How to Disguise a Belly in the Summer: 5 Steps to Feeling More Confident and Looking Your Best
A reader reached out asking how to disguise a belly in the summer. Below I share her email as well as tips on how to disguise a belly in the summer with what you wear and how to style outfits to not make one's stomach take the spotlight.
I have a large stomach that can easily pass for being seven or more months pregnant if I let it hang out and do not camouflage. Wearing A-line garments is tricky because I inevitably get asked if I'm pregnant. My “uniform” is slacks, a fitted tee or shirt, and a sweater or jacket, but you can see how this becomes tricky in the summer heat.
Also, to accommodate my stomach, my pants often end up baggy in the rear (I have a tiny ass and thin legs). I want pants that fit but don't call attention to my stomach, aren't saggy in the bottom, and that is classic or on trend. My preferred style is classic and polished.
What do you recommend?
This post was originally published in June 2017, and remains one of the most popular articles on Wardrobe Oxygen. To keep up with demand, I update this piece each summer adding new tips, examples, and shoppable links. I cannot guarantee that the items featured below will still be in stock.
Tips on How to Disguise a Belly in the Summer
1. Let's Start with the Bottom Half: Pants, Jeans, and Shorts
Having great fitting, quality pants, shorts, and jeans are half the battle. Spend more on these and seek out quality fabrics and a good fit as they are worn more often and get more wear and tear on the textiles with walking, sitting, etc. A great bottom is the foundation to a great outfit.
My Picks for Pants
Oh, pants can be such a pain when you have curves! But they’re so versatile, easy to style, and perfect for many occasions. When it comes to great pants in plus size that look classic and polished, I recommend the Kady Pant from ELOQUII.
The ELOQUII Kady Pant is made of thick, tightly knit double-weave stretch fabric that looks professional yet can be dressed down. The fabric holds its shape, with no saggy bum or diaper effect after a day sitting at your desk. They’re ankle-length, which is also flattering and perfect for pairing with summer shoes. On top of that, the Kady pant is available in three lengths
If ELOQUII doesn't fit your body well (we're all shaped differently, the problem isn't you but the clothes), check out Universal Standard. Offering sizes 00-40 with several pant styles in petite and tall and hundreds of customer reviews, you may find exactly the right pants to fit your frame.
I am a fan of Universal Standard pants because I feel that they are made for a body with a belly. I can achieve the sleek, slim, and crisp pants look I desire without busting out above the legs. My current favorite pant for summer are their Magic Cotton pants.
Universal Standard's color and fabric selection is more limited than ELOQUII, but the quality is stellar and they make for great wardrobe workhorses you can style a variety of ways.
My Picks for Jeans
If you're looking for jeans, I highly recommend Talbots. I bought a pair of their slim ankle jeans and wore them on a cross-country flight I found them so comfortable. Even more amazing, when I arrived at my destination, the jeans weren't stretched out! I appreciate that Talbots offers Misses, Petite, Plus, and Plus Petite sizing.
Talbots jeans wash like a dream, come in several different silhouettes, have a curvy fit, long/tall options, petite in straight and plus sizes, pull-on styles, and extensive customer reviews to help you find the right pair for you. If you think Talbots is for a certain age you haven't tried their clothes lately… you'll be pleasantly surprised.
While Chico's doesn't have as extensive a size range (sizes 0-22), it is a retailer I trust for excellent quality and fit in jeans. Most styles have short and tall options and the occasional curvy edition, so you can find warm-weather Chico's jeans in a variety of styles and colors.
What makes Chico's jeans stand out for summer is their collection of no-stain white jeans. I know many of us fear wearing white because of spills. I own these jeans and they truly do resist stains with spills rolling right off and not soaking in.
My Picks for Shorts
When it comes to shorts, I know this can be a difficult topic. I like a longer short which will balance the midsection. A color that is lower contrast (white, beige, and faded denim for paler skintones; black, olive, and darker denim for deeper skintones for example) will look stylish and will elongate the figure.
An unexpected place where I have found great shorts that look good, slim the midsection, and are comfortable is Spanx. Yes Spanx! Offering up to size 3X, Spanx has a range of lengths, cuts, and fabrics of shorts, all offering comfortable stretch.
