How to Hide Belly Fat Over 50
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 what if you want to hide or camouflage your belly fat? Here are a few simple styling tips and tricks you can try.
- Avoid Tight Tops
- Layer your clothes
- A-Line Tops, Wrap Tops, Crossover Tops, Ruching
- High-waisted Bottoms
- Belt High
Keep reading to explore 13 practical ways to style your outfits to help conceal belly fat, with examples for each tip.
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.
Read more: Is Insulin Resistance the Culprit Behind Your 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.
Organic Cotton Linear Stitch Duster
ID Ideology Plus Size Comfort Cardigan
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.
Anne Klein Plus Size Printed Smocked-Cuff Wrap Top
I.N.C. International Concepts Plus Size Cuffed Surplice Blouse, Exclusively at Macy’s
Style & Co Plus Size Pintuck Blouse, Exclusively at Macy’s
Chico’s Off-the-Shoulder Denim Top
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.
Talbot’s Classic Linen Wide Crop Pants
And Now This Trendy Plus Size High-Rise Seamed Front Jeans, Exclusively at Macy’s
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.
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!
Plus Size Tummy-Control Pull-On
Gloria Vanderbilt Tummy-Control Pull-On Slim Trousers, Regular, Short & Long
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.
Linen Embroidered V-Neck Tunic
I.N.C. International Concepts Plus Size Linen-Blend Tunic, Exclusively at Macy’s
What Are the Best Fabrics for Hiding Belly Fat?
The fabric you wear matters as much as the cut. Lightweight, drapey materials like rayon, bamboo, and modal skim over the body instead of clinging to it. Heavier knits like ponte or double jersey offer structure without bulk, while avoiding shiny or overly stretchy fabrics (like clingy polyester blends) can keep the focus off your midsection. Look for fabric that flows without adding volume.
Can Accessories Help Shift the Focus?
Yes, the right accessories can bring attention to your face and away from your midsection. Try:
- Statement necklaces or earrings
- Colorful scarves worn around the neck
kate spade new york Magazine Bandana Silk Scarf
- Crossbody bags worn slightly higher on the hip or shoulder bags to create balance
Style & Co Webbing Strap Small Sling Bag, Exclusively at Macy’s
- Shoes in bright or metallic tones to draw the eye downward
LifeStride Geneva Closed Round Toe Platform Penny Loafers
Is It Time to Rethink Your Bra?
A well-fitting bra can subtly lift your entire silhouette and make a difference in how your tops fall over your belly. Many women over 50 wear bras that don’t offer enough support, which can lead to a droopier look and add visual weight. Consider a fitting at a lingerie boutique or choose bras with wide side bands and strong lift.
Read more: Minimizer Bras for Women Over 60.
How to Use Prints and Color Blocking Strategically?
Color blocking with darker shades at the midsection and lighter or brighter colors at the top or hem can shift focus and slim the torso. Diagonal color panels or side panels in a contrasting color can also visually shave off inches.
Vince Camuto Plus Size Colorblocked Crewneck Sweater
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.
A Final Note on Confidence and Representation
Let’s be honest, this article isn’t about telling anyone what they should or shouldn’t wear. It’s about offering ideas for women who choose to dress in ways that downplay their belly area and want to feel more comfortable and confident doing so. We’re not here to shame anyone’s body. In fact, we celebrate the beauty and individuality of every woman, at every age and every size.
Also, a quick note about the images shown throughout the article. All of the product photos are taken directly from retailer websites. The models featured may not represent the body shapes or specific concerns we’re talking about here, but the clothing items themselves can still be great tools for the styling tips we’ve discussed.
At the end of the day, what matters most is how you feel in your clothes. Whether you choose to show off your curves or play them down, you deserve to feel good every time you get dressed.
Read more: 5 Mistakes with Belly Fat Women over 55 Need to Avoid.
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.
I am a 64 year old woman, 5’tall with 143lb, skinny arms and legs, my face is not chubby, most of my weight is on my tummy and around my waist, I do not consider my self to be a plus size, but nothing I wear looks good on me and I am really looking for a good advice of what to wear.
IIt is not only inappropriate but actually a waste of time to show all the otfits on tall skinny women
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.
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.
I like the tips, but why are most of the ladies in the photos thin, with flat tummies?
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
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!