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 I’m 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.
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.
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.
Or, you can 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.
Jenny (above) wears a top that could be good for hiding a belly as it shows off the shoulders, has a pattern and drapes over the tummy rather than clings.
Check out this similar halter top, jeans, sandals and woven handbag.
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.
Tray (above) opts for a tiered top that drapes over the tummy.
Get her look with this similar tunic top, pants, pumps and clutch.
The best tops to hide your belly
Now that I 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 I’ve updated all of these tops for spring and summer as many of you are now heading towards the warmer months of the year.
I’ve also been inspired by some of the spring and summer trends for 2021. 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.
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.
Kim (above) chooses a print, high-low top.
Recreate her outfit with this similar printed top, pants, sandals and necklace.
I’m currently loving this top (below) from Halogen.
It’s great to wear on its own, doesn’t cling and can easily be layered with a jacket or cardigan too.
Embellished tops to hide your tummy
You can use embelished tops to draw the 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.
This embroidered tee below doesn’t cling and does a great job focusing the eye upwards to the shoulder rather than to the belly.
Romwe floral embroidery cuffed tee
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 pullover will draw attention upwards, and would look lovely styled with jeans for a casual look, or with a midi skirt.
Janet (above) wears a to that shows off her shoulder and which drapes over the tummy.
Get her look with this similar top, jeans and sandals.
Treasure & Bond one-shoulder pullover
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.
Made by Johnny V-neck dolman top
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 have some draping or ruching.
Bev (above) chooses a top which draws the attention upwards because of the open neckline. It has pintucks at the top and skims over the tummy.
Recreate her outfit with this similar blouse, jeans, sandals, earrings and sunglasses.
This asymmetrical hemline flowy tunic (below) drapes beautifully and has a few hiding belly assets all in one.
It has a beautiful drape and is asymmetric.
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.
This Karen Kane top (below) drapes over the belly thanks to the faux wrap styling.
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.
Deborah (above) chooses a flattering, draped tunic.
Steal her look with this similar asymmetrical tunic, pants, booties and earrings.
This asymmetrical tunic below is a flattering style.
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 drapes nicely over your belly and hides it perfectly. It’s not too long so will not cut your body in half.
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.
Mimi (above) ties her belt at the slimmest point under her bust.
Check out this maxi skirt that you can wear with this similar tie-waist blouse, sandals, handbag, necklace and sunglasses.
There´s another belted option from Amazon (below) which features a v-neck and draping.
pleated
A top with pleats like the scoop neck choice from Amazon (below) could be another good choice. The pleats create a draped effect and add extra material which drapes over the belly area.
Yidarton scoop neck pleated 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.
Jennifer (above) chooses a black-and-white striped shirt and adds a pop of color with her yellow bag.
Steal her look with this similar shirt, cardigan, pants, booties, handbag and earrings.
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 more wide – 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.
Below is a tunic with an empire waist
Ruffled or peplum tops
This is one you have to be careful with.
Choose the ruffle in the “wrong” place and it can actually emphasize your belly rather than disguise it.
You can either opt for a ruffle which 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.
Suzie (above) chooses a peplum where the peplum detailing starts above her tummy.
Check out this similar peplum top, jeans, pumps, bag and earrings.
Choose tops that emphasize your bust
Do choose tops which emphasize your bust rather than your waistline like this tunic from Amazon (below).
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.
Made by Johnny baby doll tunic
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, they are very effective in lengthening and slimming too.
Fonda (above) wears a long cardigan over her checked top.
Check out this similar plaid top, cardigan, leggings, booties, earrings and hat.
Made by Johnny long open front 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.
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.
Amazon open front cardigan – Timeson layered chiffon tank – Wit & Wisdom skinny jeans – L’Amour des Pieds sandal – Nordstrom leather crossbody bag – Vince Camuto beaded long pendant necklace
Short straight cardigans will hide your belly too, but will have an overall more boxy silhouette.
You could also choose
Levi’s faux leather moto jacket – LARACE swing tunic top – AG skinny jeans – A.S.98 sandal – Rebecca Minkoff leather bag – Vince Camuto beaded long pendant necklace
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.
For more options on wearing vests, you may like to check out this article on how to wear a long vest.
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.
This super affordable sleeveless vest from MBJ can be combined with many tops and will look great over skinny pants and jeans.
It has the benefit of being asymmetrical too which makes it even more flattering.
Made by Johnny sleeveless vest cardigan
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 more chic and they are an easy layering piece.
If you are looking for a lightweight topper for warmer weather, or to wear over a little black dress for dinner or a party, you could try a kimono style.
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 convertible camisole
The best brands for tops that hide the belly
Karen Kane embroidered side-slit tunic
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.
Stella Carakasi: lots of non-clingy asymmetric tunics. **Enter the coupon code 40PLUS15 for an extra 15% off all orders and receive free shipping in the US! One use per customer.