Most styles are available in both 6″ and 4″ lengths with a few having an 8″ inseam; I find 6″ to be a nice-looking length on many bodies and is long enough to prevent thigh chafing. I personally own the Spanx Perfect A-Line Short; you can see them on me in this Instagram Reel video. I also really like these 8″ Bermudas from Spanx which are lightweight, comfy, but look polished.
Again, I must recommend Talbots for dressing your bottom half. Talbots has a great range of shorts where you can choose rise, length, and curvy or classic fit in misses, petite, plus, and plus petite. As a 5'3″ woman who carries her weight in her belly and rear, I am a fan of their 7″ Perfect Shorts. For taller bodies, their 10.5″ Perfect Short is a bestseller for good reason.
2. Now, Let's Dress the Top Half:
As for tops, steer clear from trapeze, or a-line tops as you mentioned, and anything with an empire waistline (below the bust, above the natural waist). Those are stereotypically found in maternity fashion. Instead, you want something fitted or gathered to create the effect of a waist at or below your natural waistline.
Shop the collage:
Top row: navy | blue and ivory print | green
Middle row: black and gold floral | green | black floral with sleeves
Bottom row: blue | green and black print | yellow
Create the Illusion of a Waist
Surplice or faux wrap-style tops and wrap dresses are great for this. Also, don't be afraid of tops with a gently elasticized waist or a self-belt. Instead of adding bulk, they will help create the effect of an hourglass shape.
By creating the effect of a waist, whether or not you “go in” in the middle, it will balance the figure, thereby minimizing the focus on the midsection.
Shop the collage:
Top row: cobalt blue | light blue | yellow floral
Middle row: hot pink | black floral | orange
Bottom row: red, white, and blue stripe | hot pink | red floral
Balance the Body
Since you say you have slim legs, I am betting you also have arms that you don’t mind being seen. Showing your arms will not only keep you cool in the summer but also elongate your frame and balance your figure.
Sleeveless, semi-sleeveless with a ruffle covering the top of the shoulder, or even a cap sleeve will likely flatter and look polished. Having that bit of shoulder detail will balance the body and keep the eye looking up. Steer clear of deeply cut armholes, racerbacks, or halters as even when the top is fitted, they create a triangle shape to the body, emphasizing the midsection.
Play with Proportions
As for length, I think it’s up to you for comfort. I’ve seen women with large stomachs look phenomenal in tucked-in blouses or tops that hit right at the waistband, while others look better in tops that hit mid-hip. Tunics can be tough as again that’s a length that is popular in maternity fashion; if you prefer some length to cover the rear I say go even longer.
The dress-over pants look back in style (and honestly, if you do it right, a style that is never unstylish). Consider longer tunic tops or shorter dresses in lightweight fabrics over slim but structured pants or longer shorts (not leggings, again, that’s too typical for maternity and not polished) for a very chic and modern look.
Prints Can Create Optical Illusions
While many style gurus recommend wearing a column of color (same color top as trousers) to slim the figure, I think, in this case, it may emphasize your belly. Having an interesting top – gathers, a ruffle or drape, a tie neckline, a print – will camouflage your midsection without effort. Prints are our friend as they create an optical illusion.
I find the best optical illusions come from black and white patterns and they look so crisp with white pants and can winterize easily when the temps cool. Again, I offer another carousel of tops that create an optical illusion with prints.
And speaking of patterns, they don’t have to be reserved for the top. A fabulously printed pant can draw attention away from your midsection. Especially when paired with a black top (which recesses), this can be a very chic look. I love a black and white printed ankle pant; add a colorful sandal for even more style points and to again draw the eye away from the torso.
Shop the collage:
Top row: black and green top and matching shorts | green stripe top and matching shorts | blue and white top and matching pants
Middle row: yellow print matching set | pinstripe vest and matching shorts | printed matched set
Bottom row: teal and white top and matching shorts | tropical print top and matching shorts | aqua and white matched set
Consider Patterned Two-Piece Matching Sets
Another option for using a pattern to create an optical illusion is the current trend of two-piece sets. Have your shirt match your shorts or pants. Try wearing the top buttoned up so the pattern is consistent and it takes the spotlight and your body shape is less noticeable. If you prefer to wear the shirt open like a jacket, instead of a white or black top underneath, consider a tank that matches the prominent or a darker secondary color in the print to not segment the body.
