What to Wear to Hide Your Belly
If you’re like me, your body shape has changed with age. We may weigh the same as we always did, but our shifting silhouette presents new dressing challenges. For many of us, it’s thickening through the waist. Some body shapes are more likely to struggle with tummy bulge, but the truth is, after 50, most of us are dealing with added weight around our midsection. I know I am. Things just don’t fit the way they used to, so I’m always looking for strategic ways to minimize the look of my tummy and create a more streamlined silhouette. Let’s look at some tips for what to wear to hide your belly and draw attention away from your stomach.
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1. Wear One Color Head to Toe for a Slimming Effect
Monochrome outfits, where you wear a column of the same (or very similar) color from head to toe, create a seamless, elongated appearance. Most people just think of darker colors for a slimming effect, but even lighter tones can be slimming when worn as a column of color. Pair a top with matching pants and add a blazer in the same tone for a cohesive look. If you want to add a belt, have it match the pants exactly. This is a time when having your purse match your outer layer helps because it blends in, and the slimming column remains the focus.
2. Layering Long Cardigans and Blazers to Camouflage Your Midsection
Layering is very helpful for camouflaging a thick middle. Longer cardigans and structured blazers help create a vertical line down the body, which can elongate the frame and provide coverage around the midsection. Opt for a single-button vs double-breast blazer for a more streamlined effect. You don’t need all that extra fabric up front when looking to disguise your tummy. Look for medium-weight cardigans that drape well without clinging to the body. *Double points for wearing a column of one color under the blazer or cardigan. Avoid boxy shapes, and look for a blazer with some soft tailoring, like princess seams, darts, or peplums.
3. Best Pants and Skirts For Larger Tummy
High-waisted pants, jeans, and skirts elongate the legs and help the tummy look flatter. Look for options with a bit of stretch for comfort, or choose semi-structured fabrics to smooth out any lines. If you’re petite or have a short rise, mid-rise bottoms might be a great choice. Pleated pants also add extra bulk in front, which isn’t flattering. Many women with larger tummies love to live in leggings and a tunic top but beware of shapeless tops, which make you look larger than you are.
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4. Wrap Dresses or Top
The wrap dress or top remains a timeless, versatile piece that creates an hourglass shape without clinging too tightly. If you’re comfortable in one, look for styles with an adjustable tie at the waist that allows you to customize the fit. V-necklines and three-quarter sleeves further accentuate the silhouette while drawing the eyes up and away from the tummy area. I’m finding lots of wrap blouses and sweaters this season.
MORE WRAP TOPS
5. Ruching and Draped Details
Look for ruching and draped details in your tops. Ruching involves gathering fabric along the waist or sides, which can naturally camouflage the midsection. Draped fabrics, on the other hand, allow for a loose, flowing fit that will hide more than simple ruching because they’re looser against your body. Avoid tight and clingy tops like the plague because they post a spotlight on every lump, bump, and roll you have.
6. Best Fabrics
Thin or clingy fabrics are not your friend. Look for thicker fabrics like wool, gabardine, or denim…but beware of the fit and ensure the waistband doesn’t cause a muffin top. Pants are often better in a mid-weight fabric that drapes rather than sticks to your body. Light texture and subtle patterns can also help fool the eye and draw attention away from your midsection. Vertical stripes are always a good choice, with the added benefit of helping to elongate your look. Shiny fabrics like satin and leather visually advance and enlarge your look, so opt for matte and satin finishes.
7. Shapewear
Shapewear got a dirty name when they were like straight jackets, but modern versions are quite comfortable. They simply help smooth things out if your tummy is rolling over your waistband. I have some tried and true favorite shaping shorts, and this is my favorite for under jeans, pants, and skirts.
8. Draw Attention To Your Best Features
Drawing the eye up to your face takes the focus off your tummy. Play with eye-catching accessories like bold earrings or a pretty scarf. If you have fabulous legs, highlight them with a knee-length or pencil skirt and fabulous shoes. Even a unique handbag can draw attention and become a focal point for your outfit. Let your accessories be the magnet to draw attention to the parts of your body that you like.
Please know there is no right or wrong body shape. Life’s too short not to accept the body we currently have and dress it in the way that makes us feel the most confident. If hiding or camouflaging your tummy helps you feel more self-assured and empowered, I hope you’ll try some of these tips. You can be sure I’ll be using everything at my disposal to increase my self-confidence.
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What could you add to this list? Please share your ideas in the comments.
I’m sorry if those models believe they have a large belly.I am size 12 and I have a baby pouch. Its not a hangover kind of pouch but side view, I can see a pull in jeans from the side pocket to the zipper I do’nt wear a belt or tuck in my shirts. The tuck-in shirt style accentuates my belly! I believe I dress appropriately. If you have any directions,I would appreciate it !
Jennifer
Thanks for all the great ideas to hide that muffin top I worked so hard to get.
Love your ideas.
Hi, Jennifer: I checked out the Spanx Everyday Shaping Shorts that you recommended and went over to the Nordstrom site. It seems like a majority of the reviews on the item aren’t very good. Have you had any of the problems that are talked about? Thanks, Nan B.
I haven’t had any problems at all
Great post. I hadn’t thought about loosing height would impact the girth of my middle. But of course it will!
I really enjoyed and needed this post. I look forward to looking more at the tops as I find sometimes it hard to get coverage and not look like maternity wear.🙄
Keep up the wonderful blog!
