You’ve obviously heard of shapewear and tummy control pants. But, have you discovered tummy control jeans yet?

If you haven’t, you may be missing out on an easy, everyday solution to give you a smoother silhouette.

Tummy control jeans feature built-in panels and special construction and stitching methods to give you the illusion of a flatter stomach.

You can also find shaping jeans especially designed for curvy women and those which smooth your thighs and behind, or which give you a curvier bottom (if that’s what you would like).

Why shaping jeans could work for you

Tummy control jeans - jeans that slim your body | 40plussyle.com

Let’s face it, ageing can bring with it not only greater wisdom, but also a few lumps and bulges that we really don’t want.

Shaping jeans can help to smooth out the parts of your body you aren’t so confident about.

And, the best thing about them, is no one has to know that your jeans are shapewear.

Read more about the best pants and skirts to fit and hide your belly.

How tummy control jeans work

Tummy control jeans vary from brand to brand, but they all feature special panels to help to smooth out the parts of your figure you aren’t so keen on and to make your stomach look flatter.

Because denim is a heavier material than your usual shaping underwear, you will find jeans can offer more support, while being comfortable as they will also feature stretchy fabric such as lycra.

Plus, they’re definitely more comfortable than wearing your spanx under your jeans.

Read about what are the best body shaper for women over 40.

High-waisted jeans

Another good idea to hold in your tummy, even if you don’t opt for specially-designed tummy control jeans, is to go for high-waist jeans, which will naturally pull your tummy in, rather than those with a low rise.

Find out what other pieces will definitely work for you to hide your belly.

Dark wash jeans

If you want to draw attention away from your tummy and smooth out your figure, choosing a dark wash will be much more forgiving.

It’s much harder to notice any “imperfections” in a darker color such as black or dark blue.

what to look out for when choosing tummy control jeans

Make sure you’re choosing the right size for you. Don’t be too caught up by what the label says as denim sizes differ vastly by brand. Choose opt for the pair that holds you in without being too tight.

You’ll want to look for jeans with stretch, and those that are especially designed to give you a smoother silhouette, whether that’s because of the way they are cut or because they feature tummy control panels.

What jeans are best to hide a tummy?

Generally, darker shades of jeans are more forgiving, and a higher waist will keep you tucked in.

What kind of jeans are best for lower belly bulge?

Choose mid to high-rise jeans with shaping panels to keep your lower belly smooth.

19 best jeans for tummy control

So, which are the best tummy control jeans and the best brands if you are looking for control top jeans? Below are some of our favorites for you to choose from.

Don’t forget to let us know in the comments below if you have your own favorite shaping jeans that you wouldn’t be without. That way we can make this article an even better resource for women looking to streamline their tummy.

1. NYDJ

NYDJ (Nordstrom, Amazon) are well known for creating denim which is designed to fit and flatter women with curves, rather than your teenage daughter.

The Marilyn high waist stretch jeans are a classic style which you will usually always find in stock.

They have lift-tuck technology which is designed to help flatten the tummy and lift up your rear.

Tummy control jeans - NYDJ Marilyn Straight Leg Jeans | 40plusstyle.com

NYDJ Marilyn Straight Leg Jeans (NYDJ, Amazon)

2. Spanx

I’m sure you’re well aware of SPANX shapewear given that it’s one of the most famous shapewear brands on the planet, worn by many A-listers when they grace the red carpet.

But, did you know SPANX also makes jeans and leggings? The Spanx jeggings (below) team the power of Spanx with the look of jeans. Wear with longer tunics and boots.

Tummy control jeans - SPANX Jean-ish Leggings | 40plusstyle.com

SPANX Jean-ish Leggings

Or, choose the wide leg style jeans (below) for an on-trend option. They pull on, and have built-in hidden “gut check” shaping panels to streamline the tummy.

Tummy control jeans - SPANX Cropped Wide-Leg Jeans | 40plusstyle.com

SPANX Cropped Wide-Leg Jeans

Find out our top picks for the best tummy control leggings and wide leg pants.

3. Levis sculpt jeans

Levis’ Sculpt range is designed to do as it says and sculpt and mold your figure with four-way stretch denim.

The shaping jeans (below) have more than 20,000, largely positive reviews. Women who have tried them say they are extremely comfortable and are figure-flattering without being tight or digging in.

Signature by Levi Strauss & Co. Gold Label Totally Shaping Straight Jeans  | 40plusstyle.com

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

4. good American

Good American builds its jeans with curves in mind. The straight jeans (below) come with a high waist to keep everything tucked in. They’re stretchy and gap-proof, so you won’t end up with the waistline gaping at the back when you bend or sit down.

Good American Good Icon Straight Super Compression Jeans | 40plusstyle.com

Good American Good Icon Straight Super Compression Jeans

5. Wit & Wisdom

Wit & Wisdom has developed ‘Ab-Solution’ technology to slim, shape and lift. The crop jeans (below) have an on-trend raw hem and they are a great length for warmer weather.

Wit & Wisdom 'Ab'Solution High Waist Raw Hem Skinny Crop Jeans | 40plusstyle.com

Wit & Wisdom ‘Ab’Solution High Waist Raw Hem Skinny Crop Jeans

6. commando

Have you discovered Commando jeans yet? They have four-way stretch to keep them super comfortable during the day and the hems have some weight to them to keep them in place so they don’t creep up.

