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 disguise it with the right tops?
We are 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. One of the many great options to effectively disguise your tummy.
Video: how to disguise a tummy with the right clothes
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 types of tops can work for you. It’s about experimenting, trying them on, and seeing which ones work well for your silhouette and body shape. 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 to keep in mind when choosing tops to hide your belly.
There are reasons why we have 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 the neckline is flattering or embellished. For example, the NIC+ZOE top (below) draws the eyes upwards.
NIC+ZOE Rococo Soutache Embroidered Trim Top
You can also do this by using asymmetry, which confuses the eye and in addition creates a nice vertical line.
Another way to do this is to look for patterned tops.
These draw attention away from your belly, as the eye doesn’t know where to focus on a pattern, so it tends to drift 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 for draping, ruching, and fabrics that don’t cling.
The below top has two belly-disguising elements: draping and a print.
Tahari ASL Abstract Print Cowl Neck Top
The best tops to hide your belly
Now that you know what to look for in tops that 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 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 100% silk, 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.
I’m belting my kimono slightly higher than my natural waist, which creates a flattering silhouette.
Kimono vintage Dries Van Noten (similar), pants Mango (similar), booties from Russell & Bromley (similar)
Patterned and printed tops to camouflage your belly
Another good tip is to look for a top that is still dressy but has some pattern. This confuses the eye, so the shape of your tummy isn’t as defined. Prints are very effective in hiding bellies, and you should definitely consider adding a few in your wardrobe. These draw attention away from your belly, as the eye doesn’t know where to focus on a pattern, so it tends to drift around rather than looking at your tummy.
Alice + Olivia Willa Print Silk Shirt
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 décolletage instead.
Donna Karan New York Asymmetric Sleeveless Top
ELLE Collection Necklace Embellished Top
Boden Nina Embroidered Notch T-shirt
Madewell Lace Trim V-Neck Rib Top
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 draw attention to the parts of your body you like and away from those you aren’t so keen on.
Chaus Metallic Cold Shoulder Balloon Sleeve Top
EDIKTED Oversize One-Shoulder Handkerchief Hem Top
V-neck
A V-neck is a good option for disguising a tummy. The V-neck will show off your neck and décolletage drawing the eye to the upper part of the body. A v-neck can also have an elongating effect and looks flattering on many women.
Vince Cap Sleeve Stretch Silk Button-Up Shirt
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 you don’t buy them too tight. Also, be careful with 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. The fabric doesn’t have to cover your whole belly area, though, as that makes your top too long and will distort your silhouette and proportions. It’s often enough to cover only one-third of your belly area.
24seven Comfort Apparel Elbow Sleeve Swing Tunic Top
Jessica London Sheer Georgette Mega Tunic
Eileen Fisher Organic Cotton Gauze Classic Collar Shirt
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, 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 roll on your body, look for draped tops instead.
Nordstrom Single Split Sleeve Crepe Top
Loveappella Drape Asymmetric Top
Asymmetrical tops to hide your tummy
Asymmetrical tops are very effective in hiding bellies. Not only are asymmetrical tops hip and timeless, but they also do a great job in creating very flattering vertical lines. Especially those tops that start on the left and then go vertically down to the right.
Massimo Dutti 100% Linen Asymmetric Top
Open Edit Asymmetric Woven Top
Massimo Dutti Asymmetric Flowing Cape Top
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
Donna Karan New York Crinkle Sleeveless Faux Wrap 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. That doesn’t mean you can’t layer your outfits in summer. You can wear a singlet or t-shirt with a thin (linen) sleeveless vest, for example.
Or you can choose a top that is already layered. Very good at hiding bellies; they look super hip too and can be easily layered with a sleeveless vest, cardigan, or jacket. You can easily layer it with a cardigan, jacket, or sweater, but it can also be worn very stylishly on its own.
Donna Karan New York Overlap Wrap Front Top
Karen Kane V-Neck Layered Asymmetrical Tank
Kimba @kimbalikes above wears a layered top with her maxi skirt.
