Looking for the best pants and skirts to hide your belly? We’ve got you covered. In this article, you will find two key strategies to use to find pants and skirts which perfectly fit and hide your belly.

Finding the best pants to hide your belly

A challenge many women experience is finding pants to hide your belly and skirts that fit perfectly when your hip and waist are drastically different sizes or you have a larger tummy.

Another desire is to find pants and skirts that tuck the belly in.

The challenge is to find the best pants that fit. If you have a belly, that often means looking for pants with an elasticized waist.

There are TWO different, but just as effective options you could select.

  1. Pants with an elastic waist
  2. Pants that help tuck the tummy in

First, let’s look at pants and skirts which are comfortable and which fit well because they have an elasticated waist.

Second, I will show you some stylish options which actually help to tuck your tummy in and give you a smoother silhouette.

How do you wear trousers with a stomach?

We have lots of tips for you below. Apart from the obvious of making sure that your pants fit and aren’t digging into your tummy, you really have two main choices in terms of the silhouette you opt for. Choose a pair of pants that are tighter fitting in the legs, and then hide your belly with a longer, loose top like a flowy tunic. Or, make sure your pants aren’t too clingy around the stomach area, and choose wider pants with a top you can tuck in.

How do you hide a stomach bulge in pants?

A pair of high waisted pants can be a great option as they can keep everything tucked in and held in place. They can help you hide any belly fat because they can smooth your tummy over.

Getting the right fit for your skirts and pants to hide a belly

There are a few approaches you can take.

First, an option to get the fit right is to have your pants and skirts tailored. This is certainly a great option for pants you already own (or those without an elastic waistband).

When buying new pants to hide your belly it’s usually best to buy pants that fit the widest part. That way you can ask your tailor to fit the part that is too loose.

A second option (and the one which this post is centered on) is opting for pants and skirts with an elastic waistband.

Comfortable pants with elastic waistbands

Let me show you the extensive options you have when it comes to selecting pants to hide your belly with elastic waistbands that create flattering and chic looks.

From on-trend cropped jeans to wide leg black trousers, mostly every kind of pants you can imagine comes in elastic waistband styles these days.

An extra benefit of selecting pants and skirts with elastane is that they also help you tuck your tummy in.

Printed shirt and linen pants | 40plusstyle.com

Similar top, pants, shoes and hat

Elastic waistband skirts and women’s elastic waist pants can be super stylish and flattering!

Don’t automatically think that an elastic waistband means severely limiting your styling options or that you have to settle for a pair of very, very unflattering pants.

Whereas once, these may have been seen as a styling option only for the very old, and they were made in rather unflattering man-made materials such as polyester, elastic waist pants have come a long way in the style stakes.

Some quick guidelines to keep in mind when looking for pants to hide your belly

Keep your body shape in mind

Just because you are opting for a pair of elastic waist pants, don’t forget about what styles flatter your body shape.

You will find elastic waist pants in every style from skinny to bootcut.

Also take a look at how to wear printed pants.

Try a longer top

If you pick a dressy pair of pants that has a drawstring, it might be best to select a longer top to keep your look appropriate. Look out for draped or asymmetric styles, or tops with a print.

Anne Klein Nehru Tunic Shirt | 40plusstyle.com

Anne Klein Nehru Tunic Shirt

Johnny Was Braemar Kita Paisley Silk Tunic | 40plusstyle.com

Johnny Was Braemar Kita Paisley Silk Tunic

NIC + ZOE Sweet Dreams Jersey Long-Sleeve Shirt | 40plusstyle.com

NIC + ZOE Sweet Dreams Jersey Long-Sleeve Shirt

Eileen Fisher Funnel Neck Tunic | 40plusstyle.com

Eileen Fisher Funnel Neck Tunic

Misook Cozy Striped Knit Asymmetric Turtleneck Tunic | 40plusstyle.com

Misook Cozy Striped Knit Asymmetric Turtleneck Tunic

Kimba wears print pants and a long shirt | 40plusstyle.com

Kimba @kimbalikes above shows how you could wear a long, plain color shirt with a pair of print pants. You could also add a necklace to draw attention to your face and neckline.

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

Or a TIGHTER TOP

Keep the style rule in mind that it’s usually best to combine a loose fit with a tighter or more tailored top. If your pants have a tighter fit a wider top may look better. If you do choose a tighter top, some ruching and draping will help to hide a tummy.

Loveappella Faux Wrap Top | 40plusstyle.com

Loveappella Faux Wrap Top

Style appropriately

Treat elastic waist pants the same way you would any other style. They might be more comfortable and fit better, however, you should still strive to style them appropriately.

Women’s elastic waist pants

Typically, if you are going for a dressier option in a style with an elastic waist, you should aim for pants that do not have those scrunchy type of hems.

As mentioned above, there are a number of great elastic waistband options.