Covered Perfectly: Pauline wanted to hide her belly effectively and decided to create her own tops. Lots of great options here. There is a special line for plus size women too. ** Special offer for 40+ style readers, use 40+ at checkout for 20% off!
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.
Rachel Roy Collection: Extensive range of draped, wrap, print and tunic tops.
What is your favorite top to hide your belly? Do you have any favorite brands? I’d love to hear your own recommendations.
Further reading:
- How to hide your belly with the right clothes
- How to look taller and slimmer
- How to dress for the apple body shape
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Feature image by Tray
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QVC has just started offering some items in sizes to 4x and 5x to be more inclusive. Their pants often come in Petite, Regular, and Tall lengths. They charge shipping, usually $3.50 per item, but will give free shipping on exchanges. I find that plus size with petite length is one of the most difficult combinations to shop for, and have been doing more shopping online since COVID started.
I have never been one to wear patterns. Now that I have a bit of a belly due to being disabled I realize tops with pattern and draping do a excellent job in hiding a belly. All your suggestions are great! Thank you!
Excellent article. One point of consideration, small framed people have bellies too. I inherited mine from my mom. I am a 36C Bust, and my belly extends past my breasts.
I’m so greatful for the ideas given to camouflage an apple shape. Due to illness and meds my weight puts me into size 30/32. Any sites that carry a TRUE size 30/32…~55 inch waist Apple shape (so embarrassing) that meet your suggestions? I’d be sooo greatful.
Roamans and Just My Size do, woman withing and Jessica London and Ellos. As always check their inches but most of these run true to size or big!
Is it o.k. for plus size apple shape to wear leggings with tunics?
What is a reasonably priced brand of leggings?
Are prints Adviseable ? If so large or small print? Light or dark background ? My friend wears and loves the Lularoe comfort and style ? Would Lularoe suit a 5’8″ size 22 apple shape?
Yes, that can be a good look. For tips on what tops work best check https://40plusstyle.com/how-to-dress-the-apple-body-shape/
I give recommendations for good leggings at https://40plusstyle.com/how-to-wear-leggings-over-40-an-extensive-guide/
Prints can be used but I would keep the top very neutral when you wear those.
I’m not familiar with Lularoe.
You would need the Lularoe TC2 and they are AMAZING.
I love your article about hiding the belly. I am a pear shape body type. When I find tops that fall below or around my hips to hide my belly; these tops hang and accent my hips. Yuck. Any advice on the measurement of the top that hides the belly and takes the bottom of the top away from the hip line? I am 5.2″ and a size 8. Thanks..
Yes, you want to avoid splitting your body in 2 and stick to a more 2/3 – 1/3 ratio. The correct lengths of top is something we discuss in detail in our course and style club and it’s different for every woman. Join us in the FREE Find Your Style Challenge https://40plusstyle.com/join where you will learn more about this.
Great suggestions. Have you come across lines of clothing for petites but in larger sizes? I take 14-16 and I am 5’1”. Regular size 14-16’s are not proportioned for my short height. I love dressing in pants and tops in matching color with striped or print open top, such as vest or long cardi. Gives long line without revealing my large waist and “love handles”. So difficult to find properly proportioned clothing with also being short-waisted. Suggestions?
Thank you Nancy – I find Nordstrom can be easiest to shop as you can narrow down by petites and plus size. If anyone else has good suggestions, please leave them in the comments!!
Great suggestions, Sylvia. Hiding a tummy isn’t always easy. Thank you for sharing these tips.
You’re very welcome. Glad you found it helpful. It can definitely be tricky. It’s really about playing around with different styles and creating a different focal point to find tips and tricks which work for you.
I have a very large belly and very thin legs. I don’t wear dresses because of my belly and thin legs. I wish I knew what type of dresses that would help both problems. I can’t find pants that would fit my (waist ) and thin legs. Chico use to carry a line that addressed this problem but they no longer carry this line.
Why don’t you use models with small hips, thin legs, and large bellies? I’d like to see how the clothes and tops look on women that are less shapely.
I do enjoy this site.
Dresses that fit loose around and the belly and go wider at the bottom would work really well for you. We don’t have the budget to feature our own models so we are often limited to my own photos or those of brands. You can read more about that at https://40plusstyle.com/fabulous-40-plus-women/
I I have severaproblems finding clothes, first I have shrunk to 4ft. 11in. And am bigger at bottom than top ,most alltops are way to long for myself and I wear 2xx but sometimes they are to big at top and not big enough in stomach area according to material, another problem is I need high necks like mock turtlenecks or something that covers back of neck as my severe arthritis can’t stand air to get to my neck because of pain. I wish I could find a really good seamstress that doesn’t charge an arm and leg to make my clothes .pants &jeans in short or petite are also sometimes to long also. Do you have any suggestions
As you mention the right lengths are important, so I would suggest to buy fewer pieces but better ones and use the savings to have them alter so that they’re perfect for you. We can offer you personal help through the 40+StyleClub (https://40plusstyleclub.com)
I love long shirt not clingy, not a fan of t shirts, I have big chest as well, I ll love to be able to tuck shirt like on a loose linen pants which I love , sometime I do and I feel very conscious about it, when it comes to choose pants or jeans, I like mid rise enough to cover my huge muffin top,
My biggest problem is finding the right pants, the jeans today have so much stretch that my problem is with in a hour of getting dressed they are rolled down my belly. Im just not sure what to look for, even in dress pants.. I am 5’3 and between a 18/20 plus size. The pants just roll down my belly..
