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As the temperatures skyrocket and the store mannequins trade their blouses and skirts for skin-baring skimpy shorts and bathing suits, it can be enough to make any curvy woman wonder whether there are any summer styles available that flatter her. And while there are places to find great plus-sized styles during the summer, the constant bombardment of stick-thin models baring almost everything is enough to make the rest of us want to shut our doors and stay out of the sun for the duration of summer.

When the fashion and retail industries highlight skin-baring styles that only flatter skinny bodies, it makes us curvy women feel as though we're somehow inadequate and wrong. It doesn't make sense for stores to only highlight these styles, because the vast majority of American women (the same women who shop in their stores!) do not have the skinny, toned body type. When the advertisements make it seem like that's all that there is available, the stores lose potential revenue because they shun or offend curvy women who would otherwise shop there.

There is no logic in a store turning away potential shoppers, especially when showcasing styles that flatter curvy women right along with those stick-thin outfits would not offend anyone. Anyone who claims that summer styles should only flatter the stick-thin obviously has terrible prejudicial issues, or is just downright boorish and disrespectful.

But though the industry is flawed and you may have to dig, there are a variety of summer styles that can flatter a curvy body! Below is a very brief overview of what to look for. Remember, clothing that doesn't look good on your body is the fault of the clothing, not the fault of you!

[1.] Wide-strapped tanks or tees.
Though store floors seem to turn into jungles growing camisoles during the summer, you can find tanks with wider straps if you look hard enough. A tank with a strap that goes all the way out to your shoulder will allow you to wear a supportive bra.

[2.] Walking shorts.
A walking short comes down further than most of the skinny-cut shorts you see, so you don't have to worry about feeling like your legs are bulging out. You can still show a little leg while feeling comfy and covered.

[3.] Tankinis
A tankini offers a stylish alternative to a 1-piece, but isn't as open or revealing as a bikini. It can be very flattering to curvy figures and also often offers enough support so that you can swim comfortably.

If you feel offended or left out by the styles showcased in your favorite stores during the summer, speak out! Let them know that you like their store, but will shop elsewhere if they continue ignoring the curvy demographic in regard to their clothing selections. If they are a corporate chain remember to write the same complaint to corporate headquarters!

Learn more about this author, Aisling Ash.
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