Feeling bloated can be uncomfortable and make getting dressed a challenge. However, there are strategies you can use to choose comfortable, flattering outfits that will help you feel your best, even on bloated days.
When to Wear Loose, Flowy Tops
Loose, flowy tops are a great option when you're feeling bloated. They drape over your midsection instead of clinging to it, which helps camouflage a bloated belly. Flowy tops in soft, lightweight fabrics like jersey knit are ideal. Stay away from anything too tight or restrictive.
Some specific flowy top options to try:
- Loose t-shirts or tanks - Go for a relaxed fit in a soft fabric. Size up if needed.
- Tunics - Tunic-length tops provide extra coverage over the midsection. Look for soft knits or woven fabrics.
- Peasant blouses or babydoll tops - The billowy silhouette hides a bloated tummy. Stick to lightweight materials.
- Oversized button-downs - Choose a shirt 1-2 sizes too big and wear it open over a cami or tank. Roll up the sleeves for a casual vibe.
When to Wear Stretchy Pants, Leggings, or Skirts
For bottom options, stretchy pieces like leggings, yoga pants, and skirts with a flexible waistband will be much more comfortable when you're bloated. Avoid any bottoms with constricting waistbands, zips, or buttons.
Some bottoms to try when bloated:
- Leggings - Black leggings are a wardrobe staple. Opt for a high-waisted style to help hold you in.
- Joggers or sweatpants - Look for a loose but tapered fit in cozy cotton or jersey material.
- Maxi skirt - A maxi skirt with an elastic or stretch waist provides room to bloat.
- Pencil skirt - Try one with a thick elastic waistband that expands. Stay away from structured materials like denim.
- Palazzo pants - The wide, billowy legs have a flattering drape over the tummy and hips.
Shoes to Choose
When it comes to shoes, opt for footwear that won't pinch or dig in when you're bloated.
- Flats - Ballet flats, loafers, and other soft, flexible flats won't put pressure on your midsection.
- Sandals - Ankle straps or wide straps are best. Avoid gladiator-style laces.
- Slip-on sneakers - Pick stretchy, slip-on styles versus laced options.
- Heels - If wearing heels, choose styles with an ankle strap for stability and avoid pointed toes that may pinch. Go for chunky heels rather than stilettos.
Accessories and Layers
Accessories and layers can provide an extra layer of camouflage and comfort when bloated.
- Kimono cardigan - Light, open cardigans in soft jersey or woven fabrics disguise bloat without constricting.
- Blanket scarf - Drape a large, cozy scarf around your shoulders to disguise upper abdominal bloating.
- Belt - Add a belt over a flowy tunic or dress to cinch in under the bust, drawing eyes up and creating shape.
- Compression high-waisted leggings - Wear under dresses or tunics to gently hold in and slim the tummy area.
Fabrics to Look For
Seeking out soft, stretchy fabrics will ensure your clothes are as comfortable as possible when bloated. Good options include:
- Jersey knit - Has plenty of give and a soft hand-feel. Great for t-shirts, leggings, and casual dresses.
- Modal or rayon - Lightweight and smooth with excellent drape. Nice for flowy blouses or maxi skirts.
- Lyocell - Derived from wood pulp, lyocell has good stretch recovery. Ideal for pants, tops, and athleticwear.
- Spandex blends - Adds stretch and flexibility. Look for at least 5-10% spandex blended with cotton, rayon, etc.
Colors and Prints
Solid, dark colors are best for disguising a bloated belly. Black is the most slimming. Stay away from clingy fabrics, no matter the color.
For prints, choose larger overall patterns instead of small, tight patterns. Larger florals, geometrics, or abstract prints will camouflage lumps and bumps.
Avoid anything too bright, shiny, or overly embellished when dealing with bloat. You want the eyes to skim over your outfit versus focus in on details.
Summary Tips
- Size up in tops and opt for flowy fits in soft jersey, modal, or rayon fabrics.
- Wear stretchy bottoms like leggings, harem pants, or elastic-waist skirts.
- Choose flats, sandals, or slip-on sneakers over shoes with zippers or laces.
- Add a kimono cardigan or blanket scarf for more coverage.
- Look for solid colors, dark hues, and large patterns or prints.
- Stay away from anything too tight, stiff, structured, or heavily embellished.
With the right styles and fabrics, you can disguise a bloated belly and still look and feel great! The key is sticking to loose, simple pieces in soft, comfortable materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I need to wear something more tailored or structured when bloated?
If you must wear something more fitted like a sheath dress or pencil skirt, you can minimize the look of bloating by:
- Wearing shapewear like a high-waisted slimming slip or compression leggings to gently smooth and hold in the belly.
- Choosing stiffer fabrics like ponte, twill, or suiting that have less drape and hold their shape better to avoid cling.
- Opting for dark colors to camouflage lumps and bumps. Black and navy are good options.
- Adding a blazer, cardigan or other layer on top to conceal the tummy area.
What about dresses - what silhouettes work best?
For dresses when bloated, look for:
- Empire waist dresses that cinch under the bust with a flowy skirt.
- Wrap dress styles with a v-neck and front tie belt to highlight the upper body.
- A-line dresses in stretchy jersey that nip in at the shoulders and flare at the hips.
- Deep v-neck, faux wrap, or babydoll dress styles to draw eyes up and create shape.
Stay away from bodycon, sheath, or very fitted dresses when bloated.
What kind of tops should I avoid when bloated?
Avoid any tops that are too tight, structured, or made of stiffer fabrics like denim. Specific styles to stay away from include:
- Cropped, blouson, or peplum tops that hit right at the waist and will cling to a bloated belly.
- Anything very fitted through the midsection like pencil skirts, bodycon dresses, or structured sheath dresses.
- Tops with ruching, gathering, or embellishments around the middle which will draw eyes to your tummy.
What shoes are the most comfortable when bloated?
The most comfortable shoes when bloated are:
- Flats or loafers with stretchy uppers or elastic straps to accommodate swelling.
- Slip on sneakers or slide sandals that are easy to kick off if needed.
- Low heels or wedges which offer support without pressure on the midsection.
- Shoes with laces left loosened a bit or adjustable Velcro closures.
Avoid pointed toes, ankle straps, or anything too rigid, tight, or structured when bloated.
Is shapewear helpful or make bloating worse?
It depends on the type of shapewear. Compression-style shapewear like high-waisted smoothing leggings or mid-section control camis can help gently hold in and smooth a bloated belly. But anything too tight or restrictive could potentially make bloating and discomfort worse.
Look for shapewear with stretchy, breathable fabrics with light compression. Make sure it doesn't dig in, pinch, or cause abdominal cramping. Remove immediately if it makes bloating worse or more painful.
Conclusion
Dealing with a bloated stomach can make getting dressed feel like a losing battle. However, the right style choices can go a long way in camouflaging and smoothing a puffy tummy. Focus on loose, flowy pieces in soft, stretchy fabrics. Seek out tops and bottoms that drape or cinch in at strategic points to disguise bloat-prone areas. Solid colors and larger patterns are better than busy prints or bright hues. And don't forget about shoes and accessories - they can provide an extra layer of distraction and coverage. With a few simple wardrobe tweaks, you can create comfortable, stylish outfits to help you look and feel your best during periods of bloating. If you have a beer belly, check out these specific tips for dressing with a beer belly.
