A popular article at 40+ Style is how to hide your belly with the right clothes, where I share sure-fire ways to hide your tummy effectively with the right kind of tops, dresses, cardigans and jackets.

Now we’re going to specifically look at the best tops to hide your tummy.

Many 40+ women develop a tummy and they would rather not show too much of that to the world.

And why would you, when you can easily hide it with the right tops?

I’m keeping track of the ideal tops to buy right now to hide your belly.

Many of these tops to hide your tummy will look good on all women over 40.

As you may know, I’m a great fan of draped and asymmetrical tops myself. And, that’s definitely one option you can choose to hide a tummy.

Video: how I wore my kimono top

Why you might develop a tummy

Of course everyone is a different shape and size. However, many women, no matter whether they are naturally smaller or larger tend to develop a tummy during peri-menopause or menopause.

So, you’re definitely not alone if you want to cover up your tummy.

How can I hide my belly in tops?

There are plenty of ways to hide a belly in the right tops. In this article, you’ll find lots of suggestions for top styles that will work to disguise a tummy and focus on the parts of your body you like.

What tops should you wear if you have a big stomach?

Many top styles will work for you. It’s about experimenting, trying them on and seeing which ones work well for your silhouette. Some good choices are longer style tunics, draped tops, peplum, empire, and asymmetric styles.

Strategies to use when choosing a top to hide your tummy

Below are some quick tips on what to think about when choosing tops to hide your belly.

There are reasons why I’ve chosen the tops in this article and that is because they do one of two things (or both) to disguise your tummy area.

Strategy 1: Draw the attention away

The first tactic you can use to “hide” your belly is not to hide it at all, but instead to make sure that everyone focuses on a different part of you.

So, when you’re looking for tops to hide your tummy, you could do this by ensuring that you have a flattering neckline, or that the neckline has some embellishment. For example, the Lucky Brand top (below) draws the eyes upwards. Reviewers say it goes well with any pair of pants.

Tops to hide a tummy - Lucky Brand Lace-Up Cotton Peasant Blouse | 40plusstyle.com

Lucky Brand Lace-Up Cotton Peasant Blouse

You can also do this through the use of asymmetry, which confuses the eye.

Another way to do this is to look for patterned tops.

These draw the attention away from your belly as the eye doesn’t know where to focus on a pattern, so tends to dot around rather than looking at your tummy.

The Loveappella top (below) is also a good choice as the v-neck and flutter sleeves draw the eye upwards, while you can create draping with the tie waist.

Tops to hide a tummy - Loveappella Flutter Sleeve Jersey Wrap Top | 40plusstyle.com

Loveappella Flutter Sleeve Jersey Wrap Top

Strategy 2: Look for flattering fabrics and styles

The second thing you can do when choosing a top is to make sure that it drapes across or flows over your belly in a flattering way.

Make sure the material in your top isn’t too thin or clingy. Instead, look out for draping and ruching.

The below top is like a top within a top, as it features a tank style underneath with draping on top.

Tops to hide a tummy - Cinq à Sept Louella Draped Silk Top | 40plusstyle.com

Cinq à Sept Louella Draped Silk Top

The best tops to hide your belly

Now that we have talked about what you are trying to achieve or find when choosing a top to wear to disguise your tummy, below is a full list of all the best tops that will do a great job at hiding a belly.

You’ll see we’ve updated these tops for spring and summer as many of you are now heading towards the warmer months of the year, but there are plenty of options for winter and fall too.

You’ll notice that these tops all use at least one of the techniques described above – they either draw the eye away from the tummy area, or they use clever draping and ruching to disguise a belly.

Silk kimonos

A kimono top can be a very versatile item when you want to hide a belly. If you choose a silk material it will not cling and will hide any bulges. Most kimonos can also be worn unbelted and worn as a jacket. This will create a long vertical line (watch the video on this page to see what this looks like).

I’m belting my kimono slightly higher than my natural waist which creates a flattering silhouette.

Kimono Dries Van Noten (vintage) similarsimilar dress, pants Mango,, booties from Russell & Bromley (similar)

Patterned and printed tops to camouflage your belly

Another good tip is to look for a top which is still dressy, but which has some pattern.

This confuses the eye so that the shape of your tummy isn’t so defined.

Prints are very effective in hiding bellies and you should definitely consider adding a few in your wardrobe.

The abstract print top (below) is great to wear on its own, and can easily be layered with a jacket or cardigan too. The v-neck draws the attention upwards and takes the focus away from the tummy.

