The Fat Girl's Guide to Living

Skip the frills — give us inexpensive tennis apparel that fits
(image by Hannahblu59)

Hi, do you have any advice on plus-size tennis apparel?  I’ve looked at Junonia but their selection is very limited — and expensive!

It’s true that while Junonia offers a good selection of active apparel designed for plus-sized women — including a collection of QuikWik® tennis gear — their pieces don’t come cheap. My thoughts on Junonia are twofold: First, some of the pricing reflects the old “fat-girl clothes cost more” method that keeps us muttering under our breath every time we whip out our Visa. Second, I have to give it to Junonia: their clothes are well-made and long-lasting. I’m not a tennis player (unless you count Wii Sports, and even then . . . I’m not a tennis player), but all of the active wear I’ve purchased and worn from the company held up long enough for me to wear it to death. While overpricing plus-sized clothes still makes me angry, my experience with Junonia apparel tends to follow the “you get what you pay for” adage.

Turns out, the high cost/few options tennis clothing dilemma doesn’t just exist at Junonia. Plus-size pickings are slim when it comes to tennis shirts, skirts, dresses and shorties, and locating low-cost, plus-size tennis clothes is even more challenging. We found a decent selection of items in extended sizes (up to 3X/24W) at Tennis Hut, and we like the wide array of color choices they provide for most items. Overall, most of their prices came in 25-40% less than comparable Junonia pieces (their shorts and panty collection, in particular, was slightly larger and more reasonably priced). That said, we’re talking about skirts and tanks priced at $42 and $44 (on sale), respectively, as compared to their $59.95 counterparts. Tennis isn’t a cheap sport, but at least these prices are a bit lower.

Lower still: the prices at Ad In Tennis Apparel. We love that this online retailer not only offers active wear (including tennis tops and bottoms) in sizes up to 3X/24W, but they also offer free customization of inseam lengths, sleeve types and fabric choices. What a boon for us girls with longer- or shorter-than-average limbs! Be sure to measure carefully and double check your work before purchasing — custom orders are non-refundable.

Try to shop for sales; many online retailers (like MyTennisStore.com and Junonia’s own clearance section) will offer markdowns as seasons change or when only a few sizes remain in a particular style. Keep your eyes peeled and you might score deals like $51 skirts on sale for $29.99 (size 2X only). And whatever source you choose, make sure you’re still getting the proper fit and moisture protection you need to feel and perform at your best on the court.

Tennis-savvy readers: Help your fellow girls out and tell us which brands and retailers serve LOVE. (Sorry — couldn’t resist!)

Sarongs spice up a curvy girl’s summer wardrobe (Image by Gummo)

Dear FGG: I love the look of sarongs as bathing suit cover-ups, but they never wrap all the way around my hips, and either one thigh or my whole front is left totally exposed. Am I stuck with “one size fits most” but not me?

I share your pain. “One Size” anything — especially items designed to wrap around the hips, where my body is its fullest — always leave me feeling like I’m trying on doll clothes or shopping in the junior’s section. The good news for full-figured girls with hips, thighs, butts and tummies is that we can absolutely get the comfort and breezy, flirty look of a sarong in sizes that actually fit. All it takes is a bit of savvy shopping.

The sarong (or pareo) is one of the most basic pieces of clothing you’ll encounter; ultimately, it’s just a long, rectangular piece of fabric — that’s it. The creative aspect of the garment comes in both how it’s worn (as a skirt, as a dress, as a cover-up) and how it’s tied. Full-length (to the feet) sarongs are usually about 44″ long, while knee-length skirts stop at about 22″.

As with any plus-sized garment, the key when you’re shopping for a larger sarong is to check the sizing carefully. For example, we found knee-length and ankle-length options at Swimsuits Just For Us, but the widths are 52″ and 56″, respectively, which the site lists as fitting sizes 1X-2X. If your hips are well within those measurements or you don’t mind your skirt being substantially open on the side where it ties (and thus not providing 100% coverage), these options are probably just fine. Other sarongs might be advertised as plus-size but don’t offer width measurements, which makes them risky for larger hips and thighs, as well. If you’re ordering online, make sure you understand and feel comfortable with the return policy when you order in case the garment doesn’t fit.