Shop the Collage:
Top row: coral top and matching pants | lime top and matching shorts | brown top and matching pants
Middle row: black vest and matching shorts | orange top and matching pants | light blue top and matching shorts
Bottom row: blue top and matching shorts | navy top and matching shorts | berry top and matching pants
Solid Two-Piece Matching Sets Are Also Chic
You'll find a two-piece matching set in a solid color draws attention from a midsection better than a one-piece dress or jumpsuit. The layers, the buttons down the front, the hem that hits below the belly… these little details make a big impact. Just with the printed sets, button up (consider unbuttoning the bottom one or two buttons to have more of a fit and flare effect) or wear a low-contrast tank underneath.
3. Use Accessories to Your Advantage:
Accessories can make a major difference. As I mentioned above, colorful shoes can add style but also bring the eye down. The same holds true for colorful statement earrings. Earrings are better than shorter necklaces or bold bracelets for making a statement as they are farther away from your midsection.
If you do wish to wear a necklace, look for a long chain with a pendant that will elongate the frame. Have fun with sunglasses – big plastic frames, '70s-inspired aviators or rose-tinted shades, anything that creates a bit of a statement while adhering to your personal style.
With bags, a big bulky shoulder bag that hangs at waist- to hip-length will only enlarge that part of the body. And in the summer heat, who wants to lug around a big heavy bag anyway? Consider totes, single strap backpacks to carry lots of gear, and clutch bags when you don’t need to bring much.
4. Find a Tailor:
This is the advice that is the least desired, but the most important to really feel confident with what you wear. Don't expect to have clothing fit you off the rack. No one can dress off the rack. Those celebrities with enviable style? They employ tailors. That really stylish woman in your office? I'll bet she has a tailor. No matter your shape, size, or age, you will look better and feel more comfortable if your clothes are tailored to fit.
Do not wait until you've lost weight or just for your fancier or more expensive pieces; everything in your closet will likely improve with some tailoring. Not only that, when you have clothes that fit your current body, you will have less of a desire or need to shop, and find you achieve more style with fewer items in your closet.
I'm telling you, properly fitting clothing will minimize the appearance of your stomach, make your body look more proportional, improve your posture, and emphasize the parts of you that you want to be the focus. It's a real game-changer.
Shop for the largest part of you, whether it is your stomach, bust, hips, rear, or a combination. Then a tailor (or seamstress or sewist) can modify the rest of the garment to work with, not against you. Start small; have a tailor shorten the hem on a pair of pants or the sleeve on a jacket. But when you find a tailor you trust, they can achieve amazing things. For example, my tailor will take a pair of pants and slightly taper them below my rear and on the sides of pants so there is room for my belly and bum, but no sagginess underneath which just makes those curves look both bigger and less firm.
Where To Find a Tailor for Alterations?
These are my favorite tips to find a tailor for alterations, large and small. A good tailor is like a therapist… they have seen everything and your body is nothing weird or awful or bad. You are a client and they want their client to feel great.
- Check Yelp; this is a good way to know what tailors are in the area and which ones to immediately steer from.
- Ask on your local Facebook page or NextDoor. Word of mouth is the best and most accurate feedback.
- If there is a bridal shop in town, ask if they have a seamstress who will take outside projects.
- A local theater likely knows of a seamstress that helps with costumes; that person may also do alterations.
- If there is a pageant community nearby, they likely know of quality tailors and seamstresses.
- An unexpected place is a bra boutique; they often have clients who have had body reconstruction and know of individuals who have helped their clients modify their wardrobe to accommodate the change.
Finding a tailor may seem intimidating or overwhelming. However, if you keep shopping and still feel you still have nothing to wear, if you are uncomfortable in your wardrobe if you find what is in stores doesn't seem to work with your body… a tailor will transform your relationship with clothes and in the long run save you money.
5. The Most Important Styling Tip:
And finally, the most important accessory to wear is confidence. When you feel good, you look good. You stand taller, you have better posture, you rock your outfit, and people notice the whole package, the amazing woman, not one specific body part.
Did you like what you just read?
Consider tapping here to buy me a coffee in thanks. The best gift you can give a content creator is the gift of sharing. Consider sharing this article on Facebook or Pinterest. Thank you so much for your support!