Tops to hide a tummy - Isabel Marant Étoile Zilen Abstract-Print Cotton T-Shirt | 40plusstyle.com

Isabel Marant Étoile Zilen Abstract-Print Cotton T-Shirt

Below are more print options for you to choose from.

Tops to hide a tummy - DKNY SPORTSWEAR Abstract Print Chiffon Shirt | 40plusstyle.com

DKNY SPORTSWEAR Abstract Print Chiffon Shirt

Tops to hide a tummy - AllSaints Mara Sanibel Floral Print Tie Neck Top | 40plusstyle.com

AllSaints Mara Sanibel Floral Print Tie Neck Top

Farm Rio Toucans Scarf Printed Blouse | 40plusstyle.com

Farm Rio Toucans Scarf Printed Blouse

Reiss Tora Animal-Print Pussy-Bow Blouse | 40plusstyle.com

Reiss Tora Animal-Print Pussy-Bow Blouse

Anne Klein Floral Print Wrap Top | 40plusstyle.com

Anne Klein Floral Print Wrap Top

Tops to hide a tummy - Jona wears a print blouse | 40plusstyle.com

Jona @the50plusgirl above opts for a print blouse tucked into her skirt.

Get her look with this similar blouse, skirt, boots, tights, handbag and sunglasses.

Embellished tops to hide your tummy

You can use embellished tops to draw attention away from the belly.

Look out for tops with some embellishment close to your face and neckline.

That way, you draw the eyes upwards and away from your belly, putting the focus on your face and decolletage instead. The Michael Kors blouse (below) draws attention to your face and bust, while the draping helps to disguise a tummy.

MICHAEL Michael Kors Chain-Embellished Satin Blouse | 40plusstyle.com

MICHAEL Michael Kors Chain-Embellished Satin Blouse

Sandro Rhinestone Teardrop T-Shirt | 40plusstyle.com

Sandro Rhinestone Teardrop T-Shirt

This embroidered top below doesn’t cling and does a great job focusing the eye upwards to the bust and neckline rather than to the belly.

Elie Tahari The Shae Embroidered Lace Silk Shirt | 40plusstyle.com

Elie Tahari The Shae Embroidered Lace Silk Shirt

tops that show off the shoulder

Another good way to take the focus off your belly is to put it elsewhere!

You could choose cold shoulder, or off the shoulder tops to place the attention on the parts of your body you like and away from those parts that you aren’t so keen on.

Below, this one-shoulder top will draw attention upwards, and would look lovely styled with jeans for a casual look, or with a midi skirt.

SIMKHAI Alice Off-The-Shoulder Top | 40plusstyle.com

SIMKHAI Alice Off-The-Shoulder Top

Nation LTD Abana Drape Off the Shoulder Top | 40plusstyle.com

Nation LTD Abana Drape Off the Shoulder Top

A.W.A.K.E. Mode Asymmetric Wool-Blend Blouse | 40plusstyle.com

A.W.A.K.E. Mode Asymmetric Wool-Blend Blouse

V-neck

A V-neck is a good option for disguising a tummy. the v-neck will show off your neck and decolletage while creating a elongating effect.

rag & bone Phillipa Draped Blouse | 40plusstyle.com

rag & bone Phillipa Draped Blouse

Tops that don’t cling

Woven fabrics usually don’t cling and can be very useful in hiding bellies.

Make sure your tops don’t cling. Clinging is enemy number one if you don’t want to show your tummy. Instead, you want fabrics and tops that loosely drape over your belly.

To avoid clingy tops, make sure that you don’t buy your tops too tight.Also, be careful with a lot of synthetic fabrics. Natural materials like cotton and silk are often better.

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 skim over the belly and/or have some draping or ruching.

Halston Kavita Handkerchief Halter Top | 40plusstyle.com

Halston Kavita Handkerchief Halter Top

COS Oversized Shirt | 40plusstyle.com

COS Oversized Shirt

Anne Klein Popover Tunic Top | 40plusstyle.com

Anne Klein Popover Tunic Top

The best tops to hide your tummy | 40plusstyle.com

Josephine @chicatanyage above (read her style interview here) opts for a white shirt that drapes rather than clings. Her scarf draws the eye upwards.

Recreate her outfit with this similar shirt (another option here), pants, sandals and scarf.

Tops that drape in all the right places

A draped top can be very effective in hiding bellies.