Because the sarong is so versatile and designed to work with extra fabric, a wider-than-necessary purchase isn’t a terrible thing, so err on the side of extra inches rather than something that’s too small. We like the look of the double-layer sarong pareo wrap skirt from Sabine Silks ($39.99 in sizes that fit up to 6X or 24/26) and the basic colors (and sale prices) of the georgette styles from Sassy Sarongs (66″ wide, from $29.99).

If you’re feeling more of the traditional Polynesian vibe and want something brighter and more floral, options abound at Feedora. Finally, don’t forget to check out our old friend Etsy, home to a number of the most reasonably priced finds in made-to-order dimensions. My favorite was this 70″ x 42″ hand-dyed batik print for only $30 (I’m a sucker for the color combo of chocolate brown and aqua), but you may prefer the same dimensions in orange or purple. — or possibly even this black & white silk ($58.00; 66″ x 26″).

Whichever sarong you choose, this fun and flexible garment that can be worn any way you feel most comfortable and attractive. Have fun experimenting with styling until you find the pattern and tie configuration that’s right for you.

Have a lead on a great source for sarongs that fit or the most fat-girl-flattering tie style ever? Share it with your fellow readers in comments.

I wonder how my maternal ancestors solved this problem.

Here’s a recent question from one of our readers:

What’s the best way to prevent your thighs from rubbing raw when you’re wearing a skirt or dress? I have a pair of Spanx, which are alright but they tend to roll down on me.

I think there are two approaches to finding relief from chafing: undergarments and skin care products. Okay, three if you count my standard M.O. of avoiding skirts and dresses altogether, but we all know that’s not always possible (like the time I was fitted for a bridesmaid’s dress while six months pregnant), or even desirable. Here’s a quick rundown of these two ways of conquering this problem.

Undergarments

Shapewear – My grandma and her sisters called these girdles, but today’s products are thinner, more breathable, and in theory, more comfortable. There are women who swear by Spanx, and there are women who swear at their Spanx (myself included). When we asked around the ‘net for real-life solutions to chafing, one woman suggested going up a size if your Spanx are rolling down; it worked for her. I poked around a bit and found a less pricey alternative called  Sculptz, but haven’t tried them.

Re-purposed Hosiery – If you get a snag or hole in your pantyhose or tights, cut them to an above-the-skirt length for instant smoothness at no extra cost. I know this is a pre-Spanx solution that many women have found unsatisfying due to the potential to roll up, but one of our readers swears by it so maybe it’ll work for you, too.

Bicycling Shorts – Companies like Spanx and Sculptz carry shapewear cut like bicycle shorts, but if you just want to keep ‘em separated rather than going for any sort of slimming effect, bicycle shorts will do the trick. No time to shop? One woman we heard from wears her husband’s similarly-styled boxer briefs to prevent thigh rub! Now that’s one I hadn’t thought of.

Another reader shared advice on choosing a good pair of bike shorts on our Facebook page: “Choose some that have a long-ish leg (depending on your skirt/dress length) and are a light cotton/spandex mix so they breathe well. No synthetics! You’ll be comfy, they don’t roll up, and the shorts even have a bit of smoothing for a nice line under clothing.” The main down side to this option is that it probably won’t work under body-skimming or close-fitting dresses and skirts.

Skin Care Products

Roll-Ons – I haven’t tried these, but one product I’ve yet to hear a bad thing about is BodyGlide’s anti-chafe balm, which I mentioned in Part 2 of my guide to hot weather hiking. About the size of a small deodorant stick, it fits discretely in a purse and stands up even in sticky Texas heat, according to the women who recommended it. Similar products include  Sports Shield and Sportwax.

Powders – One reader suggested baby powder for chafing, but I’m not sure how well that would hold up after shaking it to “Baby Got Back” at your cousin’s wedding (surely I’m not the only one who does this). Thankfully, sports-oriented companies are improving on this issue with products like Liquified Powder by BodyGlide. One surprising name that came highly recommended was Monistat (it’s not just for yeast infections any more!), which makes a Soothing Care Chafing Relief Powder-Gel that might help your inner thighs get along better.