I identify with the questioner. The problem with plus-sized clothing for the apple-shaped body she describes is that plus-size is more hourglass or pear shaped in design — larger hips, butt, and thighs. An apple-shaped woman doesn’t have those. This is what makes pants and shorts almost impossible to find. My solution is a loose, sleeveless, cotton jersey dress — Eileen Fisher — with a loose linen or cotton blouse worn open over it. It’s cool, non-confining, has nothing tight around the waist, and can be made more interesting with different tops, a crocheted mesh sweater, a shawl, linen poncho, etc. Under the dress, I wear Thigh Society cooling shorts or Jockey Skimmies. Done!
An old post, but a welcome one. My body has only gotten “more so” as I age. The updated styles are spot on. I’m contemplating hitting the “buy” button on a few. It can be very difficult to find the right pieces.
I sew fairly well but haven’t figured out how to eliminate that bunching effect on the back of the thighs. Expert tailors can do it–even my slim husband’s pants get fitted precisely at the rear. A lot of us are short or very short and shortening tops can make a big difference, even cheap t-shirts. I follow the same rule I do for skirt length–shortening to the point where the curve of the body goes back in. Helps disguise the protruding lower belly while not cutting off leg length.
Since you sew, I recommend the book Sewing for Curves by Jenny Rushmore of Cashmerette Patterns. Fitting tips for both apple and pear shapes. Patterns included, including a pants pattern.
I just really want the pink dress she’s wearing in the photo!
I found the article very interesting but, as others, my shape is not ‘regular’. With a large belly, large bust, very short chunky legs and fat ankles, dresses and/or skirts are out for me. I currently live in jeans but when I buy any, I have to take about 10 inches off the length, so any shaping disappears. Dressing tips for very shot people (I am 5 foot tall) would be much appreciated.
The ideas with pictures in this article are very helpful, but here is my scenario. I have a large belly. Along with that, I have had a bilateral mastectomy due to bilateral breast cancer. Having said that, My chest is pretty flat and I have a hard time finding tops or dresses that won’t sag on top, yet will hide my belly. It is a difficult styling issue! Any suggestions? Thank you!
This is another one of those posts where you read my mind. What excellent, well-researched useful advice! Thanks for sharing all the various examples.
This is terrific advice! I recently started using a tailor, and it IS A GAME CHANGER! Thanks for sharing!
For as many women that have commented that they are this shape why can’t plus size clothing designers realize that not all of us are hour glass or pear shaped? So many times I try on plus size clothes, pants in particular and discover that there is room for another person ()k, maybe just a small person, but still.) in the way the thigh portion is cut. I’m 5’2, wear a 38-40 h cup bra and I have a belly. My hips and legs are relatively slim. I have often described my shape as being deep, not wide.
Amen! I also would consider myself deep not wide!
Oh my! As a retired teacher I am mortified by the typos in my comment. I will most definitely proofread better going forward.
Don’t you find the typos worse in sending a text? And those auto corrects, oh my! Your response to your own text did make me laugh!
I like to compare my shape to an upside down triangle. A sexy one.
1000 percent agreed. I’m apple shaped, and have always had issues finding pants that didn’t swallow my thighs & butt, being that I had to buy a larger pant size in order to accommodate my large belly. My stomach is actually larger than my hips!
I’ve always said… if I ever had the money, I’d start a clothing line —for straight & plus sizes —that accommodated each shape, and not just the main 4. The clothing world REALLY needs this; the plus size area needs a revamping, altogether. I don’t understand why it’s so difficult to create the same styles/design aesthetics in plus–sized clothing, that exists so prominently in straight sizes, without breaking the bank or having to search all over creation!
I am this way and I have found Judy Blue Jeans to be the best. They have amazing stretch without sagging in the bum, even the waist band has stretch. I get all of mine at arcrossroads.com I say they are the pants you can wear to eat at the buffet and never have to unbutton when done. Lol
Great article! I struggle with this issue all the time. You’ve given me some inspiration!
Great post! Anyone struggling with this issue might like to visit whenthegirlsrule.com, a blog wholly devoted to dressing the apple shape.