This is also a very useful method in dresses.

So rather than plain soft tops that show every bubble on your body look for draped tops instead.

3.1 Phillip Lim Draped Cotton Jersey T-Shirt | 40plusstyle.com

3.1 Phillip Lim Draped Cotton Jersey T-Shirt

Trina Turk Concourse Draped Knit Blouse  40plusstyle.com

Trina Turk Concourse Draped Knit Blouse

HOTGIFT Front Twist Tunic Top | 40plusstyle.com

HOTGIFT Front Twist Tunic Top

Asymmetrical tops to hide your tummy

Asymmetrical tops are very effective in hiding bellies.

Not only are asymmetrical tops hip and timeless they also do a great job in creating very flattering vertical lines.

Especially those tops that start on the left and then go vertical down to the right.

This asymmetrical top below is a flattering style. The asymmetric hemline helps to take the focus away from the tummy area. It comes in lots of colors, and reviewers say it is the perfect leggings companion.

Made by Johnny Swing Tunic Top | 40plusstyle.com

Made by Johnny Swing Tunic Top

LARACE Tank Top | 40plusstyle.com

LARACE Tank Top

When the weather cools down, you could look out for a sweater with an asymmetric style.

AllSaints Lock Rolled Neck Asymmetric Sweater | 40plusstyle.com

AllSaints Lock Rolled Neck Asymmetric Sweater

Tops to hide a tummy - Deborah in an asymmetric outfit | 40plusstyle.com

Deborah @deborahgates_ above (read her style interview here) chooses a long asymmetric top with her denim.

Check out this similar tunic top (another option here), jeans, sandals, handbag and earrings.

crossover

Or, you could try a crossover style like the Karen Kane top (below), which is super flattering and comes in a choice of colors.

Karen Kane Asymmetrical Crepe Top | 40plusstyle.com

Karen Kane Asymmetrical Crepe Top

Layered tops

Layering in general is super effective to hide bellies.

This makes hiding a belly during winter and fall much easier than during summer.

But, if you are in part of the world that is heading into summer, or you are going on vacation, you can still use layering.

Layered tops to the rescue. Very good at hiding bellies, they look super hip too and can be easily layered with a sleeveless vest, cardigan or jacket.

A layered blouse will enable you to create many outfits.

You can easily layer it with a cardigan, jacket or sweater, but it can also be worn very stylishly on its own.

The advantage of this top (below) is that it does the layering for you.

Chaus Embellished Asymmetric Overlay Top | 40plusstyle.com

Chaus Embellished Asymmetric Overlay Top

Lotusmile Double-Layered Chiffon Top | 40plusstyle.com

Lotusmile Double-Layered Chiffon Top

Neineiwu Chiffon Blouse | 40plusstyle.com

Neineiwu Chiffon Blouse

Kimba in a layered tank top, skirt and sandals | 40plusstyle.com

Kimba @kimbalikes above wears a layered top with her maxi skirt.

Steal her look with tis similar layered tank top, maxi skirt, sandals, necklace and earrings.

pleated

A top with pleats like the ones from Vince Camuto (below) could be another good choice. The pleats create a draped effect and add extra material which drapes over the belly area. You’ll see that this top has one pleat in the center that creates a draped effect, but you could also choose tops with a series of pleats across the front.

Vince Camuto Print V-Neck Top | 40plusstyle.com

Vince Camuto Print V-Neck Top

Ming Wang Pleated Colorblock Crêpe de Chine Top | 40plusstyle.com

Ming Wang Pleated Colorblock Crêpe de Chine Top

Zadig & Voltaire Pleated Satin Blouse | 40plusstyle.com

Zadig & Voltaire Pleated Satin Blouse

Don’t be afraid of adding a waist

You can think about hiding your belly by skimming over it, or by creating a waist for yourself at your slimmest part to give the illusion of an hourglass figure.

You could do this with a top which has some elastic to create a waistline or a tie.

Just make sure it doesn’t tie at the widest part of your tummy.

The tie waist option from Amazon (below) features a v-neck and draping. To add a little extra glamour, you could add a lace camisole underneath.

GRACE KARIN Cap Sleeve Tie Waist Blouse | 40plusstyle.com

GRACE KARIN Cap Sleeve Tie Waist Blouse

Karen Kane Metallic Drape Front Top | 40plusstyle.com

Karen Kane Metallic Drape Front Top

Max Mara Leisure Jersey Belted Blouse | 40plusstyle.com

Max Mara Leisure Jersey Belted Blouse

Tops with vertical stripes

I’m not someone who thinks vertical stripes are a magical solution when it comes to hiding a belly.

