No matter your shape, you might have a little “extra” in your midsection that you want to keep under wraps. But don’t worry—there’s a fashion fix for everything! Muffin-tops (not the kind out of the oven) can easily be concealed with a few key pieces and stylish silhouettes.
Here are a few dont’s (ok, just one!) and a lot of dos to flatter your figure.
Best Tops to Hide a Muffin Top
Before we really dive in, let’s get one thing straight—we consider a “muffin top” to be that little bit of your midsection that gathers around your waistband when you’re wearing jeans, trousers or skirts. It’s a common question on Ask a Stylist so we’re here to clear things up once and for all.
Don’t Wear Clingy Tops—Look for Structured Fabrics Instead
The key to keeping anything concealed? Avoid anything clingy and instead opting for structure. Woven tops and blouses that skim your midsection instead of clinging to that area are the perfect solution.
Stylist Tip: Complement a flowy top with a fitted bottom—pencil skirts & skinny jeans strike the perfect balance for you.
Do Wear Tops that Emphasize Your Bust
Distract from your muffin top by adding more emphasis to your bustline. Choose a silhouette that sits at smallest portion of your waist and floats over your midsection. Trapeze and peplum tops are perfect options to reach for to emphasize your bustline.
Do Layer With a Camisole
Keep things sleek and smooth—with a little help from your undergarments! Try a shapewear camisole for a super smooth line from your bust to your waist.
Stylist Tip: Layer on a kimono for a breezy pop of color, that also conceals a muffin top without overheating!
How to Hide a Muffin Top in Jeans
A muffin top’s worst enemy? A pair of low-slung and too-tight pants. The first thing to do if you’re looking to hide a muffin top—get rid of your super low-waisted jeans and try a high-waisted or mid-rise pair instead.
Do Try High-Waisted Jeans
It’s time to embrace one of the chicest modern staples: the high-waisted pant. High-waisted jeans flatter everyone and keep everything tucked in place.
Do Choose Jeans with Stretch in the Waist
A major cause of muffin top? When the waistband on your pants is simply too tight. When you try on new pants, look for a pair that has a little bit of stretch in the waistband for some literal wiggle room.
Do Pair Low-Rise Jeans with Longer Tops
If you’ve got a thing for low-rise jeans that you just can’t quit, make sure your tops are a little longer to accommodate your lower rise. When a shirt that’s too short is paired with bottoms that are too low, the attention heads straight to your hips and any other area you want to avoid highlighting.
Stylist Tip: On the hunt for a new top? Raise your arms to test out whether your top is too short—your belly button shouldn’t make an appearance.
How to Hide a Muffin Top in a Dress
Dresses are our favorite throw-on-and-go piece and they’re serious workhorses when it comes to flattering every shape. Get ready to get the scoop on the best dresses to hide a muffin top!
Do Try An Empire Waist Silhouette
Just like reaching for a pair of high waisted jeans, an empire waist dress that sits just under your bustline avoids a too-tight fit around your muffin top.
Do Try a Timeless Wrap Dress
The universally flattering wrap dress is a classic for a reason—it defines your waistline and creates an instant hourglass frame.
Do Add a Cropped Jacket
If you’re looking for added coverage, explore styling your outfit with a cropped or tailored jacket to add some shape to your frame. Jackets that are narrow at the waistline (like a tailored blazer) or a cropped jean jacket will create clean, streamlined lines.
With a few easy style tricks, your muffin top will be no more! It’s all about looking for the perfect silhouettes to expertly conceal your not-so-favorite area.
—Brittany & Anne
On the hunt for a few new pieces to wear confidently? Our team of stylists are here to help. Take your style quiz, sign up for your first Fix and let our style experts curate a box just for you. Five fabulous styles will be headed your way in no time that you can try on in the comfort of your own home. Returns and exchanges are always on us for a hassle-free experience.