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. For example, the lace neckline top (below) draws the eyes upwards. Reviewers say it goes well with any pair of pants.
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.
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, like on the draped tunic top (below), which reviewers say is stylish and comfy.
DJT Tie Dyed Hankerchief Hemline Tunic Top
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 winter and fall as many of you are now heading towards the warmer months of the year.
I’ve also been inspired by some of the fall and winter trends for 2022. 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.
It’s great to wear on its own, doesn’t cling and can easily be layered with a jacket or cardigan too.
Stella Carakasi Illusion Tunic
Cestyle Cowl Neck Asymmetrical Hemline Tunic Top
Kimba @kimbalikes above opts for an animal print top that she wears over her jeans.
Recreate her outfit with this similar leopard printed top, jeans, flats and sunglasses.
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. The Karen Millen top (below) draws attention to your face and bust, while the peplum styling helps to disguise a tummy.
Karen Millen Embellished Peplum Dip Hem Bandage Knit Top
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 top will draw attention upwards, and would look lovely styled with jeans for a casual look, or with a midi skirt.
Simlu Banded Waistband Off The Shoulder Top
Sharryn @thestylishwoman above (read her style interview here) opts for a look that would be perfect to draw attention away from your tummy area. Instead, you can see that you look at her neckline, and her statement earrings draw the eye to her face.
Steal her look with this similar top, pants, sneakers, handbag and earrings.
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.
NINEXIS Crossover Side Wrap Surplice 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.
This Stella Carakasi tunic (below) drapes beautifully and has a few hiding belly assets all in one.
It has a beautiful drape and is asymmetric. You can unbutton the neckline to the most flattering effect for you.
Sara @style_designco above wears her long denim shirt over jeans.
Gt her look with this similar denim top, jeans, sneakers, crossbody bag and earrings.
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 LARACE top (below) drapes over the belly thanks to handkerchief styling. Reviewers say it is flowy and runs true to size.
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, and the darker color helps to take the attention away from your belly.
Karen Kane Colorblock Asymmetric Top
When the weather cools down, you could look out for a sweater with an asymmetric style.
BTFBM Turtleneck Asymmetric Hem Oversized Sweater
Deborah @deborahgates_ above (read her style interview here) chooses an all-black outfit and adds a pop of color with her signature red lipstick. You’ll find more inspiration in this article on how to wear black over 40.
Get her look with this similar tunic top, pants, sandals and earrings.
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.
Umgee Layered Cuffed Sleeve Tunic
crossover
Or, you could try a crossover style like the Karen Kane top (below).
Karen Kane Crossover Hem Tie Top
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.
Or, you could try the pleated, henley style (below), which comes in lots of different color choices. Reviewers say it is flattering and high-quality.
Halife Henley Pleated Tunic Top
For warmer weather, you could opt for a pleated sleeveless top like the chiffon blouse (below).
Timeson Sleeveless Chiffon Blouse
Fonda @savvysouthernchic above chooses a top that features lace and ruffling at the top, while skimming over the belly with an empire style.
Check out this similar top, crop pants, mules, crossbody bag and hoop earrings.
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 belted option from Amazon (below) features a v-neck and draping. To add a little extra glamour, you could add a lace camisole underneath.
ACEVOG Lightweight Draped Cardigan
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.
Stella Carakasi Crossroads Tunic
Timeson Chiffon 3/4 Sleeve Blouse
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 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.
GRACE KARIN Wrap Peplum Blouse
Jennifer @iamjenniferhicks above wears her striped peplum top with her jeans.
Check out this similar top (other options here and here), jeans (plus size option), booties, handbag, necklace 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.
SoTeer Empire Waist Pleated Tunic Top
LOMON Smocked Long Sleeve Tunic Top
Choose tops that emphasize your bust
Do choose tops that 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.
If you have a bigger bust take a look at the best bras for large breasts that are stylish and supportive.
Two in one top
You could choose a shirt that features knitwear and a shirt in one.
Stella Carakasi Two In One Chameleon
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.
Stella Carakasi Go To Cardigan
The open front cardigan (below) also features draping, which is a good tummy-hiding mechanism. One reviewer says she loves the style so much she bought it in 11 different colors.
Urban CoCo Drape Front Open 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.
JJ Perfection Open Front Long Cardigan – Timeson Chiffon Layered Top – rag & bone Wren High Waist Ankle Slim Jeans – Delicious Adena Block Heel Bootie – HOBO Darling Leather Crossbody Bag – Rosemarie Collections Ombre Polished Resin Set
Short jackets and cardigans will hide your belly too, but will have an overall more boxy silhouette.
Smart Range Mila Kunis Biker Leather Jacket – COS Macramé Shirt – bone Wren High Waist Ankle Slim Jeans – JOY IN LOVE Low Heels Pump – HOBO Darling Leather Crossbody Bag – COACH Chubby C Crystal Stud Earrings
Jona @the50plusgirl above wears a shorter cardigan over her long black shirt.
Get her look with this similar shirt, cardigan, pants, booties, bag and sunglasses.
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.
This Stella Carakasi vest 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.
Stella Carakasi Take Note Vest
Kylie @kylish_aus above wears a long vest over her pleated top and jeans.
Steal her look with this similar blouse, long vest, pants and booties.
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 more chic and they are an easy layering piece.
CHICWISH Open Front Knit Coat Cardigan
Romwe Waterfall Collar Wrap Coat Cardigan
Or, you could choose a draped or asymmetrical poncho like the options below.
Josephine @chicatanyage (read her style interview here) adds a colorful touch to her black outfit with her poncho and gloves.
Check out this similar sweater, poncho, pants, slip-on sneakers and leather gloves.
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 Convertible Camisole
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.
Stella Carakasi: lots of non-clingy asymmetric tunics. **Enter the coupon code 40PLUS15 for an extra 10% off all orders and receive free shipping in the US! One use per customer.
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.
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:
- How To Hide Your Belly With The Right Clothes
- How To Look Taller And Slimmer
- How To Dress For The Apple Body Shape
Like this post on the best tops to hide your tummy? Share it on Pinterest!
Feature image by Jennifer @iamjenniferhicks
Want to get more articles from 40+style in your inbox, subscribe here.
You can also connect with 40+style on Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest.
Support 40+style by using the links in our articles to shop. As an associate for Amazon and many other brands, we receive a small commission (at no cost to you) on qualifying purchases which enables us to keep creating amazing free content for you. Thanks!
Thank you very much for your advices that are helpful and to the point.
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.