These can be a challenge when going for an office-appropriate look, and can be more appropriate for casual or after-work hours looks.

A good style to look out for can be pants which look like regular pants at the front, but with an elasticated waistband at the back.

You can still opt for a belt if your pants are elasticated. Just make sure the belt doesn’t draw attention to any problem areas.

Many pants come in a style where they look like “regular” button-fastening pants from the front, but they have an elasticated waistband at the back.

As well as traditional elastic waist pants, another option is a stretchy pull-on pants.

There are also a number of casual options with elastic waistbands.

Some styles even create very flat waistband looks that almost appear to be button closure pants.

You will find that drawstring pants with cuffed hems look best styled casually.

There are also plenty of elastic waistband pants which are very versatile and which could be dressed up or down.

Pants with an elastic waistband can also be a good option for travel.

NZT by NIC+ZOE French Terry Drawstring Pants | 40plusstyle.com

NZT by NIC+ZOE French Terry Drawstring Pants

Caslon Drawstring Wide Leg Linen Cargo Pants | 40plusstyle.com

Caslon Drawstring Wide Leg Linen Cargo Pants

Best pants to hide your belly - Vince Pintuck Pull-On Crop Flared Pants | 40plusstyle.com

Vince Pintuck Pull-On Crop Flared Pants

Best pants to hide your belly - Helmut Lang Wool-Blend Pull-On Suiting Trousers | 40plusstyle.com

Helmut Lang Wool-Blend Pull-On Suiting Trousers

Best pants to hide your belly - Jones New York Wide Leg Linen Blend Drawstring Pants | 40plusstyle.com

Jones New York Wide Leg Linen Blend Drawstring Pants

Sharryn in wide leg linen pants | 40plusstyle.com

Sharryn @thestylishwoman above (read her style interview here) opts for a pair of drawstring pants that would be perfect for warmer weather. She matches her headscarf to her pants.

Check out this similar top (another option here), pants (another option here), sandals, necklace, earrings, sunglasses and head scarf.

Elastic waist jeans

Jeans are wonderful but the heavy buttons and thick zippers can sometimes enlarge your belly. Instead opt for elasticized jeans.

You will find that elastic waist jeans come in every style that “regular” jeans do, but jeggings tend to be the easiest style to find.

Best pants to hide your belly - Wash Lab Denim Lola Elastic Waist Frayed Soft Wide Leg Jeans | 40plusstyle.com

Wash Lab Denim Lola Elastic Waist Frayed Soft Wide Leg Jeans

Liverpool Los Angeles Gia Glider Pull-On Crop Flare Jeans | 40plusstyle.com

Liverpool Los Angeles Gia Glider Pull-On Crop Flare Jeans

Best pants to hide your belly - Chic Classic Collection Elastic Waist Pull-On Jeans | 40plusstyle.com

Chic Classic Collection Elastic Waist Pull-On Jeans

Best pants to hide your belly - Lee Relaxed Fit Side Elastic Tapered Leg Jean | 40plusstyle.com

Lee Relaxed Fit Side Elastic Tapered Leg Jean

GRAPENT Elastic Waist Wide Leg Jeans  | 40plusstyle.com

GRAPENT Elastic Waist Wide Leg Jeans 

Karen in pull on jeans, shirt and loafers | 40plusstyle.com

Karen @styledbykaren above opts for black pants with her shirt. If you are trying to hide a tummy this would be a good outfit to try as leaving the shirt open helps to create a column effect and disguises your mid section.

Steal her look with this similar tank top, shirt, jeans, loafers and sunglasses.

Effective belly hiding elastic waistband skirts

Just as with pants, you can find plenty of styles of skirts which feature an elastic waistband.

Skirts too can be very effective in hiding bellies and stretchy skirts are very easy to fit.

If you add a print in the mix, they can be really flattering as they highlight your curves and the elastan sucks in your tummy.

This means you can dress to suit your body type as well as being stylish and comfortable.

Loveappella Roll Top Maxi Skirt | 40plusstyle.com

Loveappella Roll Top Maxi Skirt

Vince Pull-On Midi Skirt | 40plusstyle.com

Vince Pull-On Midi Skirt

Halogen Cargo Pocket Drawstring Skirt | 40plusstyle.com

Halogen Cargo Pocket Drawstring Skirt

Boden Isabella Cotton Sateen Skirt | 40plusstyle.com

Boden Isabella Cotton Sateen Skirt

Kate Kasin High Waist Pleated Skirt | 40plusstyle.com

Kate Kasin High Waist Pleated Skirt

The best pants and skirts to hide your belly | 40plusstyle.com

Similar tee, skirt, jacket, hat, earrings and Fly London Bani sandals

Another option is to choose a skirt with some ruching which can help to cover up any lumps or bumps. Look for ruching in the areas you want to ‘disguise’.

