How To Hide A Tummy Over 40

The only time I truly loved my tummy was when I was pregnant. Then, there was a beautiful reason for the roundness. The rest of my life, I just kind of tolerated it. It wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t flat, either.

And then menopause hit. And while I’m still slim, my waistline has expanded and so has my tummy.

Of course it’s all relative. Some women, like me, are dealing with a little pooch, while others are challenged with more shape and fullness through the tummy area (what is sometimes referred to as an apple shape).

Whatever the cause or the size, I think there’s a strategy in today’s video that will help you minimize the appearance of your tummy using clothes. No situps required.

Types of Tummies

There are many causes for tummy bulge, from IBS and stress tummy to “meno” belly and weight gain and postpartum belly to heredity.

And now, some strategies for concealing your tummy using clothes.

Define Your Waist

If your waist is at all defined (meaning you have an indentation somewhere along your torso), it might work to try and highlight that indentation with clothes. This works for many women, regardless of size. You may find that the indentation on your body is higher or lower than you think, so play around with where you draw the line.

Add An Outer Layer

Adding a cardigan, blazer, or other layer, especially in a contrasting color, can visually slim your body vertically, creating the appearance of a smaller waistline.

Keep Tops Short

This might sound counterintuitive, but the ideal spot for a top to hit to camouflage a larger belly is often just below the belly bulge. You want the top to hit at the base of your belly area to minimize it without creating a tentlike effect that a tunic can have.

Try A Small Pattern

Solids, particularly in light colors, can highlight bumps. A small pattern is a visual distraction and minimizes the appearance of a tummy.

Try A High Waisted Style

Skip shapewear and create the appearance of a flatter tummy using a pair of high-waisted pants. Brands like Wit & Wisdom Ab-Solution (available at Nordstrom) and Spanx offer tummy-taming panels, but any high-waisted style will help. If you have a shorter torso, like I do, the high waist should probably hit your belly button and not much higher.

Focus on Fabulous Undergarments

Make comfortable smoothing underwear an everyday thing, and you’ll have the gently shaping effect without discomfort, and feel better in your clothes. A truly supportive bra is also essential, because it’s critical to create that space between your bust and your belly. Women over 40 should get a bra fitting every year.

Pick The Best Dress Silhouette

The right dress can flatter your entire body while downplaying your tummy. Try the following styles: Wrap (if tied at the small part of your waist – see pic), Smocked Waist (best on smaller bellies), Peplum, A-Line, Ruched Styles, Shift Dresses, Empire Styles, and those with Built-In Shapewear.

Styles to Skip

Some clothing styles simply highlight a less-than-flat belly. You might want to pass on these.

I hope these strategies help you downplay the tummy area and wear your clothes with more confidence. Which of these did you find the most helpful? Let me know in the comments!