Want to hide your belly and still look fabulous? Below you’ll find lots of ideas and tips on how to hide a belly or stylishly cover up or disguise a tummy.
Why would you want to hide your belly?
Many women after 40 experience weight gain on their bellies, especially after going into peri-menopause or menopause. Your waist may disappear and you will start to develop more characteristics of the apple body shape
Although there is nothing wrong with this, many women feel that a pronounced belly distracts from the general flow of the outfit or their overall appearance. If that’s you and you prefer to cover up your tummy, these tips on how to hide your belly with fabulous clothes are for you.
Covering up a belly is not as easy as easy as putting on a wide top over it. In many cases that can actually have the opposite effect and make you look bigger than you really are. Thankfully there are many things you can do to hide or disguise your belly, so that it doesn’t get in the way of looking fabulously stylish!
Check out our 15 tips below on how to hide your belly with the right clothes.
More tips in our article on the best shops for the apple body shape.
Hiding your belly in spring and summer
Many of you will be heading into warmer weather now, which is something to look forward to. It can be easier to hide a belly during the cooler months when it is natural to add plenty of lovely layers too create long, sleek lines.
However, that’s not to say you can’t use many of the tricks below during warmer weather too. You can still opt for draped, asymmetrical styles, wrap styles where you can alter the belt for the most flattering effect, or long cardigans and lighter weight ruanas for an elongating effect.
Alison @wardrobe_oxygen above (read her style interview here) looks stunning in her print jumpsuit. Wearing a print is a great way to ‘confuse’ the eye and disguise a belly. Wearing colorful shoes is another good tip as that draws the eye in a different direction to the tummy.
Steal her look with this similar jumpsuit (another option here), sandals and earrings.
For more inspiration, read our top tips and tricks on what to wear in summer.
Now, onto our 15 tips and guidelines for disguising or hiding a belly in flattering ways.
1. Don’t wear tight or clingy garments over your belly and choose tops with ruching or drape
If you want to look stylish and highlight your strengths, it is best not to wear tight tops. They will accentuate every fat bubble you have and draw attention away from you and your fabulous clothes.
Rather choose tops that have some draping or ruching.
Hide your belly with the right tops
A crossover top is very effective, and this one creates asymmetrical vertical lines, which is an extra bonus.
Plus, you can choose a top that comes in new season colors.
Karen Kane is a good brand to look out for to find flattering, layered, crossover tops.
Karen Kane Asymmetrical Crepe Top
Karen Kane Asymmetrical Crepe Top – NYDJ Marilyn Straight Leg Jeans – Sam Edelman Harper Sneaker – Marc Jacobs The Small Tote – Majorica Tender Knot Necklace
Below is a wrap blouse that is also effective at hiding bellies, as it doesn’t cling to your tummy. It also has a flattering v-neck, which can help lengthen (rather than widen) your silhouette.
Secret Mission Hailey Silk Wrap Blouse
2. Wear leggings or skinnies with longer, draped or asymmetrical tops
Leggings or stretchy pants that tuck in the tummy will be your best friend.
They will fit comfortably around your belly and tuck it in a bit.
Also, with so many fabulous tunics and long tops to choose from, you will look fabulous. No-one will notice your belly!
For more tips and examples see how to wear leggings.
Choose the right leggings that tuck in your stomach
A favorite amongst 40+style readers are the Zella leggings.
Zella Live In High Waist Leggings
For a very affordable option that has 1000s of good reviews on Amazon, you can’t beat the Satina high waisted leggings. Wearers say they keep their shape all day.
Find out our top picks for the best tummy control leggings
Choose the right tunics that make you look good in your leggings or jeans!
Look out for long or asymmetrical tops and sweaters. Wearing leggings underneath can let your hero pieces stand out.
The tunics below can easily be layered with a longer cardigan or shorter jacket and will help to distract the attention from your belly. Below are some tunic tops you could try.
Johnny Was Kimi Mixed Print Silk Tunic
Juan de Dios Nazare Linen Tunic Minidress
Foxcroft Cici Non-Iron Tunic Blouse
Made By Johnny Swing Tunic Top
Susanne @textelle above (read her style interview here) wears a longer top with her slim jeans.
Recreate her outfit with this similar tunic shirt, jeans, sneakers, bag and sunhat.
Also, check out these recommendations for the best shops for women with the apple body shape.
