If you’re not happy with your tummy area, shopping for dresses can be really challenging. Some dresses just don’t hide a belly well. But the good news is, there are many styles out there that can help. Here, we’ll show you some of the best dresses to hide your tummy.
Whether you need a formal dress or something more casual that flatters the tummy area, you’ll find plenty of options and ideas.
While this guide focuses on tummy-flattering dresses, remember that there are many other clothes that can help hide your tummy. Also, check out our tips on how to hide your belly with the right clothes.
Lingerie and Undergarments for Your Dresses
The right lingerie and undergarments can make a huge difference in how your dress looks on you. Even the best tummy-hiding dress will look better with proper underwear. Depending on the occasion, whether it’s casual comfort or a special event, make sure your bra and panties fit well and create smooth lines underneath your dress. Shapewear is an option for special occasions but choose underwear that doesn’t show any lines and ideally covers your tummy.
Shapewear Is An Option
You don’t need to wear shapewear every day, but for special occasions, it can help tuck in your tummy. Consider options like the Spanx body shaping shorts that slim your thighs and provide a lift for your rear.
Best Dresses to Hide Your Tummy
You don’t always need shapewear; some dresses are designed to hide the belly on their own. The key is choosing dresses that skim over, rather than cling to, the areas you want to downplay.
Wrap Dress
A wrap dress is flattering for most body shapes. The V-neck draws the eyes upwards, and you can adjust the belt to hide your tummy. For a formal look, try a satin faux wrap dress that draws attention to your bust while downplaying your tummy.
Dresses with Prints
Patterns can help disguise a belly by drawing the gaze up, down, and around, away from any bulge. Opt for dresses with prints and high-low hems for an even better effect.
Tunic and Legging Combo
Layering is great for hiding your tummy. A flowy tunic or trapeze dress over leggings can work wonders. Just make sure the leggings have tummy control to create a more streamlined silhouette.
Vertical Pattern Dresses
Vertical stripes are slimming because they draw the eye up and down. Avoid horizontal stripes that add width.
Shift Dress
Shift dresses in natural fabrics won’t cling in the wrong places. They’ll skim over your midsection and flaunt your legs.
Draw Attention to Your Neckline
By emphasizing your neckline, you draw attention away from your tummy. Dresses with embellishments around the neck or colorful statement necklaces over plain dresses work well.
Shirt Dress
Shirt dresses can hide a belly and work double duty as coats. They can be worn with or without a belt, and you can adjust where you tie the belt for the best look.
Asymmetric Elements
Asymmetrical dresses create vertical and diagonal lines, giving a slimming illusion. They are stylish and help draw attention away from your tummy.
Layering Your Dress
Adding stylish layers over your dress can camouflage your tummy. For instance, wear a long sleeveless vest over your dress to create a slimming effect.
Empire Waist Dress
Empire waist dresses draw attention to the slimmest part of your torso, just below the bust, and then skim over your belly.
Frills or Ruffles
Carefully placed frills or ruffles can hide your tummy. Make sure they draw the eye upwards or downwards, not across.
Drapes
The right kind of drape can hide a belly. Look for dresses with draping that doesn’t add bulk.
Trapeze Dresses
Trapeze or swing-style dresses are flattering because they skim over the tummy without clinging.
Puff Sleeve Dresses
Puff sleeves are trendy but be careful where the sleeves end. If the sleeves end at the bust line, they can draw attention there instead of your belly.
Belted Dresses
Don’t shy away from belted dresses. Just make sure to tie the belt at your slimmest point.
Pleated Dresses
Pleats create vertical lines and allow the dress to fall loosely, which can help hide a belly.
Blouson Dresses
Blouson dresses can make your top half look larger and your tummy smaller.
Formal Dresses
For formal events, look for dresses with flattering overlays or structured layers to hide your tummy.
Party Dresses
For parties, you can wear an embellished mini dress with leggings, or choose longer dresses with tie waists and flattering necklines.
Sweater Dresses
Sweater dresses should be in a soft, draping knit rather than a clinging one. They can be worn over leggings or pants.
Summer Dresses
For warmer weather, choose wide, drapy summer dresses. Empire waist and kaftan dresses are good options.
Brands to Look Out For
Some brands offer particularly good options for hiding a tummy. These include Alex Evenings, Eileen Fisher, Karen Kane, Boden, COS, and Massimo Dutti.
Shop the Best Dresses
Check out the dresses recommended here and experiment to see what works best for you. You’ll feel more confident once you find the styles that work for your body shape.