I think it comes down to quality and getting a high enough rise (so the pants cover your belly). I’ve been very happy with Paige jeans. Not cheap but (to me) worth every penny. https://40plusstyle.com/how-to-wear-jeans-over-40-some-guidelines-and-ideas/ Elastic pants can help too (again, quality matters). Find more tops on that at https://40plusstyle.com/the-best-pants-and-skirts-to-fit-and-hide-your-belly/
Hi Sylvia,
Thank you for the useful tips on how to hide my tummy. I do love the layered tops especially floaty fabrics as find these do disguise it better for me wish I could find some that are not sleeveless to help hide my bingo wings. I’m not sure about the asymmetrical tops never thought about wearing them before. I do find that looking for stylish tops to help hide my tummy hard to find especially when your 5’2 and a size 18. I would love to find something that would help give the illusion that I’m taller not keen on very high heels though. I love your blog
Kind Regards
Kathryn
Welcome Kathryn! You may find this article on how to look taller interesting https://40plusstyle.com/how-to-look-taller-and-slimmer/
Wow Sylvia so much remarkable information about hiding the tummy. Some I do but some I don’t. No more shirts for me. I will be getting suit jackets and vests that give a heightened look. Sylvia if I spend as much time watching g what I put in my mouth as I do trying to camouflage my excess weight I will delete a few pounds. Thanks graciously for your generous brilliant tips
Thanks Arlene. Great to read, you found this useful 🙂
Still difficult. I want to hide my upper arms too. Most of the sleeveless tops won’t look as nice if you cover them with a cardigan or such.
Greetje
I find kimonos are a great option! Wish has the most awesome ones.. lots of beautiful colors.. tassels.. lace.. So much variety. I have lots of them from wish and the prices are great. Just be mindful that you may have to go up a few sizes as I did. Great for covering tops of arms as well.
I hate to say it but from the moment I turned 50 I had a belly! I hate it. So these tips come in very handy for me! Thank you.
These are wonderful ideas! All of which I used to hide my lovely love handles! Thanks for the tips! – Amy
http://stylingrannymama.com/
Hiding a tummy can be tricky Sylvia.
Lots of tops can make the matter worse (despite being sold to us as a solution).
After 3 HUGE babies I have a few tricks up my sleeve :oP.
The long line vest over a slim outfit is the perfect cover-up.
Thank you for these tips and tricks!!
XXX
Samantha
http://www.fakefabulous.com
Hi Sam,
You said the Long line vest … have you got a picture to show that it fits perfect?
Thanks
Lori Goldstein QVC, Umgee t shirts
Hi I never posted before but have been reading your blog for awhile and love it. About hiding your tummy with certain tops, I find that if I go for the floaty, drapey tops make me look pregnant because I’m not small breasted. I can’t wear those loose tops that stick out from my boobs. I turn sideways and I really do look pregnant! I try to find tops that are not tight but don’t have too much material that is loose either. It’s not easy to find the right top for me. I like cardigans and especially the longer ones. I layer them over a tank top or cami. If you have any other suggestions, I’d appreciate it. Thanks Arlene from NJ (I don’t have a blog)
More tips here https://40plusstyle.com/how-to-hide-your-belly/ and of course many more in the style club next month 🙂
I’m in the same boat as you. 🙁
I am so glad to read that I am not by myself. It is so depressing when you are accustomed to being a size 7. Then life kicks in and you wake up with DDD breast and a belly, that looks as if you are 6 or 7 months pregnant. I don’t know what to do. I just know I cannot tolerate seeing my belly. Especially from the side view. Thank you Arlene for your guidance. I am on a major budget due to my disability. Can you please give more suggestions on clothes for those on a budget? Again thank you for all that you do!! FDC
Great to read that this was helpful. I would recommend shopping at Amazon. Very affordable and you will be able to find similar tops as discussed in this article.
Old Navy.com has some styles that could work and they have great sales all the time with some fantastic prices.
Same here. Large breast make the blouse protrude up top and so the fabric falls straight down from there and not a good look what so ever.
Wow from my thoughts to Your words. Thx
I like the ease of shopping at JJill on line for their many misses tops which hide the belly. XL tops come in 30 inches long Wherever has multiple pieces ready to go.