How to Dress for Summer in Ireland When You're Overweight

Summer in Ireland doesn’t mean beach days in flip-flops. Even in July, you might wake up to mist rolling off the Galway Bay, a sudden downpour soaking your jacket, and a wind that cuts through cotton like it’s paper. Yet, there are still weeks - maybe a dozen - when the sun breaks through, the temperature hits 20°C, and you want to feel light, confident, and comfortable in your own skin. If you’re overweight, dressing for these rare, precious Irish summers isn’t about hiding. It’s about working with what you’ve got: the damp air, the unpredictable weather, and the fact that most Irish shops still don’t stock enough size-inclusive options.

Start with the Right Fabric

1. Choose breathable natural fibers like cotton, linen, and TENCEL™. These breathe better than synthetics and don’t stick to your skin when sweat builds up.
2. Avoid polyester blends - they trap heat and moisture, making you feel clammy and overheated, even in mild Irish sun.
3. Look for lightweight linen from brands like Claremont or Goodbody, both of which carry extended sizes and ship across Ireland.
4. For dresses, go for a slightly looser weave - it lets air move, which helps cool you down when the sun finally shows up.

When I was shopping for my first summer dress in Galway last year, I tried three different linen dresses from Penneys. Two were made with a stiff, synthetic blend that felt like plastic against my skin. The third, a 100% linen wrap dress from their Studio line (size 18), felt like wearing a cool breeze. It didn’t cling, it didn’t ride up, and it didn’t make me feel like I was sweating through my clothes by noon.

Fit Over Fashion

Irish summers are short. You don’t need a dress that screams “fashion-forward.” You need one that feels like a second skin - not too tight, not too loose. Look for:

• Empire waistlines - they sit just under the bust, flowing gently over the midsection. Brands like Monsoon and Phase Eight have great options in sizes 16-24.
• Vertical seams - these create length and draw the eye upward. Avoid horizontal ruffles or gathers at the waist - they add bulk where you don’t want it.
• Open backs or keyhole necklines - they add visual interest without adding volume. You’ll find these in many of the summer dresses at Next and ASOS, both of which deliver across Ireland.

One of my favorite finds was a navy wrap dress from Boots’s own label. It had a subtle V-neck, a soft elastic waist that didn’t dig in, and a hem that hit mid-calf. I wore it to the Galway Races last June - no one commented on my size. Everyone just said, “You look so comfortable.” That’s the goal.

Layering Is Non-Negotiable

Don’t be fooled by a sunny morning. In Ireland, summer weather changes faster than a Galway pub quiz answer. Always carry a light layer. Here’s how to do it right:

• A linen or cotton cardigan in a neutral tone (beige, grey, navy) works better than a bulky denim jacket.
• Choose something with open fronts - it lets air flow and doesn’t add bulk around your torso.
• Try Irish-made brands like Áine or Naomh - they design for our climate and carry extended sizes.
• Keep a lightweight, packable trench - like the one from Barbour’s Beeswax collection - in your bag. It’s waterproof, breathable, and doesn’t look like a raincoat.

Last July, I wore a floral midi dress to a picnic in Phoenix Park. By 3 p.m., it was drizzling. I threw on my beige linen duster, tied it loosely, and kept enjoying the day. No one thought I was overdressed. Everyone thought I was prepared.

Color and Print Strategy

Dark colors aren’t your enemy. In fact, deep navy, forest green, charcoal, and even black can be incredibly flattering in Ireland’s soft, diffused light. They don’t show sweat, they don’t fade under UV, and they make your skin look brighter.

When it comes to prints:

• Choose small, scattered patterns - like tiny florals or micro-checks - over large, bold prints. Large prints can overwhelm your frame.
• Look for vertical stripes - they elongate your silhouette. John Lewis’s summer range has several in sizes up to 24.
• Avoid all-over brights like neon pink or electric yellow. They’re hard to find in extended sizes anyway, and they clash with Ireland’s muted summer palette.

I bought a charcoal dress with tiny white dots from Primark’s Summer Edit last year. It looked like a high-end piece, but cost €25. I wore it to the Cork Folk Festival and got three compliments - all from women who said, “That’s such a good color for you.”

Footwear That Works

Forget flip-flops. You’ll be walking on wet grass, cobblestones, and muddy trails. You need:

• Low block heels or flat sandals with good arch support. Brands like Clarks and Geox have wide-fit options that are comfortable for all-day wear.
• Leather straps - they mold to your foot and don’t pinch. Avoid plastic or synthetic straps - they rub and blister.
• A pair of water-resistant loafers - perfect for sudden showers. Clarks’s Wave collection is made for Irish conditions.

I switched from flip-flops to a pair of tan leather sandals from Clarks (size 8.5 wide) after I sprained my ankle on wet grass at the Dublin Zoo last summer. They cost €75, but I’ve worn them every sunny day since. No blisters. No slipping. No regrets.

Where to Shop in Ireland

Here are the top five places in Ireland where you can find summer dresses that actually fit and flatter:

1. Penneys Studio - affordable, decent sizing (up to 20), and seasonal updates. Their linen dresses are the best value.
2. Next - carries sizes up to 24, with more tailored fits and elegant cuts. Their summer range is always well-curated.
3. ASOS Curve - online, but ships fast to Ireland. Great for unique prints and modern silhouettes.
4. Boots Beauty & Fashion - surprisingly good selection of wrap dresses and breathable fabrics. Often overlooked, but worth checking.
5. Local boutiques in Galway, Cork, or Derry - places like Little Bird in Galway or Clare’s in Cork often carry independent Irish designers who make plus-size pieces in small batches.

I found my favorite dress - a sage green, sleeveless tunic with side slits - at a tiny shop in Doolin called Coastal Threads. It was €65, handmade by a woman from Clare. It’s the only dress I’ve ever worn that made me feel like I belonged - not just dressed, but seen.

What Not to Do

Don’t:

• Buy a dress just because it’s on sale. If it doesn’t fit your body now, it won’t magically fit later.
• Wear anything that’s too long - floor-length dresses in humid weather trap heat and make you look heavier.
• Ignore tailoring. A simple hem or waist tweak at a local tailor (like McGee’s Alterations in Limerick) can make a €30 dress look like it cost €300.
• Wait for “perfect weather” to buy. Summer in Ireland is unpredictable. Buy when you see something that works - you won’t get a second chance.

Final Tip: Confidence Is Your Best Accessory

Summer in Ireland isn’t about looking like a magazine cover. It’s about feeling good enough to step outside, walk the Wild Atlantic Way, sit in a garden pub in Kilkenny, or dance barefoot at a local fiddle session in Sligo. The right dress won’t change your body. But it can change how you feel in it.

Wear what makes you breathe easier. Wear what lets you move without pulling or tugging. Wear what makes you smile when you catch your reflection in a shop window on a sunny afternoon.

You don’t need to wait for summer to be perfect. You just need to dress like you already belong in it.