Juan de Dios Nazare Linen Tunic Minidress – NYDJ Marilyn Straight Leg Jeans – Söfft Liv Platform Sandal – Rebecca Minkoff Darren Signature Carryall Bag – Nordstrom Demi Fine Ridged Triple Hoop Earrings
3. Create vertical lines to hide your belly with long cardigans, jackets and ponchos
Layering is very effective to disguise a belly and is much easier to do during fall and winter, when you will want to use layers to stay warm. You can add a cardigan or a jacket.
However, depending on where you live, this technique is still possible during spring and summer. Rather than a coat, you could opt for a lightweight cardigan, a sleeveless vest, or a kimono. Waterfall or straight designs can both work. They will create a nice vertical line, which will create the illusion of length and distract the eye from your belly.
Or you could wear a block color such as navy, red, black or gray underneath this cardigan style below, thus creating a slimming column effect down the center of your outfit.
Dreamsoar Maxi Chiffon Duster Cardigan
Lunya Organic Pima Cotton Long Cardigan
Below are more examples of outfits where you create a long lean line and hide the belly.
Layering for any season – use a long cardigan or a short jacket
Creating vertical lines with cardigans (as discussed above) works really well, but you can also wear shorter jackets to hide a tummy.
If you wear a biker jacket over a longer top, you confuse the eye, and the different hem lengths hide your belly.
Layers are definitely your friend when it comes to hiding a belly.
FRAME The Patch Pocket Denim Jacket – Karen Kane Metallic Sparkle Asymmetric Hem Top – NYDJ Marilyn Straight Leg Jeans – Söfft Liv Platform Sandal – Rebecca Minkoff Darren Signature Carryall Bag – Majorica Tender Knot Necklace
Below, the longline cardigan will create nice long lines, drawing the eye away from your belly.
Made by Johnny Draped Cardigan – Caslon Cotton & Modal V-Neck T-Shirt – NYDJ Marilyn Straight Leg Jeans – Sam Edelman Harper Sneaker – Marc Jacobs The Small Tote – Argento Vivo Sterling Silver Teardrop Earrings
The longer your cardigan, the longer and leaner you will appear, although you usually don’t want to go longer than 2/3 from the height of your shoulders to the bottom.
Short straight cardigans will hide your belly too, but will have an overall more boxy silhouette so you need to be more careful when styling these.
You can layer in summer
You can still layer in spring and summer depending on the weather where you are; you just need to choose lighter fabrics. You can also select a vest instead of a cardigan. A long vest is perfect for creating long, lean vertical lines, but you can opt for a shorter waterfall vest, too.
Layer your (sleeveless) top with a sleeveless vest. It works well for all seasons. This vest cardigan from Amazon can be combined with many tops and will look great over skinny pants and jeans. For summer, you can also wear it with a tank top and shorts. For winter, you could wear it over a long-sleeved sweater.
It has the benefit of being asymmetrical too, which makes it even more flattering.
Made by Johnny Draped Cardigan
If it’s hot where you are or if you’re on a summer vacation, look for a draped crochet cardigan, which can also double as a swim cover-up.
For more options on wearing vests you may like to check out this article for lots of options on how to wear a long vest.
4. Dresses that hide belly bulge – Choose dresses that don’t cling and/or have a draping element
Make sure that your dresses don’t cling around the tummy area. Dresses with a draping element around the tummy area often work.
Asymmetrical dresses work well, too, as they draw attention away from the belly and create a vertical line. Dresses that don’t cling and have patterns are also great for hiding the tummy area.
The dress below is draped just right to draw attention away from the belly and creates a flattering vertical line. Adding a statement necklace at the top will further distract the eye from the belly area as the eye will be drawn upwards.
Karen Kane Cascade Faux Wrap Dress (plus size)
Seasalt Cornwall Wild Bouquet Stretch Organic Cotton Midi Dress
Reiss Casey Draped Jersey Midi Dress
You may also like our article on how cover up your arms if you prefer to wear a dress with sleeves.
Eugenia @theeageofgrace (read her style interview here) wears a belted dress and statement shoes. Steal her look with this similar shirtdress (another option here), sandals, bag and sunglasses.
Seasalt Cornwall Wild Bouquet Stretch Organic Cotton Midi Dress – Söfft Liv Platform Sandal – Rebecca Minkoff Darren Signature Carryall Bag – Nordstrom Demi Fine Ridged Triple Hoop Earrings
5. Don’t emphasize your tummy by adding accessories like belts right on top of them; instead belt higher
You don’t have to avoid belts when choosing a coat, top, or cardigan. Ensure the belt sits a bit higher so you aren’t drawing attention to your belly at its widest point.