Thanks for this, Jennifer. I love that Karen Kane faux wrap top, but think it might be a little too long for my short waisted figure. I’m still having problems accessing your linked offerings. Some go right to the product on my first try, others cooperate for me after clicking three times (like Dorothy’s red slippers) and others are just impossible. It may be due to the fact that I use an ad blocker, although ads are appearing for me on your site. Anyway, I would love to know the shape wear you prefer to wear under jeans, pants, and skirts. No matter how many times I try that link, I come up empty!
I have several types but these are my favorites.
I’m still looking for shapewear that is comfortable. Haven’t found any yet. Also, I know this is rather personal, but you, or anyone, wear the shorts do you also wear underwear. I find it strange not to.
I always wear panties under my shaper shorts
I’ve shrunk 2″ in the last few years and now I have 2 muffin tops because the volume of my torso had to go somewhere. Exercise has not helped at all. Getting my proportions right is now a struggle because not only do I want to hide my belly but I also need to consider proportions. I’m 5′ 4″ tall but have a 31″ inseam! While hiding my belly, I’m also trying to make my torso look longer. I like longer tops and empire waist dresses that skim over my tummy.
You have nice long legs! Accentuate them.
Oh Jennifer! Then I look like a short, wide barrel on stilts.
Really helpful informative post , and some nice tips from others too.
I also read your section on tips for over 50 apple shape again some great ideas . Thank you for sharing and also each post is good sensible
advice Column dressing is so unfussy and practical for Apple shapes, a pop of a contrasting coloured patterned silk / polyester scarf can add a bit of pizzazz. That reminds me I must sift through my scarves and donate the colours which don’t suit me any more.
Take care Pamela UK x
Great post,Jennifer. I often think I would like to wear a belt but……I feel so much better with a top that sits over the waist.
I love the idea of the one colour column,I need to think of other than black! Thanks
I commented on one of your previous posts about my gaining 7 pounds in 2 weeks after maintaining a reasonable weight for several years and how frustrating it was.
I noted where the weight was gained, as well as increasing loss of hair along my temples and spoke to my doctor about it. She suspected an increase in androgens (testosterone) and I’ll be getting labs. It just wasn’t making sense.
I’m 68, also.
Thank you for sharing with us, Shawn. Please keep us posted on your progress!
I have tried and tried the long cardigan approach, but it has never worked for me and I end up donating those items soon after purchase instead of wearing them. Basically, I think the long cardigans accentuate ones bottom as well as perhaps covering ones stomach.
Perhaps a long woven blazer would be better. I agree, if the cardigan clings to your hips, it’s not going to be flattering.
Thank you for these tips. I live in JJill black pull on pants/jeans. Always looking for more options. At 5’4”, I have to find the right length and Petites don’t work for me. I’m guilty of wearing long tops or tunics that probably look like maternity tops! I’ll give your ideas a try.
I’m 5’4” and struggle with petites too. J Jill often offers top and pants in coordinating colors so you could create a column there.
Thank you for today’s very helpful post. After my figure morphed from hourglass to an apple, it took about a full decade to figure these approaches out for myself. My look receives many complements. I find this way of dressing has another advantage. Based on what others have shared, this way of dressing makes outfits look expensive. While not the goal, it’s a nice benefit.
It is a nice benefit.
These hints also work well for those of us who are pear-shaped, especially the long jackets or cardigans and the single color column. I also like matching the color of my socks and shoes to my trousers if possible. If you remember the “Best Things Happen while You’re Dancing” scene in the movie “White Christmas” think about how long and tall Danny Kaye looked in that gray suit. The 9-time Oscar winning costume designer, Edith Head purposefully matched his shoes and socks to the color of his trousers to extend the the visual line of his legs and the tone of his shirt and tie were also selected to keep that vertical line. Since I’ve been using the shoe and socks “trick” I’ve found that people think I’m taller than I really am. I tend to wear black or navy trousers so it hasn’t been too hard to find matching shoes and socks.
Yes!! I love that styling trick.
Thank you for the suggestions! I avoid spanx because I can never size up enough to avoid feeling like a strangled sausage when I wear them. I have found other shape-wear helpful and more forgiving and actually comfortable.
I’d love you to share your favorite brands with us.
The struggle is real. Below the bellybutton, seems no amount of
exercise gets rid of it! I am loving the idea of sets. I have gone to
your column of color.
I’m a big fan of the column of color. It’s easy too!
Good morning Jennifer, fantastic suggestions today. I’m a fan of layering and my favorite shape wear is Yummy! Light weight and comfortable ?
Have a great week
Happy Monday Pat!
Hi, Jennifer. I often shop for gifts for my daughter who is the mother of 4 children. She has a larger tummy, and one thing that seems to work for her is to wear a dark color column with a shorter, fitted jacket (like a jeans jacket or close fitting cardigan). Somehow the fitted third layer seems to complement her figure.
Yes, that’s a great proportion trick. Gives the illusion of a waist with no cinching.
One of your most helpful articles, I think.
I’m glad you liked it!
Just to pass on———that National Osteoporous Foundation has a booklet that says,”Your upper back may curve forward and your tummy may protrude.” It then gives some suggestions on finding clothes that fit and look good.
Example_. They suggest dresses that have empire waistlines and tops with raglan sleeves.
This might help….essEs
What do you think about peplum tops? I have a waist but no hips to speak of. The other question I have is about (French) tucks. I look great from the front, but the tuck can cause extra fabric around the waist that is not so attractive from a side view.
I love peplums for the illusion of a waist.