy.
“SHE’S COOL”
I remember walking into the bathroom in high school and the girls who were in there smoking would look at me and say, “she’s cool“. I wasn’t going to rat on them, but I definitely knew I wasn’t cool and I’m still not – literally or figurately. Ha!
We can’t control much about menopause and hot flashes, but we can try to create an environment and an outfit that will set us up for the coolest possible outcome. I hope you found something here today that will help you be cool!
Did I miss anything? Do you have any tips for staying cool if you’re full-figured or menopausal? I’ll take them ALL!
Great post and very helpful! The anti monkey butt powder is too funny! I am definitely sharing with my friends who’ve complained about “swamp ass”. 🙂
Author
The crack-attack is real! 🤣 I think I first saw Anti-Monkey Butt powder in an Amish store and thought it was a joke. But, it’s actually a great product. We even used the one for babies on my grandson’s diapered hinies! 😄
Love this, it’s already in the 100’s here in Oklahoma City! I really appreciate all your tips!
Author
We’ve been REALLY close to that here and I don’t love it. SO THANKFUL for the blessing of air conditioning.
Air hugs… (nobody wants a swampy hug) 🤣
Paula
Great article! I, too have Monkey Butt Powder, in a PINK container. I think I got it at Goods in Lancaster County! Last year I had mentioned to my dermatologist about sweating terribly between my legs in the front area. She said you can use deodorant down there, like what you use for your underarms. So I purchased an inexpensive store brand in a solid stick, powder fresh scent, and viola, it works! While it may not work for a lot of other women due to various skin sensitivities – for me, it’s a winner! Love that dress and your total put together look!
You are the greatest! I love your posts. I can’t wear the clothes you show,,,,,I am 4’7′ and according to my doctor:25 pounds overweight. I have heavy thighs and know quite well how that plays in the heat. Crack? You make me smile! I know that feeling when i seems that I have wet my pants but it is just sweat. Keep up your great advice..I can adapt it for me. I live in Indiana.
Author
Hey Janice, I’m in Indiana too! I live in Middlebury which is at the top center and almost “kissing” Michigan. It took a while to get hot this year so I think the sun is trying to impress us. 🤣
Hugs!
Paula
The dress looks great on you! Love the color!!
Author
Thanks Jess! The style isn’t the most flattering for me but one of my “wow” colors. 😁
Have a GREAT week. I love you.
Ooooh, thank you for those great ideas, Paula! I had never heard of the powders or gel to powder items you mentioned, and I’m always on the lookout for those kinds of products. I’m going to order them! I usually wear dresses in the summer and cotton is definitely the way to go for a cool fabric. Summer is not my friend as far as comfort goes, so any suggestions are always welcome!!
Hugs and blessings
Donna
Author
I hope you love both of them Donna. I think the powder is actually white in the yellow bottle… we use(d) it on our grand babies too.
Hugs,
Paula
I know what you mean about the Red Carpet strapless bra. One of my friends praised it to all get out, but it was so compressive and hot.
I’ve found the Gatherall bra to be the best in our summer because it doesn’t wrap around my entire body. I’m not sure it’s in your size yet, but they are working on that. Once it is, you’ll thank me.
Considering our 100+ days, knowing how to keep cool is essential.
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Author
I’m very interested in that bra Jodie! If you think about it, let me know if you see that then start offering it in large sizes. I’ve tried some of those adhesive patches, like Brassy Bra, but I can’t stand that sticky tape feeling.
Hope you’re doing well!
Hugs & Cool Thoughts,
Paula 😘
Love the blue gingham dress!
I am really enjoying your blog even though I’m not of your demographic. I’m going to be 80 in a couple of months. Obviously, I’m not going through menopause, but it is really hot here in the Sacramento valley. I appreciate the tips for staying cool.
I am going to look into the cooling spray. I’m already searching for the perfect hat.
Author
I’m glad you’re here Gail. Not one of us likes to hot, no matter where we land on the age or life-cycle scale. And it’s been so crazy hot everywhere we all need a little relief.
Hugs to you!
Paula
Lots of fabulous tips here, Paula! Until I had a hot flash today, I didn’t realize mine started at my neck, too!!! I always seem to get them just as I finish curling my hair…I think I set myself up because my dumb brain begins to congratulate me on not having one!!! Oh, and hot feet…nothing worse…unless it’s the under boob sweat! Luckily, I don’t have problems with swamp butt…I probably just jinxed myself!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
Author
I hope you didn’t jinx yourself, it might be the worst of all! It can lead to what I call, “adult diaper rash”. 😳
Stay cool my friend!
Paula
Paula ,
You should check out Mega Babe products. I recently discovered them and they are amazing. Katie Sturino is the owner and she’s a plus size influencer.
Author
Yes, I’ve tried the Mega Babe deodorant, unfortunately without success. And my thighs have been no match for any anti-chafing product (it just way too much contact to “glide” past – speaking of which, I’ve tried a product called Glide as well. 😂) which is why I wear the long line undies with dresses and skirts.
Stay cool out there.
Hugs,
Paula
Love this dress…it looks great on you! Great tips for beating the heat. I always go for comfort first in fashion. I will have to check out the long line underwear.
Author
Those undies were game changers for me!
I like Paula’s Picks. I also think Positively Paula and Purely Paula are cute.
Author
Ooo, I like Positively Paula! Thanks for the suggestions.
Hugs,
Paula
O my herb, this article is a gold mine. I live in a VERY hot n humid coastal city in South Africa. And we are heading straight into the thick of it. I was literally just thinking, how am I going to survive this summer!
I have a beach holiday coming up, with skinny-balinky friends and husband and skinny I am not! Love love love all your tips. Thank you for being so practical. It is wonderful to see someone who looks gorgeous and is the same size as me. Learning to love my older, hot-flush, big girl bod! thank you. Would LOVE to see your summer capsule wardrope.
Off to search for that cooling mist…..
Author
You’re VERY WELCOME Ang! I hope you enjoy an amazing holiday.
Hugs,
Paula