In fact, you can find that a long cardigan in a block color worn over a top with horizontal stripes works very well too.

But there’s no doubt that vertical lines can draw the eye up and down rather than across if you choose a flattering style.

Madewell The Oversize Straight Hem Signature Poplin Shirt | 40plusstyle.com

Madewell The Oversize Straight Hem Signature Poplin Shirt

Derek Lam 10 Crosby Malorie Striped Cotton Top | 40plusstyle.com

Derek Lam 10 Crosby Malorie Striped Cotton Top

Misook Striped Knit Turtleneck Sweater | 40plusstyle.com

Misook Striped Knit Turtleneck Sweater

Ruffled or peplum tops

This is one you have to be careful with.

Choose the ruffle in the “wrong” place and it can emphasize your belly rather than disguise it.

You can either opt for a ruffle that skims over your belly to disguise it, or a ruffle in a different place altogether to draw the eye away from the tummy.

If you choose a peplum which dips in at your narrowest point and then skims out, or ruffles which are in strategic places to divert the attention from your middle section, they can work.

Chiara Boni La Petite Robe Poppy V-Neck Peplum Top | 40plusstyle.com

Chiara Boni La Petite Robe Poppy V-Neck Peplum Top

Lilly Pulitzer Blakelynn Satin Peplum Top | 40plusstyle.com

Lilly Pulitzer Blakelynn Satin Peplum Top

Lucky Brand Beaded Embroidered Pintuck Top | 40plusstyle.com

Lucky Brand Beaded Embroidered Pintuck Top

Empire waist

These work for some women but not for others.

An empire waist is what is traditionally thought of as pregnancy wear and, if you do have a round tummy, it can be an unflattering option.

But, if your belly is wider – so kind of a muffin top – rather than sticking out at the front, it can definitely work.

That’s because an empire waist will generally highlight the area just below your bust, which tends to be the slimmest point on your torso if you have a bit of a belly.

Harshman Monnier Draped Cotton Blouse | 40plusstyle.com

Harshman Monnier Draped Cotton Blouse

GRACE KARIN V Neck Tie Front Top | 40plusstyle.com

GRACE KARIN V Neck Tie Front Top

LOTUCY Tie Front Top | 40plusstyle.com

LOTUCY Tie Front Top

Choose tops that emphasize your bust

Do choose tops that emphasize your bust rather than your waistline.

That way the eye will be drawn upwards rather than to your tummy, and often you find if you have a bit of a belly, you have a great bust.

Just make sure you wear a well-fitting bra.

DKNY Ruched Zip Front V-Neck Top | 40plusstyle.com

DKNY Ruched Zip Front V-Neck Top

Tankaneo Knotted Top | 40plusstyle.com

Tankaneo Knotted Top

Ulla Johnson Elli Pleat Satin Top | 40plusstyle.com

Ulla Johnson Elli Pleat Satin Top

Tops to hide a tummy - Georgette wears a yellow top | 40plusstyle.com

Georgette @grownandcurvywoman above (read her style interview here) opts for a beautiful yellow top with her brown pants.

Recreate her outfit with this similar blouse (another option here), wide pants, sandals and earrings.

If you have a bigger bust take a look at the best bras for large breasts that are stylish and supportive.

Tops that create long vertical lines

1. Long cardigans

If you find asymmetry is too edgy for you or you prefer a more traditional way to hide your belly, opt for vertical lines.

These can be very effectively created with long (sleeveless) vests and cardigans.

Not only do these hide bellies, but they are also very effective in lengthening and slimming too.

GRACE KARIN Open Front Long Knitted Cardigan | 40plusstyle.com

GRACE KARIN Open Front Long Knitted Cardigan

Misook Long Colorblocked Cardigan | 40plusstyle.com

Misook Long Colorblocked Cardigan

Also read our article on how to dress if you are petite.

Extra inspiration on using layering to hide a tummy

Below, you can see more outfit ideas on how to you can hide a tummy with layers or patterns.

A sleeveless cardigan can be a good option during warmer months, while you’ll want sleeves when it’s chillier.

The longer your cardigan or jacket, 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.

