How To Hide Your Tummy With The Right Clothes

If you’re struggling to shift that extra weight around your tummy, you’re not alone. Childbirth, a sedentary life, ageing and menopause might leave many of us with a muffin top to hide. 

That’s probably why the iconic wrap dress designed by Diane Von Furstenberg in the 70s is still a timeless staple in any woman’s wardrobe. Easy to wear and versatile; it enhances our bust and camouflages the rest, especially when there are ruches and adjustments at a high waistline.

The wrap dress was an interesting cultural phenomenon, and one that has lasted more than 30 years – the fashion designer explains-. What is so special about it is that it’s actually a very traditional form of clothing. It’s like a toga, it’s like a kimono, without buttons, without a zipper. What made my wrap dresses different is that they were made out of jersey and they sculpted the body. People say, ‘Oh, the wrap dress is over, it’s this, it’s that’, but then, all of a sudden, Demi Moore and Madonna are hosting the hot Oscar party and what are they wearing? A Diane Von Furstenberg gold wrap dress!

Your best allies

There are several ways to conceal our not-so-favourite area: clever cuts, pretty prints and great fabrics, in general, can make wonders as well as shapewear.

Invest in a high-waisted shaping bike short– Los Angeles based celebrity stylist Nicole Chavez advises-. It’s one-stop shopping for the stomach, hips, thighs. It’s also important not to buy clothes that are too fitted in that area. Avoid materials that are too clingy and go up a size, then have them tailored to your dimensions so they fit you perfectly. 

And if you want to distract people from your muffin top, just add more emphasis to your bustline. Choose a silhouette that sits at the smallest portion of your waist and floats over your midsection. 

When it comes to tops, go with simple lines and long, loose-fitted styles that hit you around the hips. Trapeze and peplum tops that are pleated at the bottom are perfect options as they sit just under your bustline. Pick up a blouse at least one size more than your regular one (but stay away from tops that are too oversized as they may also make you appear bigger) and team it up with a pair of high waisted jeans or trousers. 

Another trick is to divert the eye with popping patterns. A random print all over keeps the eye moving to skim over areas you want to hide. Puffed or detailed sleeves create volume and interest, moving the eye upwards, too.

Also, layering works like magic when you need to hide your belly fat. If you wear several layers or add a modern jacket that emphasizes a vertical line, your belly won’t be obvious. For instance, a tailored blazer that is narrow at the waistline will create clean, streamlined lines.

And when it comes to colour, try wearing dark, muted shades that don’t reflect a lot of light to look slimmer in your midsection.

About accessories

Earrings are better than shorter necklaces or bold bracelets for making a statement as they are farther away from your tummy. Belts can help you look thinner, too. They will effectively highlight your curve and will still keep away the attention from the belly but they should be thin and not too detailed. Regarding bags, carry sling ones around your hips and keep them small. If near your tummy, they will draw unnecessary attention.

Mind your posture

Your posture affects how your tummy looks, and the strength of your stomach muscles affects your posture. If you spend long hours sitting at a desk, in front of a screen, chances are that you slouch, thus leaving the stomach loose and bulging. The first step to losing a belly is to stand and sit up straight. Make a conscious effort to give it some time; you will see the change for yourself.