Belly is definitely my biggest challenge. If you are a dress wearer, this season I discovered the super flattering Karen Kane Chloe dress and I’m in love. Some sites will say this is a swing dress but it is not – it’s a nice a line that skims but creates a shape and has room in the front without volume. And it has pockets! Looks cute with booties or sandals, cardigan or jean jacket. This must be a classic style for Karen Kane since there are a lot available out there that might be from prior seasons, there are some great bargains on Amazon. You can find prints and solids and comes in regular and plus. It’s a shorter style, I am 5’-1” and the XL it hits me right at the top of the knee. Packs up to nothing and doesn’t wrinkle. Honestly? I’ve got six so far.
Where do you find karen Kane dresses
Karen Kane has a great online site with free shipping on orders $100 and more: http://bit.ly/32AoFAX the brand is also carried at Nordstrom http://bit.ly/2NZwVqA Macy’s http://bit.ly/2NZmgwk and Bloomingdale’s http://bit.ly/2O8RMrU it’s high quality, made in the USA, woman-designed and owned company.
Hi Nancy, I have found them on the Karen Kane website, Nordstrom and Macy’s. There is also a hodgepodge available on Amazon, even some of the current styles at reduced prices. I do all my shopping online so I’m not sure what store availability is. They have some fall patterns out on the Nordstrom website right now. Good luck!
This is GREAT post for me as I fall into this category and it’s my never ending dilemma !
Any skirt/dress suggestions? I had a baby in the fall and am still nursing, so not only do I need tummy disguising but boob access. Also my internal thermostat seems to have reset to hot-all-the-time. Really really over empire waists and wearing my maternity dresses (and really really over people asking me if I’m (still) pregnant!)
Great suggestion, it’s one I wore when nursing as well and continue to wear! https://shopstyle.it/l/3rBy I also did wrap dresses, especially in matte jersey which doesn’t stretch out over time like regular jersey can. It was a long while ago but I found mine at Talbots of all places. But a lot of places carry such dresses and they come in a range of lengths, sleeve lengths, prints, and solids. This one from chaus has elbow-length sleeves and this link is for navy but they have it in a couple other colors: https://shopstyle.it/l/3rDx and this one from Eliza J has a pretty floral print making it great for day weddings and social events: https://shopstyle.it/l/3rCK
Not what you’re asking for but I had to share this jumpsuit from Loveappella I LOVED when nursing and beyond! https://shopstyle.it/l/3rCO
As someone who has a similar body type to this after having two kids, I find that tucking tops (usually French tuck style) can actually help. It makes it obvious that I’m not pregnant and highlights the fact that I do indeed have a waist, even if it’s not a particularly slender one.
This is weird – meant to post this as a general comment, not a reply to the above comment! Sorry!
Thank you for taking the time for this post. It’s so helpful to see all the top suggestions too, lots of inspiration to transition to summer! I’m going to check out those eloquii pants, though in going to the website I just learned they closed the location close to me! This is some of my favorite content you do, thanks!
I’m sad they closed your nearby store! But do know they’re super easy to deal with for online purchases and returns!
I don’t know what shape I am. I have big arms, a big tummy, big boobs and also short fat legs. I’m also just
5 ft 4in. I wear leggings and jeggings. and most of the time I wear boots and booties in the winter. Summer I wear heels and flats. I wear tops to cover my tummy. I’m kinda a mess.
Sounds as though you and I have a similar shape. I am 5’3″ and very… solid. Thick legs, solid arms, large bust, a tummy and a round rear as well. If you go through my outfit posts, especially from a year or two ago, they may help you find inspiration! https://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/category/my-wardrobe-today/
I have ok arms, large chest, & tummy but small hips and slim legs and ankles. I also have a very short torso, with no waist line., so tucking in is out for me. What shape would I be? And what tops would suit me best.
I think you’re wrong in thinking tucking in is out. You may be surprised by how it can work for you. Try what they call a French tuck, where you just tuck in the front at the pant button, and let the rest hang out. It can really create an hourglass shape without exposing a lot.
I have ok ar, large chest, & tummy but small hips and slim legs and ankles. I also have a very short torso, with no waist line., so tucking in is out for me. What shape would I be? And what tops would suit me best.
It’s a little hard to see if these clothes really hide the belly when using a very thin model .
No models are used in this post, just flatly products of regular as well as plus sized garments.
???