Commando Do It All Stretch Denim Flare Leggings | 40plusstyle.com

Commando Do It All Stretch Denim Flare Leggings

7. Jen7

From 7 For All Mankind, JEN7 jeans have an enhanceME sculpting panel, which is engineered to slim and sculpt curves. We like the white jeans (below) for summer.

Jen7 Sculpting Ankle Skinny Jeans | 40plusstyle.com

Jen7 Sculpting Ankle Skinny Jeans

8. 1822 Denim

If you’re looking for a pair of skinny jeans to wear with longer tops and tunics, then take a look at the 1822 Denim pair (below) which have a mesh tummy panel.

Tummy control jeans - 1822 Denim Ab-Solve Skinny Jeans | 40plusstyle.com

1822 Denim Ab-Solve Skinny Jeans

9. democracy

Another slim leg option for you, the Democracy jeggings (below) could also be ideal to wear with your longer tunics and shirts. They have flattering Ab-solution technology to help sculpt the tummy. Wearers say they are true to size and are perfect for curvy figures.

Democracy Ab Solution Jeggings | 40plusstyle.com

Democracy Ab Solution Jeggings

10. wallflower jeans

For a classic bootcut style, the WallFlower jeans (below) are designed to hug and flatter curves. Reviewers say they have the perfect balance of stretch and tightness in all the right places.

WallFlower Luscious Curvy Bootcut | 40plussyle.com

WallFlower Luscious Curvy Bootcut

11. Vintage America

With slimming mesh panels for tummy control, the Vintage America jeans (below) also feature a hidden inner waistband for a no-gap waist. One reviewer described these as hands-down the best jeans she has ever owned.

Tummy control jeans - Vintage America Blues F'ab Body Sculpt Bootcut Jeans | 40plusstyle.com

Vintage America Blues F’ab Body Sculpt Bootcut Jeans

12. lee

If you like to wear skinny jeans, perhaps with a tunic top, try the Lee sculpting jeans (below). One reviewer said they made her feel slim and trim, while another described the sculpting high waist as awesome.

Tummy control jeans - Lee Sculpting Skinny Jeans | 40plusstyle.com

Lee Sculpting Skinny Jeans

13. angels forever young

Sitting above the hip, the Angels Forever Young jeans are designed to slim the tummy area. Reviewers say are ideal for bigger bums.

Angels Forever Young 360 Sculpt Bootcut Jeans | 40plusstyle.com

Angels Forever Young 360 Sculpt Bootcut Jeans

14. curve appeal

CURVE APPEAL’s skinny jeans are a great choice to wear with your tunics and booties or to dress up with a blazer and heeled sandals. They feature a concealed elastic waistband together with tummy tuck technology to flatten your belly, and a contoured back to add shape at the rear.

CURVE APPEAL Tummy Tucking High Rise Comfort Waist Skinny Jeans | 40plusstyle.com

CURVE APPEAL Tummy Tucking High Rise Comfort Waist Skinny Jeans

15. lane bryant

For plus size choices, Lane Bryant is a good go-to. The Lane Bryant jeans (below) feature a no-gap stretch waistband designed to keep you tucked in and to move with you to keep you comfy.

Lane Bryant Tighter Tummy Fit High-Rise Boot Jean | 40plusstyle.com

Lane Bryant Tighter Tummy Fit High-Rise Boot Jean

16. everlane

Everlane’s high-waist jeans are designed to feature your true waist, which should be where your waistline is at its slimmest. They have great reviews from women who say they have just the right amount of stretch, making them comfy to wear all day, while still holding you in.

Everlane The Curvy Way-High® Jean | 40plusstyle.com

Everlane The Curvy Way-High® Jean

17. old navy

Old Navy’s jeans (below) have clever secret-smooth front pockets to hold you in for a smoothing effect. They have a shug no-gap waist to keep you covered.

Old Navy Curvy Extra High-Waisted Wide-Leg Jeans | 40plusstyle.com

Old Navy Curvy Extra High-Waisted Wide-Leg Jeans

18. iChosy

With pull-on styling, the iChosy jeans (below) have a hidden tummy control panel. Reviewers say they are comfortable and flattering, but do run large so size down if you are between sizes.

iChosy Shaping Pull-on Skinny Jeans | 40plusstyle.com

iChosy Shaping Pull-on Skinny Jeans

19. Plus size option

Many of the jeans above also come in plus size choices. You could also try the body-sculpting skinny jeans (below) which reviewers say they are the perfect fit for curvy women.

Vintage America Blues F'ab Body Sculpt Skinny Jeans | 40plusstyle.com

Vintage America Blues F’ab Body Sculpt Skinny Jeans

shop the best tummy control jeans in stores now:

What jeans are best for a big belly?

We’re sure this article has given you lots of options for the best jeans for streamlining a tummy. Denim designers have really woken up to the fact that they need to create jeans for all shapes and sizes.

How do you hide a belly bulge in jeans?

To sum up, you’re looking for jeans with stretch, and with built-in slimming technology. It’s also best to opt for a mid or high rise, so you don’t end up with the dreaded ‘muffin top’. Plus, if you do want to create more of a slimming effect, then darker shades of blue, black or gray usually work best.

Do you already have tummy control jeans in your wardrobe? Or might you invest in some?

Continue reading:

  1. The Best Fitting Jeans For Women: Choose The Best Jeans For Your Body Type
  2. How To Wear Jeans Over 40 – Guidelines And Lots Of Ideas
  3. 14 sure-fire ways to hide the belly

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The best tummy control jeans to give you a smoother look | 40plusstyle.com

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