Finally, it’s not the sexiest product name you’ll encounter, but Anti Monkey Butt powder claims to absorb sweat and reduce friction for activities like horseback riding, riding a motorcycle (where the phrase “monkey butt” originated, and extreme sports. If it can handle those activities, maybe it can tackle sweating through those salsa dance classes (just try not to giggle to0 much when recalling what’s under that swirly skirt)!

Body Sprays – EDITED: A reader commented on the potentially harmful consequences of using products containing talc, so we’ll err on the cautious side and nix that suggestion. This summary of existing research at the American Cancer Society web site indicates that that the jury’s still out on this issue and that people concerned about talc may consider avoiding its use until more research can be conducted. If you’re really hankering for a spray to prevent chafing, check out Tri-Slide, a silicon-based spray designed for triathletes.

Well, I hope this answers your question, or at least puts you on the road to cute comfort. As always, we want to hear from you about products and tips that actually work for fat girls – share what you know in the comments section!

The Swing Kitty dress in size 3x, from hissyfitoly

Wow! I knew I’d have fun researching and writing this post, but I didn’t know I’d have this much fun. I spent a couple of hours today browsing plus-size dresses, jeans, wraps, t-shirts and more on Etsy, and the extent of what I found is mind boggling. These ladies (and gentlemen) get it that we want to look young and fun and sexy, too. You’ll find no moo-moos here.

We’ll do these periodically as we uncover talented new designers and must-have pieces for our wardrobes, but right now I offer up twelve fabulous, fat-girl friendly Etsy shops that have it undeniably goin’ on.

vigilantelabs
A former Liz Claiborne designer, Lianna (and her partner, A.J.) know how to work the classy-whimsical angle. She carries everything from shirts to skirts to scarves and headbands. My favorite? The Satin Orchid Tank for $28.

dismantledfashions
If you’re a closet (or out and proud) retro babe, you’ll have a blast rooting through these costume-esque fashions that still work great as bold work or party wear. I loved the gothy-classy Cherries Miss Sassy Dress for $55.

byrodesigns
Girls, I know a lot of you are more bold than I – and if that’s you, you’ll get goose bumps over the idea of sporting these sexy, revealing but marvelously flattering bikinis (oh yes) from size 1x to 6x. Were *I* brave enough, I’d be all over the Red Polka Dot Bikini for $65.

janebonbon
Janebonbon, you had me Espresso Brown Silk Applique. This stuff is gorgeous, and if I were to outfit the Fat Girl’s Guide to Living mantra with an outfit, it would be one of these dresses. My fav is the Braless Maxi Dress for $89.

ellembee
These shirts are so much fun I dare you not to throw three or four or seven into your shopping cart right now. I’ve got my eye on the tough-girl Floral Tank in Celadon for $29.

yystudio
Sophisticatedly sassy and unique, these original designs are the work of a seasoned pro who gets the flexibility of the female form. I’m diggin’ the Chiffon Floral Ruffle Maxi for $86.

platipuses
Plus-size “badassery” indeed. Shirts, sweaters, clutches, dresses…for the less flamboyant but no less fashionable of us. Check out the YUM Cherry Halter for $25.

hissyfitoly
Cute, cute, cute! This is cool, plus couture at its back-to-basics finest. I love the Swing Kitty Dress (pictured above), and the Lace-Topped Dress (with matching fanny pack!) for $75.

matydavis
These. Are. Groovy. I couldn’t believe they came in plus sizes, but they do! How about a trip back to the acid rock 80s in a pair of these bad boys: the Shredded Corset Painted Jeans for $99.

brendaabdullah
If you’re looking for flowy, elegant but everyday wear fashioned from recycled clothing with storied pasts, you’ve hit the jackpot here. I don’t care how hot it is, I LOVE the Autumn Garden Sweater Tunic for $165.

urbanprairiegirl
Embrace your inner peasant with skirts and floaty pants from this colorful, whimsical designer. The lovely Patchwork Hippie Boheme Skirt for $75 caught my eye right away.

phippsart
Fun, graphic tees for when you’re looking to tone down the statement to casual and comfy. Pick your poison here with more than 200 items for sale. I’m kinda sweet on the Ocean Blue Tattoo Octopus Tee for $19.

What’s your favorite Etsy shop? Share it with us in comments!