There are a lot of pictures of models above. And most of the models above, whether plus-sized or no, have rather flat stomachs. Bev is correct.
Are you speaking about the widgets that are offering the items at the retailers? I don’t have control over the models that retailers use on their websites. If you visit newer content on my site you will see that I (a woman who does not have a flat stomach) regularly models the clothing myself to give a better feel for how the clothing hangs. All graphics that I have provided in this post are “flat lay” which are images of clothing without bodies.
Gotcha. That’s fair. I’ll check out your newer content for non-flatlay ideas. Thanks!
I cannot figure out my body type. The only way I can think to describe it is a barrel! I am big throughout my back, shoulders, chest and arms. My stomach is big and I have back rolls! I do have long, somewhat shapely legs and an ok butt. Help!!
Sounds like maybe apple type, that’s what I am…bigger on top, like bigger boobs and tummy, and even when I was skinny, I’ve always had muscular shoulders. Then little more narrow through the hips and butt, and more shapely legs/ calves.
Oh so good to see and read something for us not so perfect body ladies!! I to suffer a large tummy. I find hippy type pants in block and patterned. I have the same in tops .. my style of top is anything with bling or unusual neck or sleeves short and long. All hang loose from my large bust! What do you feel of my style.
I’m still shopping and have several more lovely tops in my shopping cart! Do you know how the sizing runs for DP, Allie?
Hi Jayne, I have never actually worn Dorothy Perkins, but I know a lot of bloggers love the brand. From what I’ve read it seems they’re pretty true to size, occasionally veering on generously sized. Let me know how it works out for you!
Well, ended up not placing my order. While googling about sizing I found several complaints from people ordering in the US and their items being held until they paid an additional fee for customs . . .also, horrible customer service.
Oh no! I thought they also sold DP at SimplyBe but just checked and nope, at least not now. Sorry to hear that 🙁
Ha, I have the opposite problem! I actually am 6 months pregnant and want to look pregnant (while not wearing anything too clingy as I have also put on a bit of weight). I find it a bit disturbing that some people who haven’t seen me for months don’t seem to notice my condition even though my stomach is over twice the circumference it used to be! When I mention it, some say they didn’t want to say anything just in case it wasn’t and some genuinely didn’t notice… maybe it goes to show that at least some people really don’t pay that much attention to how we look.
Nobody says anything because they have all been told, “Never ask a woman if she’s pregnant unless (maybe even if) you see a baby emerging from her at that moment.”
OMG – you are me. In summer I like to wear slim pants, with.a longish tank top and cute sandals (either flat or with a heel). Ankle pants help too. I have a big bust so I need to be careful about that too.
This is sooooo my problem. Thanks for the ideas!
This is the first time I’ve seen this issue laid out on a fashion site, and with so much detail to boot. Thanks you, this is FANTASTIC.
So glad you found it a good resource!
OMG – finally some help! It is so wonderful to have specific examples! I’m heavy in belly and hips but also have issues because I’m big busted and very short (4’ 10”). Thank you for doing this!!
Also … tailoring. Fit to your biggest area and have the bum and legs taken in/reshaped if necessary. Very few of us find a perfect fit right off the rack. I think it’s worth it to invest a little more to get a wardrobe that is perfectly shaped for you. The confidence that comes with knowing your clothes fit the best they possibly can is absolutely invaluable.
This is the greatest and most relevant style post I have ever read. Thank you! Also, I want ALL those shirts in the one photo that doesn’t have links.
I love this post! Any tips for casual summer clothes to minimize the belly? I’m a teacher so I’m off for the summer, but still don’t want the “when are you due?” question! Thanks for such a fantastic blog.
Yes ditto this please! I love the post since I’m a classic apple shape. Thin legs and ankles, big bust and belly. I know generally what’s flattering but I love how you have curated it. Id love to see a more casual take too!
I’ll try to fit it in, these posts take a lot more time but they are much more rewarding to do! Glad you and @disqus_FvMHXZry73:disqus both liked it!
If the concern is specifically not appearing pregnant for job-related reasons, heels, pointy flats, or other visibly non-comfortable shoes may help too. Anything a pregnant lady wouldn’t want to wear!
Great point thank you!
Wow. So much information packed into this post. Thanks — I have exactly this problem!
Glad you found it beneficial! 🙂