Again, patterns can help to distract attention from a larger tummy, and in combination, this can do the trick. Play around with where and how you fasten your belt to see what looks most flattering.
Below are belted styles you can try.
GRACE KARIN Tie Front Short Bell Sleeve Top
Foxcroft Avery Stretch Button-Up Shirt
Cinq à Sept Reenee Denim Tie-Waist Vest
Cinq à Sept Reenee Denim Tie-Waist Vest – Liverpool Los Angeles Stripe Boat Neck Long Sleeve Top – NYDJ Marilyn Straight Leg Jeans – Sam Edelman Harper Sneaker – Tory Burch Romy Pebble Leather Bucket Bag – Argento Vivo Sterling Silver Teardrop Earrings
The patterns on the Allegra K top (below) will also help to confuse the eye, which can be another effective technique for hiding the belly.
6. Wear tops over your skirts and pants and don’t tuck them
Tucking draws attention to your (non-existent waist again, so it’s better to avoid that. This is because if you tuck in your shirt, you will create a line across your tummy at its widest part. Instead, leave your top outside of your skirt or pants.
However, pay attention to overall balance and don’t let your top end at the widest point of your hips, as that may also be unflattering. A short blouse loosely falling on your tummy will also work well for many women.
Loveappella Drape Asymmetric Top
MANGO Area Drape Sleeveless Top
Loveappella Drape Asymmetric Top – Isaac Mizrahi New York Floral Cotton Wide Leg Pants – Söfft Liv Platform Sandal – Tory Burch Romy Pebble Leather Bucket Bag – Majorica Tender Knot Necklace
7. Don’t wear garments that are bulky around the tummy area
You don’t want to make that area even bigger with pockets or other embellishments.
However, a vertical loose drape like this cardigan below could work as it elongates and does a good job at hiding. Reviewers say it is beautiful, comfortable, and reasonably priced.
Lock and Love Draped Open Front Cardigan
8. Choose asymmetrical tops to hide your belly
Asymmetrical tops create vertical and diagonal lines and break up your silhouette so they are great for disguising tummies.
Misook Asymmetrical Ruffle Charmeuse Blouse
Karen Kane Metallic Sparkle Asymmetric Hem Top
You could also add a poncho to your outfit, like the one from Amazon (below), which is available in a wide choice of colors. Reviewers say the fabric is soft and elevates any outfit.
Deborah @deborahgates_ above (read her style interview here) opts for a high-low top and teams it with a statement necklace layered over the top.
You can recreate her outfit with this similar tunic (another option here), shorts, sandals, clutch, earrings, and necklace.
9. Use tops/dresses with prints
Prints are very effective in hiding bellies, and you should consider adding a few in your wardrobe.
If you combine a printed top with one of our belly-hiding tips above, no one will notice your tummy!
Anne Klein Abstract Print Short Sleeve Top
NIC+ZOE Abstract Print Shift Dress
You can find many more asymmetrical tops and dresses here.
10. Use pants that tuck the tummy in
Your pants can significantly affect how big your belly appears. Avoid buying pants that end in the middle of your belly and create a huge bulge. Instead, wear pants that have a higher rise and can tuck your tummy in.
Find out what are the best tummy control jeans in stores now.
We already mentioned some of our favorite leggings, which are strong enough to do this under #2 above, but skinny pants can also do this job.
You can also consider tummy-tucking jeans. Some have an elastic waistband, and some have a regular fastening, but they are made from stretchier fabric with clever control panels. Reviewers say the secret sculpting jeans (below) are classy enough to wear for work but can be dressed down for casual days.
Lee Sculpting Slim Leg Pull On Jean
NYDJ Marilyn Straight Leg Jeans
L’AGENCE Selma High-Rise Sleek Baby Boot Jeans
Karen Kane Metallic Sparkle Asymmetric Hem Top – L’AGENCE Selma High-Rise Sleek Baby Boot Jeans – Söfft Liv Platform Sandal – Tory Burch Romy Pebble Leather Bucket Bag – Argento Vivo Sterling Silver Teardrop Earrings
Want more ideas on how to tuck your belly with the right pants, check out the best pants to hide your belly here.
11. Use shapewear
Of course, shapewear is also very effective in hiding the belly, but as we at 40+style find it rather uncomfortable, we only use it for very special events.