Steal her look with this similar layered tank top, maxi skirt, sandals, necklace and earrings.
pleated
The pleats create a draped effect and add extra material which drapes over the belly area. You’ll see that this top has one center pleat that creates a draped effect, but you could also choose tops with a series of pleats across the front.
Treasure & Bond Sleeveless Pleated Linen Blend Top
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 that has some elastic to create a waistline or a tie. Just make sure it doesn’t tie at the widest part of your tummy.
Nordstrom Draped Cap Sleeve Peplum Top
Anne Klein Shirred Faux Wrap Top
Tops with vertical stripes
I’m not someone who thinks vertical stripes are a magical solution for 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.
Caslon Drop Shoulder Tie Front Top
Loveappella Puckered Stripe Wrap Front Top
Lauren Ralph Lauren Mixed Stripe Cotton Button-Up Shirt
Ruffled or peplum tops
This is one you have to be careful with as it doesn’t work for all women. 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 that dips at your narrowest point and then skims out, or ruffles in strategic places to divert attention from your middle section, they can work.
Caslon Flutter Sleeve Pima Cotton Sweater
Nordstrom Short Sleeve Peplum Sweater
Empire waist
These work for some women but not for others. An empire waist is traditionally considered 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 generally highlights the area just below your bust, which is often the slimmest point on your torso if you have a bit of a belly.
Ramy Brook Sherry Pintuck & Lace Detail Cotton Top
Open Edit Twist Front Poplin Top
Loveappella Sleeveless Peplum 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, if you have a bit of a belly, you have a great bust. Just make sure you wear a well-fitting bra.
Lucky Brand Eyelet Embroidered Babydoll Top
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, 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.
Eileen Fisher Organic Linen Cotton Cord Long Cardigan
Eileen Fisher Organic Linen Délavé V-Neck Long Cardigan
Also read our article on how to dress if you are petite.
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 more than 2/3 of the way from the height of your shoulders to the bottom to create the nicest silhouette.
Eileen Fisher Organic Linen Cotton Cord Long Cardigan – Boden Nina Embroidered Notch T-shirt – Wit & Wisdom Wyatt Skyrise Crop Wide Leg Twill Pants – FLY LONDON Lemo Sandal – Kate Spade New York Small Deco Fine Grain Leather Tulip Top Handle Bag – Monica Vinader Large Keshi Pearl Hoop Earrings
Short jackets and cardigans will hide your belly too, but will have an overall more boxy silhouette.
Eileen Fisher Cotton Stretch Denim Classic Collar Jacket – Eileen Fisher Organic Cotton Gauze Classic Collar Shirt – Caslon Easy Wide Leg Linen Pants – FLY LONDON Lemo Sandal – Kate Spade New York Small Deco Fine Grain Leather Tulip Top Handle Bag – Monica Vinader Large Keshi Pearl Hoop 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 top to get the tummy-hiding benefit.
PER UNA BY M&S Embroidered Cotton Vest
24seven Comfort Apparel Sleeveless Long Cardigan 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.
Alex Evenings Hanky Bolero Cardigan
EDIKTED Azalia One-Shoulder Semisheer Poncho
Accouchée 4-in-1 Multipurpose Knitwear
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
If none of our strategies work to your satisfaction, you may consider shapewear. They will definitely smooth out tighter-fitting outfits or clinging fabric.
Miraclesuit Sheer Mesh Trim Underwire Shaping Bodysuit
SPANXsculpt™ GoFigure High Waist Shaper Shorts
The best brands for tops that hide the belly
When you are looking for tops to hide your tummy, we have some brand recommendations for you.
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:
- 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 Deborah @deborahgates_
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!
Many of these items don’t work if you have a belly but also a very large chest (36F-G here). They make your upper body look gigantic!!!
Any tips for large chest with a belly?
Hi Sandra, You’ll have to combine these tips with my suggestions in this article https://40plusstyle.com/how-to-dress-when-you-have-a-large-bust/
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.