No matter a woman's body shape or size, one common issue many face is the muffin top. While having some midsection fat is natural, a muffin top can affect self-confidence and clothing choices. This problem isn't age-specific and can be more noticeable in younger women who prefer tighter clothes. But fret not, as we've compiled a guide to help you tackle this issue effectively
Try Shapewear
The easiest fix for an unruly muffin top is to put on shapewear underneath the clothes you plan to wear. In the case of dresses or skirts, a good choice would be to wear a control top sheer hosiery. These stockings create a smooth and firm silhouette from the tummy down to the legs or thighs so you can be sure you look great on any important occasion. For people looking to focus on shaping the waist up, camisoles and full-body shapewear are also available. There are also butt-boosting styles that can be found in certain control top hosiery and full-body shapewear.
Regardless of the shapewear you end up buying, remember to get it in a comfortable size. Check that you don’t have bulging in areas where the shapewear ends and your skin begins, such as the thigh areas in full-body shapewear. Most people have the notion that shapewear is uncomfortable, but recent improvements in shapewear design have resulted in breathable and comfortable pieces, whether you prefer hosiery, camisoles, or full-body shapewear.
Double Check the Fit of Your Jeans
Women often are clueless as to what type of jeans fit them best, especially when it comes down to the cut or fit. A good rule to follow is this: straight body types need straight fit jeans while curvy types need curvy jeans. These fitting terminologies refer to what is happening toward the top of the garment (as in the waist and hip area), not the bottom (the leg area). Straight-fit jeans have a smaller difference between the waist and hip measurements while curvy fits have a bigger difference between the waist and hip.
If you are familiar with your body type, apple- and rectangle-shaped bodies usually match better with jeans that have a straight fit. On the other hand, jeans of curvy fit are often better suited for pear- and hourglass-shaped bodies. Nevertheless, a trip to the store to fit the jeans yourself will help you figure out the cuts that work best to hide your muffin top. It is wise to choose jeans that fit well but have a bit of stretch in the waistband to avoid causing excess body fat in your midsection to spill over.
Try Out High-Rise Jeans
If you are a huge fan of low-rise jeans, trying out mid- or high-rise jeans may not feel like your cup of tea. However, you should know that higher rise jeans can provide some sort of support similar to control top hosiery, helping prevent your muffin top from spilling over. Certain high-rise jeans that have a tighter fit towards the bottom can also accentuate your legs and lead attention away from your waist.
Like other things, rise is not a one size fits all thing. Pay attention to the spot where you feel most comfortable with the waist of your jeans and note the position. This is your soft spot, and this is where the waist of your jeans should land. For some, that will mean wearing high-rise jeans while for others, a pair of mid-rise jeans may be best. If you cannot give up your low-rise jeans, try pairing them with longer tops that can cover the waist portion of your body.
Adjust the Size of Your Jeans
When you’ve figured out the fit and rise of your jeans but the muffin top problem persists, it may be advisable to try on the next bigger size. Although it is frustrating to keep changing jeans sizes, dressing up more comfortably rather than trying to fit in a certain size should be your priority. Well-fitting clothes that you can be confident in will always be superior to ill-fitting clothes in a smaller size than necessary.
Take note, however, that adjusting sizes should never be the first thing you do to hide a muffin top because the belief that muffin tops happen due to overly tight jeans is not entirely true. You should also not feel too conscious about changing sizes often. Remember that the best look is one you can feel confident and comfortable stepping out in, and that is not represented by a sizing number that you are supposed to fit into.
Choose the Right Tops
Part of hiding a muffin top rests upon finding the right kind of top. Most women swear by loose-fitting blouses and dresses as good options for hiding belly fat without sacrificing their sense of style. The main thing about pairing clothes is drawing attention away from your soft middle by highlighting other areas such as the bust, arms, or legs. This is why tops that are tight toward the waist are generally avoided when picking clothes to hide muffin tops. The good news is that there are so many other great choices out there!
Peplum blouses, for example, are a good choice to pair with mid- or high-rise jeans or even leggings. These blouses come in various colors and prints, so you can create different looks. Wear one in a solid color with straight slim slacks and closed-toe heels for the office. You can also wear long-sleeved flowy blouses with jeans and sneakers for a casual but chic look.
Explore other Ways to Dress Up
Skirts and dresses are quintessential garments that can also help hide a muffin top. In terms of dresses, those with an A-line shape or empire waist are preferred to tight-fitting ones. Pair these types with dressy heels for date night or other special events for an easy, elegant look. Wrap dresses are also a closet staple because they are flattering for any body type! Try getting some in darker colors, which can also have a slimming effect. Dresses with statement sleeves can also help turn attention away from your midsection. For skirts, peplums and pencil skirts are nice alternatives to pants. Pencil skirts are good to wear for work or other formal settings. You can also tuck in a plain blouse into a patterned peplum skirt for a night out with friends!
Another styling technique to explore is layering. Cropped jackets and knit vests offer added structure without highlighting your muffin top when you’re wearing jeans with a long shirt or blouse. Blazers are also good to layer with sleeveless or strapless empire waist dresses for a more formal look.
Whether you choose to get shapewear, stick to wearing jeans, or explore other clothing options, fashion is always about having confidence in what you wear. By trying out different style options, you will be able to find looks that you are most comfortable and beautiful in. We hope you find our style tips useful and practical.
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