Tops to hide a tummy - Long cardigan outfit idea to hide your tummy | 40plusstyle.com

Misook Long Colorblocked CardiganKOBI HALPERIN Mila Sleeveless Stretch Silk BlouseMarella Turku Stretch Canvas Crop Chino PantsFly London Yefi Wedge SandalsMansur Gavriel x Apparis Mini Candy Leather Hobo BagSwarovski Millenia Ruthenium-Plated & Crystal Necklace

Short jackets and cardigans will hide your belly too, but will have an overall more boxy silhouette.

Tops to hide a tummy - Short jacket worn with shirt and jeans | 40plusstyle.com

Cinq à Sept Zoe Biker JacketKOBI HALPERIN Nellie Stretch Silk Georgette TopPAIGE Genevieve Flared JeansSam Edelman Tenny SneakersAimee Kestenberg Bleecker XL Leather Tote BagKenneth Jay Lane Goldtone & Glass Cabochon Earrings

2. Sleeveless vests

Instead of a cardigan or coat you can choose a vest, which is a good option when the weather is warmer.

A long vest is perfect for creating long, lean vertical lines, but you can opt for a shorter waterfall vest too.

Even if the weather is a little warmer where you are, you can still layer a sleeveless vest over a sleeveless vest to benefit from tummy-hiding layers.

The sleeveless cardigan below can be combined with many tops and will look great over skinny pants and jeans.

It has the benefit of being draped too which makes it even more flattering.

Tops to hide a tummy - A2Y Open Front Vest | 40plusstyle.com

A2Y Open Front Vest

For more options on wearing vests, you may like to check out this article on how to wear a long vest.

3. Jackets for layering

Layering is one of the most effective tools to hide a belly so it’s essential to have a good jacket or blazer in your wardrobe.

Jackets can make many casual looks just a bit chicer and they are an easy layering piece.

Tops to hide a tummy - GTSQ Sheer Button-Up Tunic | 40plusstyle.com

GTSQ Sheer Button-Up Tunic

Tops to hide a tummy - MELIFLUOS DESIGNED IN SPAIN Wrap Poncho Ruana | 40plusstyle.com

MELIFLUOS DESIGNED IN SPAIN Wrap Poncho Ruana

Or, you could choose a draped or asymmetrical poncho like the options below.

Tops to hide your tummy - Fomolom Knitted Poncho | 40plusstyle.com

Fomolom Knitted Poncho

Tops to hide a tummy - PULI Large Cross Front Poncho | 40plusstyle.com

PULI Large Cross Front Poncho

Tops to hide a tummy - Fonda wears a poncho | 40plusstyle.com

Fonda @savvysouthernchic above wears a poncho, which is a perfect cover-up to hide a tummy.

Steal her look with this similar sweater, ruana, jeans, booties, earrings and necklace.

4. Try a shapewear camisole

When you think about shapewear, you tend to think about the kind of thigh-slimming Spanx worn by celebrities on the red carpet.

But, you could wear a camisole underneath your tops to smooth out your tummy.

SPANX Thinstincts® 2.0 Shaping Camisole | 40plusstyle.com

SPANX Thinstincts® 2.0 Shaping Camisole

Honeylove SuperPower Thong | 40plusstyle.com

Honeylove SuperPower Thong

The best brands for tops that hide the belly

When you are looking for tops to hide your tummy, it can be easiest to have some brands in mind.

Here are some of the best.

J.Jill has a large variety of tops. This layering top will look good on its own in summer and be used as a first layer in winter.

Eileen Fisher: Beautiful long tunics and (sleeveless) vests in natural fabrics that create long and lean lines. They have a special line for petites too!

Vince Camuto: makes a variety of draped, layered and asymmetrical tops that are really flattering.

Karen Kane: usually has a good range of draped and cross over tops.

City Chic: A good option for evening wear as well as tunic-style tops.

shop the best tops to hide the belly here:

What is your favorite top to hide your belly? Do you have any favorite brands for tops to hide your tummy? I’d love to hear your own recommendations.

Continue reading:

  1. How To Hide Your Belly With The Right Clothes
  2. How To Look Taller And Slimmer
  3. How To Dress For The Apple Body Shape

Like this post on the best tops to hide your tummy? Share it on Pinterest!

The best tops to hide the belly | 40plusstyle.com

Feature image by Deborah @deborahgates_

Sylvia

Sylvia is 40+style’s editor-in-chief and has been helping women find their unique style since 2011. An alumni of the School of Color and Design, she is devoted to empowering women of any age to look and feel their best. Read more about Sylvia and 40+style on this page.

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