SKIMS Seamless Sculpt Mid-Thigh Short
For options on shapewear please read my article on the best shapewear for women over 40.
12. Highlight something else
If hiding your belly is your priority, it’s easy to become so focused that you forget about everything else. You may not be confident about your tummy, but what about the parts of your body that you DO like? Could you show off some cleavage, highlight your shoulders or showcase your lovely legs?
The top below, for example, has a zipper, shows off the decolletage, and draws attention away from the tummy.
Many of us have beautiful shoulders, and bearing your shoulders will focus attention on that.
Vince Camuto Metallic Stripe Paisley Off the Shoulder Top
If you like your legs, you could focus on them instead of your tummy. That doesn’t mean wearing a miniskirt, but you could wear some lovely printed jeans to show your legs and a plain top so that the eye is drawn to your legs rather than your belly.
Isaac Mizrahi New York Floral Cotton Wide Leg Pants
Or, rather than drawing the eye up, you could draw it down (or, of course, you could do both). A pair of bright or on-trend shoes will focus on your feet and legs rather than your tummy. It’s all about disguising what you don’t like and drawing attention to what you do like.
FRAME The Patch Pocket Denim Jacket – Reiss Casey Draped Jersey Midi Dress – Söfft Liv Platform Sandal – Rebecca Minkoff Darren Signature Carryall Bag – Nordstrom Demi Fine Ridged Triple Hoop Earrings
13. Think about where your sleeves end
When you are thinking about hiding a tummy, you are probably focused on whether your top or dress drapes over your belly area or whether it clings. However, don’t forget about your sleeves. If your sleeves end right at the point where your belly is at its widest, you will only draw attention to this area.
Look instead for sleeves that end above your belly or below at your hips. Your right sleeve length will depend on your arm length and where your belly is biggest.
Karen Kane Dot Print Flare Sleeve Twist Hem Jersey Top
Georgette @grownandcurvywoman above (read her style interview here) looks stunning in her stripe dress. Note that the dress draws attention to the bust, while the diagonal stripes are slimming. The yellow accessories add a pop of color and draw the attention away from the tummy.
Get her look with this similar dress (another option here ), handbag (another option here), and earrings.
14. Choose flattering brands
Some stores and brands focus more on women with supermodel-type figures, while others are better at designing for women who want to skim over certain body parts.
Some of our favorite brands that create clothes to hide a belly are.
15. Use accessories to hide your belly
We are not suggesting you carry a handbag in front of your tummy to hide it! However, accessories can be a great tool for distracting from your belly.
You could, for example, wear a colorful scarf to draw attention to your face. You could also leave your scarf loose so it drapes down and creates a column effect to disguise your tummy. Statement necklaces are another good way to draw attention upwards.
Rebecca Minkoff Darren Signature Carryall Bag – Tory Burch Romy Pebble Leather Bucket Bag – Marc Jacobs The Small Tote – Majorica Tender Knot Necklace – Argento Vivo Sterling Silver Teardrop Earrings – Nordstrom Demi Fine Ridged Triple Hoop Earrings – MK MATT KEELY Newsboy Hat – Millie & Boo 100% Pure Silk Scarf
You can also draw the eye upwards with earrings or a stylish hat.
When it comes to your handbags, think about where they sit when you carry them. If, for example, you have a shoulder strap bag that ends at your belly, this will draw attention there. Choose a bag that sits further up or further down, or a bag that you carry in your hand, as this will draw attention to your lovely legs. Don’t opt for a bag that is too small, as this will look out of proportion.
Barb @barb_styling above wears her blouse untucked over her pants. A v-neck is flattering as it creates vertical lines, and draws attention to the neckline.
Steal her look with this similar top (another option here), pants (another option here), pumps and woven handbag.
A tummy-hiding capsule wardrobe
Below are some of the clothes and accessories used in this article, together in one capsule wardrobe. You’ll see, there are plenty of ways you could mix and match to create countless outfits.
SHOP the tops to hide a belly below:
Do you want to hide your belly or are you happy to flaunt it? And if the former what are your best tips to hide your belly?
Further reading:
- The Best Tops To Hide Your Tummy
- The Best Dresses To Hide Your Tummy
- The Best Tummy Control Jeans To Give You A Smoother Look
- How much should I weigh for my height and age
P.S.: If you carry most of your weight around your belly, you are most likely an apple body shape. Check our tips for the apple body shape here and download our extensive guide for the apple body shape.
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Feature image by Georgette @grownandcurvywoman
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