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How to Hide Belly Fat Over 50

By Sandra Roussy January 26, 2023 Beauty

Most women gain belly fat during menopause and well into post-menopause. Our hourglass figures give way to a heavier middle section and, sometimes, excessive belly fat. This is caused by the reduction of female hormones and the redistribution of body fat, notably in the abdominal area. Lifestyle, eating habits, and genetics may also play a factor.

It’s great if you love your body unconditionally and don’t really care about your belly fat. But, if you don’t particularly enjoy the look of your belly fat, there are simple ways to hide or camouflage it.

  1. Avoid Tight Tops
  2. Layer your clothes
  3. A-Line Tops, Wrap Tops, Crossover Tops, Ruching
  4. High-waisted Bottoms
  5. Belt High
  6. Shapewear
  7. Tummy Control Pants
  8. Tunics Over Leggings
  9. Stand Tall

Often, dieting and exercise won’t even help get rid of the belly fat. It’s simply a part of our over-50 reality, and we need to learn to accept it and live with it. That doesn’t mean that you can’t use a few tricks to wisely try to hide it. Let’s take a look at a few simple ways that you can adapt to your daily habits that will hide that belly fat.

Styling Tips and Tricks to Help Hide Belly Fat

Avoid Tight Tops

This is the main thing to remember – avoid wearing skin-tight tops if you wish to hide your belly fat. Tight and clingy tops will only accentuate your rounded mid-section.

Layers

Layered clothing items are your new best friends! Cardigans, wraps, ponchos, blazers, kimonos, and jackets are all great options to camouflage your belly.

Floral Chiffon Trim Cardigan
JEWEL BUTTON CARDIGAN
Barrel Sleeve Floral Print Duster

A-Line Tops, Wrap Tops, Crossover Tops, Ruched Details

It’s all in the details! The design of your top and the styling details can play a big role in how the top fits you.

A-line tops are your best bet. They are super comfortable and don’t hug your midsection. Wrap and crossover tops and dresses are very flattering and draw attention away from the belly.

Look for details such as vertical stitches or ruching which creates texture and an optical illusion.

Plus Size Front-Seam Tunic Sweater
Plus Size Asymmetrical Top
Faux-Wrap Cowl-Neck Sweater
Printed Faux-Wrap Blouse

High-Waisted Bottoms

High-waisted pants are back in style, and we are here for it! Choose pants and skirts that have a waist about or over your belly button. They will help tuck your belly in.

THE PERFECT CHINOS
TAFFETA FIT & FLARE SKIRT

Belt Above Your Waist

Don’t shy away from belts because you have belly fat. Wear this accessory higher than where you typically wear it to emphasize the smaller part of your midsection: right below your bust at your ribcage.

Double Buckle Thin Waist Belt

Double Buckle Thin Waist Belt

Shapewear

Shapewear has become very popular with women of all ages. Brands like Spanx and Skims for example have booming businesses and offer an array of control underwear.

Tummy Control Pants

Like shapewear, tummy control pants can help tuck in belly fat. Jeans, pants, and even leggings offer tummy-control front panels that will help you breathe better. No need to suck it in, the pants do it for you!

Marilyn Straight Pants Sculpt-Her™ Collection
Plus Size Tummy-Control Pull-On

Tunics Over Leggings

I love this timeless look. It’s a look that is modern and versatile and that you can wear in all seasons. Be careful not to wear an oversized tunic or a blouse that is too long because this can make you look larger than you really are. A-line tunics and button-down long shirts look great over leggings.

Organic Cotton Slubby Rib Knit Crew Neck Top
Draped Cowl-Neck Tunic

Stand Tall

Last but not least, be aware of your posture. Posture plays a huge role in how we project ourselves to the world. Holding yourself upright with your shoulders back will not only help tuck in some belly fat but will also give you a boost of confidence.

stand tall

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Do you have belly fat that you wish you didn’t have? What do you do to hide it? Do you have more style tricks to share with our community? Tell us about it in the comments below.

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6 Comments
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Judith

IIt is not only inappropriate but actually a waste of time to show all the otfits on tall skinny women

Kay

I was actually thinking the opposite. Why all the plus size photos? Folks do have belly fat at 120pounds. So items not plus size would be wonderful. What are there, like one item that I can even buy not for fat to begin with.

Gina

I agree with Judith; I was thinking the same. What good does it do me, short with a belly I didn’t have until following a midlife pregnancy then compounded by the onset of menopause. While I am not plus size, I am a far cry from tall and slim and I find it offensive to see long and lean model bodies. I’d far prefer real women with real menopause tummies showing me what I can wear so as to not look fat and frumpy.

Marie

I like the tips, but why are most of the ladies in the photos thin, with flat tummies?

Jamie comfort

Agreed they are thing which doesn’t show true results..its upsetting and honestly offensive to us who are overweight and seriously seeking real advice

Last edited 1 year ago by Jamie comfort
A Shively

Thanks for these great reminders of how to dress around ‘the tum’. So true, if I were to diet enough to lose this rounded tummy, I would look haggard elsewhere, so a practical way around the reality of menopause weight gain – thanks again!

The Author

Sandra is the middle-aged woman you hear about who sheds everything she owns and sets out into the world to rediscover and redefine herself. After more than twenty years spent in the fashion industry designing collections for brands such as La Senza, Victoria’s Secret, and JACOB Lingerie, she shifted her path and pursued her longtime passion for writing, traveling, and photography. Sandra was published in the NY Times best selling book Eat Pray Love Made Me Do It. A deeply personal essay hand-picked by Elizabeth Gilbert about loss, facing fears, and going after dreams. Visit her website: www.sandraroussy.com

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