VERO MODA Kanva Sparkle Ruched Skirt | 40plusstyle.com

VERO MODA Kanva Sparkle Ruched Skirt

Kate Kasin Wear to Work Pencil Skirt | 40plusstyle.com

Kate Kasin Pencil Skirt

EARKOHA Ruched Midi Skirt | 40plusstyle.com

EARKOHA Ruched Midi Skirt

Pants that tuck the tummy in

Some of the examples above in the sections on elasticated waist clothing may have good tummy tucking capabilities, but in this second section, I will specifically talk about pants and jeans that can smooth out your tummy.

Here are a few that I and 40+Style contributors have personal experience with.

Of course, you don’t have to choose an elasticated waist to make sure that your pants or skirts fit your tummy.

Another good option is to look for clothes with “tummy tucking” technology or with a high-rise.

I love my cropped legging pants below from UNIQLO (similar here) which I have in a dark and light wash.

Although my bootcut PAIGE jeans do have buttons and a zipper, the elastized fabric is so good that they do a great job at sucking the belly in.

If you choose jeans that have a high rise, they will do an excellent job at tucking the tummy in.

crop leggings and bootleg jeans | 40plusstyle.com

I’m loving these brands:

Below are more tummy control options you could choose.

Best pants to hide your belly - Rekucci Ease Into Comfort Tummy Control Straight Leg Pant | 40plusstyle.com

Rekucci Ease Into Comfort Tummy Control Straight Leg Pant

Best pants to hide your belly - Lee Instantly Slims Straight Leg Jean | 40plusstyle.com

Lee Instantly Slims Straight Leg Jean

Best pants to hide your belly - Rammus Stretch Dress Pants | 40plusstyle.com

Rammus Stretch Dress Pants

Best pants to hide your belly - ZTN Tummy Control Pull-On Dress Pants | 40plusstyle.com

ZTN Tummy Control Pull-On Dress Pants

Sunzel Tummy Control Flare Pants | 40plusstyle.com

Sunzel Tummy Control Flare Pants

Alison wears a blazer over her burgundy pants | 40plusstyle.com

Alison @wardrobe_oxygen above (read her style interview here) wears a blazer over her burgundy pants.

Recreate her outfit with this similar tee, blazer, pants and booties.

Leggings

Leggings can do an excellent job at hiding the belly.

Commando Control Top Leggings | 40plusstyle.com

Commando Control Top Leggings

Best pants to hide your belly - 1822 Denim Butter Jeggings | 40plusstyle.com

1822 Denim Butter Jeggings

SPANX Faux Leather Leggings | 40plusstyle.com

SPANX Faux Leather Leggings

Best pants to hide your belly - Democracy Ab Solution Jeggings | 40plusstyle.com

Democracy Ab Solution Jeggings

Read more about this in our article on how to wear leggings – an extensive guide.

Melanie in denim tunic, leggings and sneakers | 40plusstyle.com

Melanie @melanie.rae.miller above wears leather-look leggings with her raw hem top.

Steal her look with this similar tunic (another option here), leggings, slip-on sneakers and earrings.

Tummy tucking jeans

Some of these jeans have an elastic waistband, and some have a regular fastening but are made from stretchier fabric with clever control panels.

Below are some more tummy control options for you.

Best pants to hide your belly - NYDJ Marilyn Straight Leg Jeans | 40plusstyle.com

NYDJ Marilyn Straight Leg Jeans

Best pants to hide your belly - 1822 Denim High Waist Pull-On Slim Bootcut Jeans | 40plusstyle.com

1822 Denim High Waist Pull-On Slim Bootcut Jeans

WallFlower Luscious Bootcut Insta Stretch Juniors Jeans | 40plusstyle.com

WallFlower Luscious Bootcut Insta Stretch Juniors Jeans

Best pants to hide your belly - Lee Sculpting Slim Fit Pull On Jeans | 40plusstyle.com

Lee Sculpting Slim Fit Pull On Jeans

Best pants to hide your belly - Signature by Levi Strauss & Co. Gold Label Totally Shaping Skinny Jeans | 40plusstyle.com

Signature by Levi Strauss & Co. Gold Label Totally Shaping Skinny Jeans

Find out what more what are best tummy control jeans in stores now.

Georgette in floral blazer, wide jeans and pumps | 40plusstyle.com

Georgette @grownandcurvywoman above (read her style interview here) shows off a fabulous way to print mix with her striped top and floral jacket.

Check out this similar top, blazer, wide jeans, pumps, clutch and sunglasses.

shop some of the pants to hide the belly below:

What are some your biggest challenges when it comes to finding the best pants to hide your belly?

Continue reading:

  1. How To Hide Your Belly With The Right Clothes
  2. The Best Tops To Hide Your Tummy
  3. The Best Tummy Control Jeans To Give You A Smoother Look

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The best pants and skirts to hide your belly | 40plusstyle.com
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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