For most people the summer is the most welcome time of the year. Longer days and warm evenings mean we can enjoy more leisurely time outside. It’s also the perfect time for garden parties, family BBQs and cooling off in outdoor pools.

It’s also a less complicated time of year. By that I mean we don’t need to lug as much clothing around with us as the winter months! We can simply put our shoes on and leave the house in minimal clothing! It’s hot outside! In the winter we have to layer up in coats, gloves, scarves, hats, thick socks and boots before we can get out the door…!

If, however, you don’t feel as good about your body as you would perhaps like to, it can make you feel depressed or self-conscious.

These feelings can increase over time, particularly if you intend wearing a bikini on your summer holiday or clothes which are skimpier than you would usually wear so as you can stay cool when the heatwave comes.

The good news is, there are many things you can do to feel body confident during the summer or when you are on a beach holiday. Here are just a few of them.

How to feel confident in summer clothes

1. Treat yourself to a spray tan

One of the best ways to gain a bit of confidence is to pamper yourself a little before you go.

If your skin looks a little paler than you would like, a spray tan is a great way to give you a quick boost of confidence.

Many spray tans are now vegan friendly, but make sure you double check before booking in to ensure it uses cruelty-free products and no animal ingredients.

With a bit of colour, you may find that you feel better in your summer clothes and look a lot healthier with a beautiful sun-kissed glow.

2. Get rid of any unwanted body hair

During the winter we wear long layers and might let our hair removal routine slip a little. However, in the summer with more bare skin on show we can feel much more confident by getting rid of a lot of unwanted body hair!

Whilst many people like to have a pre-holiday bikini wax, more permanent hair removal options are also very popular. According to LaserAll, a top laser clinic based in Colorado, laser hair removal not only eliminates hair growth permanently but is also a great way to reduce the risk of ingrown hairs.

Permanent hair removal is a great way to increase your confidence and will alleviate any worries about unwanted or stray hair growth during the summer months or whilst on a summer holiday.

Once you’re hair free, try this great natural deodorant which is zero waste too!

3. Stay hydrated

Spending a lot of time in the sun can cause dehydration which can make your skin feel tight and dry. Dry skin can also make you look a lot older, which might negatively affect your confidence.

Drink lots of water throughout the day to help keep your skin hydrated. Not only will it add a glow to your skin and make you feel better about how you look but will make you feel energized and healthier!

Being in the sun makes you sweat so it’s important to replenish the water your body is expelling. If you don’t, you can start to feel sluggish and lethargic which isn’t pleasant, particularly when you are on holiday.

Here are lots of ways to make water taste amazing!

4. Buy well-fitting clothes

Whether you are going for a walk, having dinner, or lying by the pool, wearing clothes that fit well will make all the difference to your body confidence.

Clothes which are too tight, particularly when it’s warm, can make you feel bigger than you are and can make you feel very uncomfortable. Tight clothes on a hot day can make you really sweaty too!

Wearing loose-fitting yet flattering clothes in a range of colours can make you feel and look confident. Make sure your clothes fit you properly and you’ll instantly feel more confident!

Two extra bonus tips!

Buy something new

There’s no shame in treating yourself every now and then. A couple of new summer outfits could be all you need to refresh your look and feel more body confident as you leave the house in your new clothes!

They don’t have to be ‘new’ clothes, but simply new to you. Check out eBay and your local charity shops for pre-loved clothing that is cheaper to buy, saves clothes going to landfill and supports an individual or charity.

Be you

Stop looking at those bikini bodies on adverts and the like. Many are photoshopped or achieved by hours of working out on a daily basis. If that’s unachievable for you or not how you want to spend your time, then learn to be happy with your own body!

Of course, be healthy and do regular exercise to maintain your health, but don’t aspire to be someone else or look like someone else.

Once you accept yourself and how you are then you will have so much more body confidence.

Be you and celebrate you!

You might be surprised at the big difference that the smallest of changes can make to your summer body confidence.