If you have a belly like me, you probably agree that finding the right top is important. The right styles can camouflage your midriff and make you feel more confident, while the wrong styles can make you feel more self conscious.
Besides my own experience, I also have a petite clothing line for women 5’4″ and under, so I receive a ton of feedback from customers of all sizes and shapes on a daily basis.
Based on their feedback as well as my first hand experience, I’ve put together this guide to help you find the most flattering tops for your shape.
Table of Contents
Styling Goal
- Always go for the right fit. A top that’s too tight will only highlight your big belly even more, while a top that’s too loose or baggy will visually make you wider.
- Opt for top details such as fabric flares or subtle ruffles that go along the belly line. For instance, peplum tops feature an overskirt that effectively conceals the belly bulge.
- Go for slimming colors and designs to tone down the actual size of your belly. You’d want to make your belly bulge less visible and you can effectively do so if you go for dark colors or vertical designs since they basically slim you down.
Having a big belly can truly be a major source of insecurity but you can absolutely work your way around it with the right style options. Here are different types of tops that can help you out in concealing a big belly.
Flowy Tops
Flowy tops are a popular choice for ladies looking to hide their big bellies because they are loose and draping, rather than tight and form-fitting. This style of top can create a relaxed and effortless look while also camouflaging any areas of the body that you may feel self-conscious about.
Flowy tops are especially effective at hiding a big belly because they only skim through your midsection resulting in a more proportionate frame. The loose fabric of the top falls away from the body and creates a soft, billowy effect that can help to conceal any bulges or bumps in the midsection.
Additionally, the fabric of the top can drape over the belly and create a more flattering line, rather than clinging to the skin and emphasizing any protrusions. Remember that when choosing a flowy top to hide a big belly, it is important to pay attention to the fit and cut of the top.
Tunic Tops
Tunic tops may seem a bit old-fashioned for some, but there are a broader variety of styles that are actually quite flattering, especially for women with big bellies. Tunic tops are loose-fitting, long tops that typically fall to or below the hips and they come in a variety of styles, including sleeveless, short-sleeved, and long-sleeved, and can be made from a range of materials.
Tunic tops are especially good for women with big bellies because they are loose and flowing, which can help to conceal a stomach bulge. The longer length of the tunic top can also provide coverage and create a more balanced silhouette.
The fabric of the top can drape over the belly and create a more flattering line, rather than clinging to the skin and emphasizing any protrusions.
Peplum Tops
Peplum tops are a style of top that has a ruffled or flared piece of fabric attached at the waist, creating a skirt-like effect. They are quite known for their ability to create a flattering silhouette, especially for women with big bellies.
The reason why peplum tops are flattering for women with big bellies is that they create an illusion of a more balanced and voluptuous figure. The flared piece of fabric at the waist draws attention away from the midsection and creates a more defined shape.
Additionally, the flared fabric can cover any bulges or bumps in the belly area, creating a more streamlined look.
Dark-colored Tops
Dark colors will always be slimming superheroes in the world of fashion. Its slimming effect comes from the fact that dark colors absorb light and therefore make your body look smaller and more streamlined.
When you wear a dark-colored top, it creates a shadow effect that makes your belly appear smaller and less noticeable. Whether you prefer a classic black, navy blue, or deep burgundy, any dark color should have a similar effect in toning down your big belly.
Wrap Tops
I won’t ever get tired of swooning over wrap tops because of their universally flattering design and structure. They also do a great job at bringing balance to your figure and efficiently concealing a big belly.
A wrap top is a type of women’s blouse that is designed with a front closure that wraps around the body, typically secured with a tie or knot at the side or back of the waist. Wrap tops are particularly flattering for ladies with big bellies because their front closure draws attention away from the midsection, creating a more elongated and streamlined silhouette.
Additionally, wrap tops are adjustable, which means that you can adjust the tightness and positioning of the wrap to suit your body shape and size. This is particularly helpful for ladies with big bellies, as you can adjust the wrap to cinch in at the waist and create a more defined silhouette, while still maintaining a comfortable and flattering fit.
V-Neck Tops
V-neck tops are a great option for anyone looking to achieve a slim and streamlined appearance. The reason why V-neck tops are so effective at making you look slim is that they create a vertical illusion that elongates your torso and draws the eye upwards towards your face.
The V-shape of the neckline creates a natural line that runs from your shoulders to your chest, which helps to create the illusion of a longer and leaner upper body. This, in turn, makes your waist appear smaller and your entire body look more proportionate.
In line with its slimming effect, V-neck tops can also help to hide the belly. This is because the V-shape of the neckline draws the eye upwards towards your face, away from the midsection of your body.
Ruched Tops
Ruched tops are a great choice for concealing a big belly because of the gathering or pleating of the fabric that creates a subtle texture that helps camouflage any unwanted bulges or bumps in the midsection. This can create a more streamlined and flattering silhouette, without sacrificing comfort or style.
A ruched top is a type of blouse or shirt that features gathered or pleated fabric in a horizontal pattern. The gathering or pleating is typically created by drawing the fabric together with elastic or by sewing in additional fabric, resulting in a textured or “ruched” appearance.
Additionally, ruched tops often have a bit of stretch to them, which can provide a comfortable and flexible fit. This means that they can accommodate different body shapes and sizes, and can be adjusted to fit snugly or more loosely, depending on personal preference.
Avoid Tight-Fitting Tops
Women with big bellies should avoid tight-fitting tops because they can draw attention to the midsection and accentuate any unwanted bulges or bumps. Tight-fitting tops can also be uncomfortable and can definitely restrict movement, making it difficult to go about your daily activities.
When clothing is too tight, it can cause unflattering bulges and create unsightly lines that can be seen through the fabric. This can create an unflattering look and can even make you feel more self-conscious about your appearance.
Avoid tops that are too Baggy
Women with big bellies may want to avoid baggy tops because they can create an unflattering silhouette and make the belly look even bigger. Baggy tops can also add bulk to the upper body and make the overall appearance less streamlined.
Instead, it is often more flattering to choose tops that are more fitted around the waist and hips, which can help to define the waistline and create a more proportionate look.
Avoid See-Through Tops
Women with big bellies may want to avoid see-through tops because they can draw attention to the belly. See-through tops can also accentuate your tummy bulge as sheer fabrics usually highlight the shape of your figure, making it appear larger than it actually is.
Additionally, if the top is too sheer, it may not provide enough coverage to ensure the wearer feels comfortable and confident. It will make your big belly look more apparent and therefore give your frame an unbalanced look.
The Key Takeaway
It’s quite normal to feel extra conscious when you have a big belly but that doesn’t mean you should limit your style choices! There are a lot of stylish tops out there that can help you achieve a more proportionate figure without any worries about making your big belly too obvious.
